“One idea, one mob, one voice” key to Ntaria success says Ed

Ed Rontji can’t conceal his excitement about the future of his Ntaria community.

Formerly known as Hermannsburg, Ntaria has had an eventful history. The traditional land of the Arrente people, Hermannsburg was founded by Lutheran missionaries in 1877 and was home to painter Albert Namtjira.

As a respected Arrente elder and traditional custodian of the land around Ntaria, Ed has seen a lack of infrastructure and jobs lead to many residents leaving for better opportunities in Alice Springs or further afield.

Over the past few years, however, Ed, who is the Australian Government’s Indigenous Engagement Officer (IEO) in Ntaria, has noticed positive changes around the community.

“A few years ago all the different skin groups agreed to work as one to make Ntaria as good as possible,” Ed said.

“Good things are happening here; we’ve got more school teachers, a new clinic being built, a training centre for the school and the road is being upgraded. There are also more jobs being created; some of the young fellas are working with the shire, some as drovers. I’m looking forward to more locals working here rather than going to Alice Springs for jobs.”

As Ntaria’s IEO, Ed works with community members to ensure information flows between them and the Australian Government so each can better understand the other. Ed says it’s vital that he speaks with everyone in the community, including children, to ensure the Government acts on community priorities.

“There are more kids living in Ntaria now so the community is eager for the children to have the best possible education. We want to see our kids going to school every day so they can get real jobs rather than sitting around.

“In ten years’ time, I want Ntaria to be known as a thriving town rather than as an Aboriginal community dependant on the Government,” Ed said.

Ed recognises that for this to happen, everyone in the community needs to work together.

“We need to have one idea, one mob, one voice to be successful. There were mistakes made here in the past, but it is a good opportunity to learn from those mistakes and work together so Ntaria can succeed.”