Stories

At Pandanus Park Community (near Derby WA), KAAC has been facilitating and supporting the development of a freshwater prawn aquaculture project as well as Certificate 2-4 training in aquaculture involving 8 community members each semester through the Kimberley TAFE. KAAC helped the community to secure infrastructure and equipment for the training facility. The project has provided meaningful employment and skills development for community participants and built self-esteem amongst "at risk" participants.

At Mud Springs community (near Kununurra WA), KAAC has assisted the development of a barramundi and red claw crayfish/cherabin trial aquaculture project. The project has provided meaningful employment and training for community participants and has a broader positive impact on participants' self esteem and confidence.

At Fitzroy Crossing KAAC has supported the development of a joint project between Fitzroy Crossing District High School and Bunuba Inc, providing technical and project advice, and work experience and skills development to project managers. The Fitzroy Crossing project provides training and capacity building to secondary students improving their prospects for employment and providing incentive to remain in post compulsory training at school.

KAAC employs and trains 3 indigenous staff in its aquaculture centre and hatchery that would otherwise be at high risk of unemployment or on subsidised employment programs. It has previously employed and skilled an additional 9 Indigenous aquaculture staff who have utilized their general skills to secure employment in the mainstream workforce. KAAC continues to facilitate practical skills development of Indigenous aquaculture students trained through the Kimberley TAFE and participating in community projects.

KAAC developed and managed a trochus shell monitoring and reseeding project over 5 years which has enabled Indigenous people of the coastal areas around Broome and the Dampier Peninsula to better manage their coastal resources with areas of reef which they have strong cultural connections to.

KAAC developed and owns an interpretive centre and discovery tour open to the public including visitors to Broome where they can learn about the connection between Aboriginal people and the sea and waterways of the Kimberley.