CDEP Services

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation constructs and maintains outstation housing, and residents pay rent. As a result of three decades of Corporation support there are now in excess of 100 houses on 32 outstations, home to a population approaching 1000 people. No funding was available again this year for the construction of new outstation houses. Nearly all houses are equipped with solar power, and have ablution and toilet facilities. A network of approximately 1000 kilometres of roads has been constructed to enable reliable access during the Dry season. However, reduced funding is placing pressure on BAC to maintain the roads, buildings, and facilities. Most outstations have an airstrip for Wet season access.

There are few conventional job opportunities in the bush and on outstations, although people are gaining recognition for the maintenance of traditional land management practices such as burning, and BAC is continuing to negotiate with government that the provision of eco-services should be encouraged and rewarded as an essential component of conservation and bio-security. The outstations are home to many of Australia’s most prominent artists, who produce world renowned works from materials found on their clan estates. Their artwork is marketed through the Corporation’s art centre,
Maningrida Arts & Culture (MAC)