The planning and logistics involved with a remote area Indigenous construction training project are enormous! Since the 17th of August, Industries Services Training (IST) has been transporting back to back container loads of materials, tools and equipment into the Ngukurr community, located 636km's south east of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

 

 

Co-ordinated by lead trainer Derek Quong, the logistics of the project have required 25 round trips on IST's own road train's to deliver all of the tools, equipment and materials needed for the projects.

 

In addition, 150 lineal meters of security fencing has been erected around the worksites in accordance with relevant regulations. The fencing is essential to ensure the safety of residents, particularly curious youngsters!

 

IST has engaged the services of consulting engineers Optus Quantec McWilliams to design, engineer and certify the project works to be carried out by the students. For the engineers to be able to design and engineer the size and depth of the footings for the projects, they have engaged the services of Douglas Partners to undertake specialised geotech tests on the land that the structures will be built on.

 

There was a delay of three weeks before these tests could be carried out as the backhoe that was required to do the excavating for the tests had blown a hydraulic hose, and parts had to be trucked in to repair it.

 

Once the tests had finally been carried out there was a further delay of two weeks to get the results as the interstate laboratories that perform these tests had a backlog of work.

 

Whilst IST waited for the rest of the materials to arrive, Derek and his team liaised closely with Traditional Owners and members of the community to find out what small projects could be done that would get momentum and enthusiasm going in the community for the upcoming major works.

 

After much discussion, it was agreed that two BBQ's and a concrete slab to hold a table and bench would be built at an old heritage site. The community wanted to establish the area as a heritage park, and were very grateful to IST for helping them to progress their plans. 

 

This small project involved some concreting, and block laying. It prepared students for similar activities at the main construction site.

 

Project Updates

 

Please click on the tabs to the left of the screen for regular updates on the training projects.

 

If you have any queries, or are experiencing technical difficulties with the diaries, please contact Michelle Bailey on (08) 8981 0077, or michelle@mitac.org.au