New Initiative Supporting Indigenous Futures in the Northern Territory

Major energy infrastructure company Jemena is proud to partner with Saltbush Social Enterprises to support to a new Northern Territory initiative – one that supports Indigenous independence through the development of strong foundations that can lead to jobs, careers and futures of participants’ own making.

The Saltbush Foundation to Future Initiative, launched today in Alice Springs, is an holistic aspiration building and job-readiness service. It will meet participants where they are in life and provide enduring support whether through initial self-esteem and life-skills development, through to jobs and career exploration with intensive mentoring and support around employment choices and beyond.

Saltbush Social Enterprises Co-Chair, Rayleen Brown said that while there are a many good programs and initiatives supporting local people into work, and that Indigenous employees are highly valued by businesses as employees, it can be challenging for individuals to navigate the complexities.

Saltbush CEO Nicole Shackcloth explains; ‘Foundation to Future is a person- centred approach working with the individual to build on their strengths through an individually tailored journey, whether that’s initially helping with personal development and basic employability skills, through to helping people obtain the documentation they need for employment to more intensive mentoring and personal support and matching people with opportunities in businesses. Saltbush also works with businesses to achieve their Indigenous employment goals.

It’s really important to us too that we establish and maintain rich data about what’s working to improve our own services and better inform national social policy,– so that’s also a key focus for Foundation to Future.”

Jemena has worked closely with Saltbush Social Enterprises for many years, starting with the Project Ready Program in 2016, through the construction of the Northern Gas Pipeline.

Jemena’s Executive General Manager for People, Safety and Governance, Craig Ypinazar, said following this program, the business recognised the importance of continuing to support Indigenous people into meaningful work, as part of its commitment to Reconciliation.

“For the last four years, we’ve been delighted to support Saltbush’s first-of-its-kind Aboriginal workforce mentoring program Pipeline to Success, and see it go on to great success,” Craig said.

“In 2023, we were pleased to see that more than one hundred people were supported into full-time or part-time work, with fourteen entering government jobs.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how Foundation to Future can be a step-change in the Northern Territory.”

As Emily Mbitjana, Anmatyerre grandmother and Saltbush Board member says “I want a different future for my youngest son and my family.

In 2024 Jemena is providing $100,000 to support Foundation to Future as a founding partner – this is equivalent to putting at least ten participants through their first year of the program.