A partnership between an Aboriginal Corporation and civil contractor is promising strength for future generations in the Northern Territory's remote communities.
Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation and DCT Australia officially launched Arrgula Ngarmbalar Li Wunungu at the company's Howard Springs headquarters on Wednesday.
Meaning 'Coming Together in Strength' and 'Working on Country Together', the partnership has been culturally guided by Elders and community leaders, and puts foundations in place for more jobs on Country while embedding Indigenous perspective in civil and building construction, mining and gas.
"This venture is about more than business, it's about building a stronger future for our children and our people in Borroloola," Li Wunungu director and Yanyula, Marra and Gurdanji man Damien Vincent said.
Borroloola, Garrwa, Yanyula, Gurdanji and Marra clans were represented amongst Elders, community leaders, cultural ambassadors and board members at the launch.
DCT, operating since 2004, delivers services and projects from water pipeline, concrete, earthworks, drainage and vegetation clearing to erosion and sediment control across civil infrastructure, development and environmental projects.
"By partnering with DCT Australia, we can bring more employment back onto our Country, create real pathways for Indigenous people in the civil and building, mining and emerging gas industries, and ensure our mob has a genuine say in decisions that affect our communities," Mr Vincent said.
The partnership recognises a decades-old initial vision from Senior Marranbala lawman, Kumantjai Harvey.
Yanyuwa Elder 'Queen' Dinah Norman and Yanyula and Marra leader Warren Timothy will continue with cultural guidance behind Li Wunungu.
Mr Timothy is also chair of Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation.
Queen Dinah gave the partnership its name.
The launch included performance from Dr Shellie Morris and the Borroloola song women Arrkula Yinbayarra.
"Li Wunungu will focus on creating training, jobs and long-term careers for Indigenous Territorians, particularly in Borroloola and remote regions," DCT Australia managing director Nick Kambourakis said.
"This is about listening to the board and combining our technical expertise with cultural knowledge to deliver projects that reflect the aspirations of the communities we work in."