The first of seven Remote Training Hubs planned across Central Australia has opened in the remote community of Santa Teresa / Ltyentye Apurte.
Part of the government's $30 million initiative to expand access to education and employment pathways for First Nations people, the Remote Training Hub will provide On-Country education and skills training for residents of Santa Teresa, as well as nearby Aputula (Finke), Titjikala and Amoonguna.
In a statement, the federal government said the network of seven hubs will address long-standing barriers preventing people in remote communities from accessing training, including distance, travel costs and caring responsibilities, by delivering accredited courses closer to home through a community-led, culturally appropriate model.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said delivering training on Country would make education more accessible for remote communities.
"Remote training hubs will help break down those barriers by bringing training on Country, making it easier for people to build skills and take up employment opportunities in their communities," she said.
"Delivering culturally appropriate, community-led training is critical to building economic participation and creating strong, sustainable futures for First Nations communities across Central Australia."
The Santa Teresa hub will offer accredited training pathways alongside foundation education in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, with cultural mentoring embedded throughout the program.
Students travelling from surrounding communities will also be provided with transport to the training centre.
Local federal MP Marion Scrymgour said access to training should not depend on where people live.
"We want to see people get access to the training they need to secure real jobs and meaningful employment," she said.
"This shouldn't depend on where you live."
The hubs will operate under community direction, with mentors and local advisors helping ensure training aligns with local employment opportunities and reflects community priorities.
The initiative follows consultation between the Australian and Northern Territory governments, the former Office of the Central Australia Regional Controller, and the Central Australia Plan Aboriginal Leadership Group.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Northern Territory Government will continue working with communities as the remaining hubs are established.
said the program had been designed in response to community feedback.
"Communities have told us what works best, and we have listened and acted," Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said.
"We are delivering in communities training designed and delivered with communities - instead of assuming people outside local communities know what is best."
