BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE RED CENTRE

Proving that Australia’s passion for building and modifying cars is alive and well, even in the most remote regions of our sunburnt country, Milwaukee has recently partnered with Red CentreNATS to develop an automotive skills development program in several indigenous communities.

“In just six short years, Red CentreNATS has become a huge event for car fans in Alice Springs and the surrounding areas,” said Andy Lopez, Red CentreNATS Promotor. “The local community has really embraced the event. They add to the unique flavour that visitors and entrants have come to enjoy, so we started looking at different ways we could give a little back to thank them for their support and passion.”

The first hint of the idea surfaced while Andy and paint and panel icon Owen Webb were checking out the entrants at the elite show and shine in Blatherskite Park at Red CentreNATS 06.

“We noticed the smiles and interest from the young kids, but we knew that they would probably never have an opportunity to build a vehicle and participate, so we decided to do something to help them get more involved,” Andy described.

Andy and his team reached out to Paul Ah Chee, Director Engagement & Culture at Northern Territory Major Events Company, to gauge the appetite for an automotive program, and the reaction was overwhelming, to say the least.

“Paul embraced the idea from the outset,” said Andy. “And it wasn’t long before Ian and Darren from Right Tracks, Cameron from the Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation Dan from Yirara Clontarf Academy and Shane from Charles Darwin University jumped on-board to make our vision a reality.”

Shane and the team from Charles Darwin University bring a series of critical items to the program as they have the skills and facilities to run a successful automotive program.

“This program will help build local and community confidence along with personal skills, a sense of achievement combined with education and health assessments,” Andy explained. “Having Milwaukee on-board as a partner will only help secure the success of the program.”

Owen visited several communities, including Santa Teresa, Papunya, Yuendumu, and the Alice Springs facility.

“The reception from staff and the residents of these communities was overwhelming,” said Owen. “They love cars, and when we suggested they find a car from the bush, bring it in and work on it to have it in the street cruise, or on display at Red CentreNATS, their excitement was contagious.”

The town group has retrieved the famous ‘Cuz Congress’ S Model Valiant. This vehicle was used over 25 years ago for town parades and featured in a popular documentary.

“There’s a lot of work to do to get the Cuz Congress Valiant, including new running gear and a stack of bodywork, but the town group is committed to bringing it back in all its glory,” said Owen.

The Papunya community has dragged an AP6 Valiant Station Wagon out of the bush and has already made a good start.

“The Papunya crew are super excited to have the Valiant on display at Red CentreNATS 2022,” Owen reported. “We’ve learned, and we are supporting and having mentoring roles. It is critical that the members of these communities set the schedule, plan the project and get hands-on,” Owen explained.

The program has been designed to ensure that participants take ownership of their projects. Once completed, participants will enjoy the satisfaction of having their cars displayed at Red CentreNATS, knowing that it was their vision and elbow grease that made it happen.

“This inspiring program will deliver long-term outcomes that we hope will see automotive workshops set up in these remote communities staffed by qualified tradespeople who have mastered their skills and who will pass them on to future generations,” Owen added.