The State Government has today announced $1.043 million in funding for a range of
projects on the APY Lands including an extension of the Ernabella Arts Centre and
others to improve community safety.

The announcements were made by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher who visited the APY communities of Indulkana, Mimili, Umuwa and Pukatja this week.

The funding addresses some of the issues raised by community members during the Minister’s April 2023 visit to the Lands.

Among the projects to be funded include:  
*$722,000 for an extension and refurbishment of the Ernabella Arts Centre, Australia’s oldest, continuously running Aboriginal arts centre
*$30,000 for two new bus shelters on the Stuart Highway near Indulkana, to provide shade and shelter for people travelling by bus to and from Adelaide and Alice Springs, and returning to the Lands
*$270,000 for security measures at Pipalyatjara Store, including a new security system, fencing, lighting and re-roofing
*$18,000 for five new street lights for the eastern side of Indulkana, to improve community safety
*$3,000 to install new speed signs near Kalka Oval

Quotes

Attributable to Kyam Maher

The Ernabella Arts Centre in Pukatja is a place of cultural and national significance, known for its prolific production of Aboriginal art.

This funding will go towards new building works that will extend the art centre, as well as make a studio more comfortable for artists.

We’re also committed to the ongoing sustainability of remote communities in the APY lands, which is why we’ve funded a number of initiatives in direct response to concerns raised by those communities.

Additional public safety measures include a new security system for the Pipalyatjara Store and street lights for Indulkana which will make a big difference to those communities.

New bus shelters for the Sturt Highway near Indulkana will also offer much needed relief from the sun and shelter for people travelling to and from either Adelaide or Alice Springs.