Interim Evaluation of the Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Aged Care Workforce Development Projects - Attachments
4.5 Titjikala
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4.5.1 Community
Titjikala (Tapatjatjaka or Maryvale) community is located 130 kms south of Alice Springs, has a population of approximately 265 of which about 95% are Indigenous103. Arrente, Luritja, and Pitjantjatjara languages are spoken and English is a second language for most of the Indigenous residents. The eagle and the gecko dreamings are significant to the Titjikala area and the Titjikala people. The community was originally a 200 hectare excision from the Francis Well water reserve and the stock route. From the 1940’s onwards families came to the Maryvale Station to work as stockmen and as domestic helpers.The station owners provided rations to the people who resided and worked on their stations. Titjikala, located within the Maryvale Station pastoral lease was registered in 1978. The Titjakala community obtained freehold title to the excision in 1987 and in 1988 the NT Government gazetted the Titjikala control plan. There are six outstations attached to the community: Oak Valley; WalkAbout; Mount Preach; John Holland Bore, John Holland Bore North and Alice Well. Approximately 90 people live on these outstations104.
In 2008 Titjikala became part of MacDonnell Shire. Prior to this Titjikala was managed by the Tapatjatjaka Community Government Council.
Facilities in Titjikala include a primary school, health clinic, community store, women’s resource centre, arts centre and Gunya Tours centre, and comprise the main sources of employment in the community.
The community health clinic provides all general health care services to the community. In 2006, the centre was managed by two Sister Managers and a Doctor visited once a month for 2-3 days at a time. Emergency cases are medivaced by air (during the day) and at night by road, to Alice Springs105.
4.5.2 Aged Care Service
Titjikala Aged Care, located at the Women’s Resource Centre, provides HACC services to around 16 clients. The service delivers meals, laundry, and shopping services and outings to the aged. The kitchen has been renovated, but staff still prepare much of the meals at the day centre table. Many of the workers at Titjikala are closely related and have worked together for some time. The centre is next door to the child care centre and other staff also prepare meals for the school in the aged care kitchen. Staff stated that the skills that they learned during training helped them, but the majority of them had been working in aged care for some time, so they already had some skills. Training, to date, had not really changed what they did in their roles.4.5.3 Pre-Training Telephone Interview
At the time of the pre-training interview, there were five Indigenous workers and one non-Indigenous coordinator at the aged care service. According to the coordinator all five workers were currently in converted positions and had previously been CDEP. The coordinator commented that service delivery had improved since the conversion process and had resulted in a more stable workforce. All five workers interviewed reported they were much happier on wages in comparison to CDEP.The coordinator and four of five workers were looking forward to participating in training. It was reported that one worker would not be participating due to family/personal reasons. The coordinator identified that general aged care and food-related training was required for workers. Were training available specifically to coordinators, it was suggested that Workplace Assessment training was required. The RTO also reported at the time that food safety and first aid were key areas identified.
4.5.4 Post-Training Site Visit
The following training had been delivered at the time of the site visit.HLTFA310B - Apply First Aid - 5 achieved a statement of attainment
HLTFS207A - Follow Basic Food Safety Practices - 6 achieved a statement of attainment
CHCICS301A - Provide Support to Meet Personal Care Needs - 2 achieved a statement of attainment
103. Grants Commission Report 30-06-07 http://www.bushtel.nt.gov.au/northern_territory/community_search_display?comm_num=148
104. LGANT Report 2006 Audit of Employment Opportunities in Remote Communities in the Northern Territory
105. ibid
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