Earlier this year, Arc Infrastructure commenced a partnership with the Waalitj Foundation (formerly known as the Wirrpanda Foundation), totalling $300,000 over three years to support their invaluable work leading the provision of education, employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s funding has been allocated towards the purchase of a van for the Deadly Sista Girlz (DSG) location at Halls Head in the South West, as well as sporting equipment, uniforms, program rewards, on-country cultural activities, healthy food options and training for the Waalitj Boys at Clontarf Aboriginal College at Waterford in the Perth Metro area.
Arc Infrastructure General Manager Works Delivery Dan Ellis recently visited Halls Head College to present the van to some of the Deadly Sista Girlz students, and said Arc was proud to partner with the Waalitj Foundation.
“Arc recognises our responsibility in progressing reconciliation in Western Australia. The Principal Partnership with the Waalitj Foundation aligns with the goals outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan around creating respectful relationships which foster social and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community,” Mr Ellis said.
The van has already clocked up some miles, with the local DSG mentor confirming the van has been used for some after school drop-offs, excursions and events such as the annual Waalitj Cup. The van also provides flexibility for the mentor to safely take the girls home if required.
In the subsequent two years of the partnership Arc will provide $100,000 to cover the cost of a fulltime Indigenous Employment Mentor in the Kalgoorlie Aboriginal Waalitj Foundation pre-employment program for 2025, which will include the provision of a work vehicle and laptop.
In the final year of the Principal Partnership, Arc will contribute $100,000 to support Aboriginal businesses by funding Waalitj Hub initiatives and services in 2026. The funding will be directed towards running Business Builder events and enabling Waalitj Hub coaches to visit communities to ensure Waalitj Hub services are accessible to those areas beyond the Perth Metro region.
Waalitj Foundation General Manager for Community Development Troy Cook welcomed the new partnership with Arc Infrastructure and the benefits it will deliver.
“With Arc’s support, the Waalitj Foundation Deadly Sista Girlz program will be able to improve school attendance and education attainment amongst First Nations girls in the South West,” Mr Cook said.
Deadly Sista Girlz is a culturally-appropriate program designed to improve school attendance and education attainment amongst First Nations girls operating in 18 schools across Australia. DSG is supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with support from corporate partners.
Back To News Stories