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Aputula CDEP

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CDEP is the Community Development Employment Program. It is a commonwealth work for the dole program which has been running in the community for nearly twenty years.

Years ago, before CDEP, most of the people who now live in Aputula community used to work in nearby stations as stockmen and housemaids. Then a housing program began here which was called the Aputula Housing Association. It employed a lot of men and women in the construction of houses. The Association built houses in Amata, Fregon, Mimili, Ernabella, Utju, and Indulkana. .

They also built the Sid Ross Hostel and the original Hetti Perkins Old People's Home in Alice Springs. The company went for many years and eventually purchased the Finke Hotel so that the community could have control over the alcohol consumption, which was causing many problems for Anangu all around the area.

Today, the CDEP is the only employment opportunity for the Anangu residents in Aputula. There are no proper jobs here. Everyone's on CDEP. And there's not enough money for top up so people are all working part time receiving low income benefits.

The jobs that are currently undertaken by CDEP workers are - rubbish collection, collecting of firewood for old people, and by workers working in the store, women's centre, office and clinic. .

In addition to the CDEP project, the community is also trying to initiate a new project, together with the CLC Business enterprise unit "Centafarm."

The new 'Horticulture Project' plans to create a farm which will grow grapes and citrus for the community and to sell outside of the community. The farm will also grow trees from seeds, to be planted in peoples yards as well as for general sale. .

The project is running in conjunction with Centralian College who will provide horticultural training and participants will receive certificates. .

People in the community are really hoping that this new project will be a success and will provide some real employment opportunities for young people in the community.