CORPORATE
Respecting and Supporting Local Cultures
Case Study: Mutitjulu Foundation
The Mutitjulu Foundation was set up for the benefit of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort's nearest neighbours: the Mutitjulu Community at the base of Uluru.
Unemployment levels are tragically high and social issues are endemic, with infant disease rates also increasing.
The Foundation aims to relieve poverty, improve health and advance education for Anangu people (the Traditional Owners of Central Australia) and, in particular, Anangu of the Mutitjulu Community.
Voyages and parent company The GPT Group kicked started the Foundation in December 2003 with a donation of $250,000. Guests are asked to contribute through voluntary donations, which Voyages match dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000 each year.
Contributions are encouraged through in-room collateral and a verbal introduction of the Foundation by resort staff at check-in. Collection tins for loose change are also provided throughout the resort. Upon checkout, guests are asked to approve a voluntary $2 donation which is added to their account. To date the Foundation has raised almost $900,000.
The construction of a respite centre at the community represented the first major project that the Mutitjulu Foundation has committed to, and was identified as the priority need by members of the Mutitjulu Community after extensive and ongoing consultation. The centre was opened at a ceremony for the community on September 13.
The respite centre is the result of a complete upgrade of previous facilities and the construction of new buildings and amenities. Built to provide much-needed day respite facilities to support Mutitjulu elderly, the centre will allow residents to meet for help with their daily needs, receive nutritious meals and participate in activities such as arts, crafts and games, as well as providing a location of safe amenity.
The centre will be managed by staff from Frontier Services, a national agency of the Uniting Church which has responsibility for ministry and community services in remote areas of Australia.
With a forecast final cost of around $400,000, the respite centre has been funded by the Mutitjulu Foundation with a significant contribution from the Federal Department of Health and Ageing.
Following completion of the respite centre, a range of new projects are being discussed with the community, involving youth initiatives, cultural performance and health.
