ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

Back to search results

Print this page
Tennant Creek 'Men's Group' Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA)
Date:	15 June 2006
Sub Category:	Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA)
Place:	Tennant Creek
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
State/Country:	Northern Territory, Australia
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
Alternative Names:	Music Centre Winanjjikari Barkly Region Male Musicians
Subject Matter:	\| \| Cultural Heritage \| Education \| Employment and Training \| Youth
URL:	http://www.indigenous.gov.au/sra/search/document.aspx?id=8651
Summary Information:
The Tennant Creek 'Men's Group' or 'Barkly Region Male Musicians' Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA) aims to address men's issues in the community. Specifically, the SRA intends to divert young men from engaging in anti-social behaviours and activities by providing a drug and alcohol-free space in which young men and male Indigenous leaders can come together to work on musical activities of long term benefit to the community and to the region. Shared Responsibility Agreements are voluntary agreements between governments and Indigenous communities to provide discretionary funding in return for community obligations. The new arrangements developed from an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments and replace the previous ATSIC system of funding. For more information see 'Shared Responsibility Agreement' below.
Detailed Information:
Purpose The Tennant Creek community identified a need for a male 'space' where young men�and particularly young males at risk�could receive support and mentoring from male Indigenous leaders to pursue music-related activities such as playing, recording, mixing and mastering music. The SRA proposes to address this community priority by enabling the establishment of an alcohol and drug-free facility in which young men are supported to pursue musical endeavours as an alternative to various anti-social pursuits. Shared Responsibilities The SRA provides for funding to address the community priority outlined above. The Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department (AGD) has proposed a $50,000 contribution towards equipment and computers. The Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) has proposed a $50,000 contribution to cover the salary of a coordinator for the Music Centre and various other oncosts such as superannuation. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has proposed In-Kind support to provide 15 new CDEP places for participants. The Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) has proposed $100,000 towards infrastructure development including building renovations and the construction of performance and recording facilities, as well as an external meeting area. The Northern Territory Government (NTG) has proposed In-Kind support from the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) to assist in funding appropriate trainers and training. The Tennant Creek Town Council has proposed In-Kind support to enable the renting of premises for the music facility. Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Coorporation has proposed In-Kind support for community liaison, as well as In-Kind assistance with the performing and recording of music, and the marketing and promotion of CDs. Julalikari Council Aboriginal Coorporation has proposed In-Kind support towards CDEP places for maintaining the grounds outside the Music Centre and the Council Office. Barkly Regional Arts has proposed In-Kind support for the maintenance, operation and management of the Music Centre, including the training of participants and the overall management and implementation of the project. The funding of the SRA is subject to the parties entering into a legally binding funding agreement. In return for these contributions, the community is responsible for forming a management committee to develop a management plan, a code of conduct, a volunteer register, and a volunteer roster for the Music Centre. The management committee is also responsible for coordinating, in consultation with the community, men's meetings and for developing small enterprises for the promotion and marketing of music and musical accessories. Protocols for the Music Centre - developed by the management committee and enforced through community sanctions - are to include the prohibition of alcohol and other drugs. The community is also responsible for cleaning, repairing, painting and maintaining the Music Centre; documenting, recording and marketing the music; and ensuring the facility remains free of alcohol and other drugs. Individuals and family members within the community are expected to contribute to the work of the management committee, participate in the development of protocols, offer to partake in the volunteer roster, and commit to training and participation in community musical events. To achieve these things, the SRA intends to build on the strength of an existing group of local, Indigenous male musicians and their knowledge of mentoring and supporting young men; playing and performing music; and organising and running community music events. Performance Indicators and Key Milestones The implementation and success of the SRA will be assessed against four main indicators, including: gross revenue of the enterprise including income generated from musical sales and performance events; the number of local Indigenous men incarcerated or detained; the number of men electing to use the facility as an alternative to engaging in anti-social behaviours and activities; and community participation and attendance at musical performances and events. The progress of the SRA is also measurable against a number of key milestones, including the establishment of a management committee and a code of conduct; the commissioning and operationalisation of the new facility; and the creation of a volunteer roster to contribute to ongoing maintenance and repairs. Ongoing assessments of the SRA are to be made by the coordinator, the management committee and the Tennant Creek Indigenous Coordination Centre (ICC). Under the SRA, these form part of the 'two-way feedback', comprising of monthly management committee meetings attended by ICC staff, and four progress reports (three quarterly and one annual) provided by the coordinator to the ICC indicating performance to date and evaluating progress against key milestones. SRA Progress to Date The 'Winanjjikari Music Centre' was officially opened by Elliot McAdam, the Local Minister for Government and Aboriginal Affairs, on 24 October 2006. The centre is run by two Music Project Officers, managed by a committee of local Indigenous men, and has 10 CDEP places available for local Indigenous youth interested in developing skills in all aspects of music production (VIBE Australia and Common Ground).