Building on strong partnerships and collaborative programs in Papua New Guinea, the Foundation expanded its footprint to the Northern Territory in Australia in 2024.
Since its expansion, the Foundation has delivered initiatives to empower young Territorians through improved access to culturally safe health services and school-based apprenticeships.
Through the Foundation’s Youth Opportunities program in partnership with Danila Dilba Health Services, six Aboriginal Health Practitioners have been supported to gain their Certificate IV Aboriginal Health Practitioner accreditation. These practitioners will be offered jobs with Danila Dilba where they will work to help Aboriginal Territorians access culturally safe and trusted health services.
The Foundation is working to expand Danila Dilba Health Services traineeships, creating broader opportunities for Aboriginal health professionals and ensuring communities have access to a wider range of quality health care services.
Young people have also been supported by the Foundation through its Apprenticeship Program with local partner GTNT Group, with six school-based apprenticeships leading to job-ready qualifications that will help to address the Territory’s skills shortages in carpentry, engineering, business and hospitality.
Santos Foundation Chair and Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the Santos Foundation has a proud history of investing in partnerships and initiatives that have delivered better health, education, social and economic outcomes for PNG communities.
“I am delighted we are now extending the work of the Santos Foundation to help close the gap for Aboriginal Territorians here at home. The work of the Santos Foundation in supporting communities across PNG over the last 14 years has been truly life changing, contributing over US$215 million to health, youth opportunities, community development and family and sexual violence prevention initiatives,” Mr Gallagher said.
“As the Foundation marks its first anniversary in Australia, we look forward to doing more to support communities across the Northern Territory, including in partnership with the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund.”
Santos Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Jodie Hatherly said collaboration with local partners in the Territory had been key to achieving the health and training programs now being delivered.
“We’re proud to work with partners who share our goal to build stronger, more resilient Territory communities and help close the gap for Aboriginal Territorians, Ms Hatherly said.
“Looking to the future, the Santos Foundation Board has approved several new initiatives to deepen its impact across the Northern Territory and target disease prevention and employment in both urban and remote communities.
“A new Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) prevention program will commence next year, including workforce training and community-led responses.”
ENDS
