ESSENTIAL TRANSPORT FOR A REMOTE COMMUNITY YUENDUMU, NT
Bringing the Xtra Mile Transport team together with Robert (top left) for a fortnightly planning meeting.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, an exciting community project at Yuendumu in the Northern Territory is progressing in leaps and bounds. Warlpiri man, Robert Robertson, has been working closely with Community First Development team member, Maddi, setting up Robert’s transport company, Xtra Mile Transport, to provide his remote community with mobility and safety.
Through video conferencing, Maddi was able to advance the project and bring together all contributing parties, including volunteers and the Central Lands Council. Robert has also been using screen sharing technology to work on branding design ideas with his family and Community First Development volunteer, artist and graphic designer, Marion. Together, Marion and Robert have been developing a logo with a clear identity to show Xtra Mile Transport is ‘Yapa’ (local Warlpiri person) owned and led. We can’t wait to see the logo featured on busses, drivers’ uniforms, and community service timetables!
Image: WANTA’s Lachlan (top, second left) based in Yuendumu, and has made sure Robert has access to the technology he needs to keep his business planning on track. Community First Development volunteers, Taffy and Marella, have been working with Robert since July 2019 and, together with the support of Community Development Officer, Maddi (top right) they have completed two projects with Robert to prepare for piloting the Xtra Mile service later this year.