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For more than 25 years Red Dust has been working with remote communities knowing that our impact is only limited by our ability to respond to program demand from remote communities throughout the Northern Territory. Consistent requests for Red Dust programs in new remote communities supports Red Dusts aspiration to deepen the impact in each community we work with.

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In 2021 the Agnico Eagle Community Partnership Program provided the foundation for greater impact into the future. A 3-year commitment supported Red Dusts aspirations to grow the reach and impact of programs together with Top End communities to became reality. We fostered collaborative ties with community organisations, and increased access to Red Dust programs and on-Country employment opportunities for First Nations peoples in the Top End of the Northern Territory.

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With the support of Agnico Eagle and their Community Partnership Program, Red Dust continued to evolve and expand culturally informed programs together with more remote communities. This included a commitment to local employment, allowing community members to impart their knowledge and stories to the younger generations.

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“We are very pleased to continue to partner with Red Dust Role Models, who provide an invaluable service to the Top End communities through their rural remote mental health and well-being programs. We know ongoing support is imperative, as it ensures communities continue to build capacity for the longer term”

Felicia Binks, Director of Environment and Government Relations Agnico Eagle Australia

John Landmark, Agnico Eagle Vice President, Corporate Affairs (Australia) said, “People often question why Agnico Eagle partners with Red Dust, especially as Agnico doesn’t directly work within the communities Red Dust supports.

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My answer to this is simple - we saw something very different in what Red Dust was offering – making a real difference in communities that might have fallen off the radar in remote parts of the Northern Territory. We could see how they enrich lives, improve health and strengthen the future of Indigenous youth and families.

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And we were also looking to make a longer-term social investment in a region that we are exploring in. We wanted to establish a relationship that over time would actually grow our mutual understanding and insights; through working together.”

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Red Dust collaborates with communities in the Northern Territory’s Top End to deliver impactful programs, including the Healthy Living Program, the Strong Young Women's Program, the Strong Young Men and Boys' Program, and the Storytelling Program. The local leadership in these programs ensures that they remain both relevant and topical.

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In Darwin, Red Dust has recruited First Nations program coordinators who have successfully created over 190 local employment opportunities across nine remote communities. These coordinators play a crucial role in programming delivery, as well as in training development and boosting community empowerment.

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Community feedback highlights the role of local employment in evolving Red Dusts programming. As one Nauiyu community member expressed, “Feels exciting to see these positive activities led by locals, makes me feel inspired to do good things."  

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Looking ahead, Red Dust is committed to deepening these community ties and expanding local employment opportunities. The organisation has encountered an incredible array of talented, motivated individuals eager to join and contribute their extensive skills and insights.

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Rooted in community-first principles, Red Dust's approach has progressively aligned with its mission to effect sustainable impact within these communities."

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The journey so far, marked by unwavering support, guidance, and teamwork, sets the stage for the continuation of positive impact well into 2025 with Agnico Eagle’s Community Partnership Program supporting Red Dust’s workforce development initiatives.  

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Are you ready to be a part of the Red Dust story?

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