This was the first time OTL has undertaken this type of development for our staff, but it certainly won't be the last. The benefit of building relationships between the whole OTL team and our Traditional Owner partners are already being realised with OTL staff who work away behind the scenes gaining valuable insights into how our engagement staff work and the challenges and aspirations of our partners.
The trip started with a Welcome to Country on the beach at Pirlangimpi, with a beautiful view across Aspley Strait. For the next five days, the team experienced the beauty of Tiwi country and the warmth of our partner’s hospitality. A particular highlight was our evening meals, shared with our partners, it was a time to sit and share stories and get to know each other better. The most memorable was in Milikapiti, being interrupted by the local buffaloes!
We spent a night under the stars at a bush camp, undertook important conversations about cultural understanding next to the turquoise blue Arafura Sea, visited the exquisite Ranku waterhole for a swim and finished the visit touring the Wurrumiyanga museum to understand the ancient and more recent history of the Tiwi Islands, including their extraordinary contribution to Australian Rules Football.
A special thanks goes to the OTL engagement team who did amazing work pulling together the itinerary and ensuring the trip went off without a hitch. An even bigger thanks to our Tiwi families and partners for the generosity, and for giving us their time, sharing their knowledge and cultural values.
The testimonials from staff who were involved in this trip shows the impact it had on them both professionally and personally. As the office grows, we will continue to provide staff with these opportunities to connect deeply with our partners to promote understanding, insight and a shared perspective. We will continue to build the purposeful partnerships which are the foundation upon which we work together to achieve the aspirations of Traditional Owners.
Staff Testimonials
"I found the cultural immersion trip to Tiwi’s so enriching and rewarding. I felt blessed to be learning and listening to the stories from each of the Traditional Owner groups that we visited on their land, and the places we visited were amazing. I am thankful I got to experience this with my fellow work colleagues.
Craig Singleton
Assistant Director - Township Leasing and Engagement
"It was such a special experience that has given me context and enforced how the work that I do contributes to the OTL Vision. I was enlightened in my understanding of traditional cultural practices and how these are interwoven into the work OTL does. It brought OTL staff and the Traditional Owners closer together, especially the overnight stay at Tarntipi Bush Camp."
Rachel Fleming
Asst Director Township Leasing and Engagement
"Having the opportunity to visit so many beautiful places, hear the stories related to them and spend time with our partners outside the everyday work environment was a real privilege. I will remember the week for a very long time. The experience has improved my ability to understand our partners perspectives and this has already changed the way I work."
Tom Jenkins
Director Strategic Reform