Perth IT Partnerships between Kununurra based Aboriginal organisation, Wunan Foundation, and Open Systems Support, has innovatively turned a 4WD into a media vehicle for increasing social, cultural, community and economic connections for Aboriginal communities in one of WA’s most remote regions.
The “Trailblazer” has seen Wunan convert a 4WD Toyota Hilux car into a fully equipped audio visual masterpiece – including large TV screen, speakers, lights, mics and 4G communications – to deliver visual storytelling, outdoor movie nights, disco and dance parties, karaoke sessions, and activities to connect and engage Aboriginal people across the East Kimberley.
Wunan Foundation’s work
Prue Jenkins – CEO of Wunan Foundation – explained that the idea for the Trailblazer came about through talks with Aboriginal people and community members who expressed the challenges of accessing engaging, meaningful activities and resources due to isolation and costs.
“We all know that the tyranny of distance results in a gap for not only equipment and resources but it also contributes to less opportunities for our Aboriginal communities – especially young people – to be engaged and connected,” said Prue.
“At Wunan Foundation, we believe it is important to foster an environment that encourages individuals to take responsibility and realise their true potential.”
“So when we started to brainstorm ideas on how we can help mitigate this issue of distance and access for services and support for our Aboriginal communities, we got creative and thought why don’t we close the gap using what we already use daily – our cars and vehicles.”
Perth IT Partnerships for the win
This creative process saw Wunan Foundation reaching out to their IT support partners – Open Systems Support to see if they could help design and fit out the vehicle into a ready-to-use cinema, mobile party and events tool anywhere, anytime.
“When we first heard from Wunan about their team’s idea we just jumped on board with both feet to turn this idea into reality,” explained Tom Clarkson, Managing Director of Open Systems Support.
“We worked with the Wunan team to ensure that their Trailblazer media vehicle was safely and uniquely equipped with various audio visual equipment that would not only provide that instantaneous event capability but also be used for videoconferencing and PA services to facilitate bigger and greater community connectivity.”
Blazing own trail outcomes
Since it hit the road in July this year, Wunan’s Trailblazer has made visits to Halls Creek for a community disco, to East Kimberley College for Career Week and Kununurra’s Rodeo Grounds for the Foundation’s Swimming the River on Horseback – a youth-at-risk of offending – mentoring program.
Prue Jenkins further observed enthusiasm for Trailblazer to do more visits, events, storytelling and other creative activities – reflective of how important it is to look for innovative solutions that can address access, connectivity and engagement challenges for remote Aboriginal communities.
“Through Trailblazer we can now see endless opportunities and possibilities to showcase local stories and abilities that can inspire through videoconferencing, to encourage and reward self-responsibility with an outdoor movie under the stars or mobile disco and to bring communities together through unique events,” commented Prue.
“In addition, the Trailblazer will also form part of a broader vision to establish Wunan Media, a subsidiary aimed at providing East Kimberley Aboriginal people media training, video and audio production skills, and training and employment opportunities, consistent with our strategic priorities.”
More information for winning Perth IT Partnerships
For more information on Wunan Foundation and their work, we encourage you to view their website. To find out more about how an IT partnership can support your organisational outcomes, get in touch for a free consultation with our Open Systems Support team member.