Watsonville Community Development Program Trial Project

TRACQS is proud to share that three participants have commenced a new project as part of the Community Development Program (CDP) activity in the remote community of Watsonville.

CDP is an employment program for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in regional, rural and remote Australia to achieve sustainable employment outcomes by strengthening skills, addressing barriers and contributing to their communities through a range of flexible work-like activities.

Launched in April, this project is a collaborative effort with the Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation (WAC), led by Karen Guivarra, and guided day-to-day by Supervisor Eddie Turpin. Designed to support local engagement and connection to Country, the activity provides participants with hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful community work.

Three job seekers, Alan Wason, Johnathan Rosas and Kacee Shorey, are currently actively engaged in the operation. Under Eddie’s guidance, the team is supporting the maintenance of Mbrabaram country and working on a hands-on project that includes installing a greenhouse, setting up a water tank and irrigation system, and completing all shelving.

The project, titled “A Deadly Solution: Combining Traditional Knowledge and Western Science for an Indigenous-led Bushfood Industry” is a collaboration between the University of Queensland (St Lucia, Brisbane) and the Mbrabaram Watsonville clan group. It focuses on building sustainable, Indigenous-led bushfood enterprises.

Pictured (L-R): Alan maintaining the property, Kacee on the grinder, and Jonathan working on greenhouse shelving

Indigenous leaders and project partners have identified several areas of research needed to support these industries. These include exploring plant production techniques to ensure a consistent, high-quality supply of raw materials, developing new food products, and applying emerging business technologies such as blockchain to support transparent, and secure management of cultural knowledge and finances.

The long-term aim is to enable Traditional Owners and others working in the bushfood sector to establish viable businesses while safeguarding cultural knowledge and delivering community benefits. The project also creates opportunities for younger traditional custodians to connect with and learn cultural practices. This work supports individual development as well as family and community wellbeing, including physical, mental and spiritual health.

Supervisor Eddie Turpin has shared positive updates about the team’s performance and their contributions to the community:

“As supervisor, I find working with this program is rewarding as we can actually work on our country with long running projects. I hope this type of project on country with TRACQS will continue and expand”

– Eddie, Supervisor

Each participant brings unique strengths to the team.

Kacee has demonstrated strong reliability, enthusiasm and initiative. He requires minimal supervision, follows instructions well and brings a positive attitude to the group. Kacee is now being encouraged to build leadership skills and take a more active role in supporting others.

“I am finding the TRACQS program enjoyable, learning new skills and working on country with the elders.”

– Kacee, Participant

Alan has shown steady engagement, particularly in familiar tasks, and maintains generally positive relationships with teammates. There is an opportunity for further growth in collaborative efforts and resilience in some more challenging situations. With continued support, Alan has the potential to strengthen his contributions and expand his role within the team.

Johnathan is a quiet and capable team member who adapts well and accepts feedback constructively. Maintaining focus and motivation during more repetitive tasks is an area he can continue to work on. His calm and focused presence has provided stability to the group, and he continues to make meaningful contributions.

“TRACQS program has been great so far as I have learnt a lot and get to be out on Country.”

– Johnathan, Participant

Overall, the team has worked well together, each member bringing unique strengths to the bush project.

The program has given everyone involved the chance to develop practical skills while working on Country in a setting that respects culture and community. The participants have not only supported valuable work on the WAC property but have also played a part in a broader effort to strengthen community, culture and future enterprise. Their commitment and progress so far reflect the impact of locally led, purpose-driven initiatives like this one.