Outback Stores has signed community service agreements in the communities of Kunawarritji and Parnngurr to expand its range of services.
Consulting with directors of each Aboriginal corporation and the state government, Outback Stores has customised a unique management agreement that ensures food security alongside municipal services such as rubbish removal, maintaining the airstrip and firebreaks, electricity, and water supply.
Home of the Martu people in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Kunawarritji and Parnngurr are amongst the most inaccessible regions in Australia. Both have populations of around 100 people and experience difficulties in ensuring food security, amongst other challenges.
The agreement has a view to improving both commercial and social outcomes, encouraging local skills development, career growth, and ongoing sustainability.
Alan Krumin, Community Services Coordinator in Kunawarritji, said it is rewarding to help bring about positive change and development of a community.
Since working with Outback Stores, both Kunawarritji and Parnngurr have seen renovations to their stores – with new fridges, shelving, cash registers and operating systems – as well as a greater range of products, cheaper fruit and vegetables, and increased sales.
Dianne McGill, Community Services Coordinator in Parnngurr, said they are getting a lot of comments on how fantastic the store now looks.
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