atsic
Wednesday, 31 March 1999
SCIENCE AWARD FOR TECHNOLOGY TO AID
REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
ATSIC Chairman Gatjil Djerrkura has welcomed the awarding of the
prestigious Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award to Dr Bruce
Walker for his work improving the lives and lifestyles of indigenous
communities in remote areas of Australia.
Dr Walker, Director of the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT), has
worked with Aboriginal communities to provide innovative technological
solutions that meet the social, cultural and physical needs of communities
living in extremely hot and remote areas of Australia.
Established in 1980 in Alice Springs, CAT has developed a range of
practical products and processes to improve the health and general well
being of these communities. These include water pumps, pit toilets,
systems that provide reliable hot water and machines that don't require
mains power - including a hand-operated washing machine and a chip heater.
These products have been embraced by remote communities in central
Australia and allowed many Aboriginal communities resettle their
traditional homelands.
"The efforts of Dr Walker and CAT have been significant in improving the
appalling health conditions of indigenous communities and the general
living standard of indigenous people in remote areas," said Mr Djerrkura.
"Dr Walker has developed appropriate technology for remote indigenous
communities - health hardware that is useful, sustainable and transferred
in a culturally sensitive manner.
"His design work and advocacy of indigenous needs has been instrumental in
assisting governments and the private sector in better understanding and
servicing remote communities."
ATSIC provided initial seed funding for the project and continues to
provide operational funding to the centre - a unique, Aboriginal-run
organisation employing more than 40 staff in Alice Springs and Cairns.
Over recent years, ATSIC support for CAT has focussed on the establishment
and development of a national Technology Resource Centre, which has
provided:
.../2
* a free advisory and referral service for indigenous communities on
design and technology;
* a clearing house for advice on appropriate technology and design
options for communities; and
* a focus for product testing suitability for remote community needs.
ATSIC has also supported CAT in sponsoring a Women's Technology Network to
empower indigenous women with access to information about technological
aspects of housing and community infrastructure.
Dr Walker was nominated for the Clunies Ross award by the Northern
Territory Research and Development Advisory Council.
He has undertaken work in developing countries including technology
transfer projects in Africa and Asia with AusAID and in Burma with the
United Nations.
His work was recognised by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in
Custody, which recommended such projects be supported and encouraged.
The Ian Clunies Ross Foundation was established in 1959 in memory of CSIRO
Founder Sir Ian Clunies Ross. It annually awards six Australians who have
"often against difficulties and always with persistent commitment, made
important contributions to science and its application for the economic,
social or environmental benefit of Australia."
Other 1999 winners are Professor Sam Luxton, University of Adelaide; Dr
Jane Watson, University of Tasmania; Dr Rahmi Akcelik, ARRB Transport
Research (Melbourne); Dr Frank Jorgensen, CSIRO Minerals (Melbourne); and
Dr Andrew Martin, Martin Communications (Melbourne).
Media Enquiries
Clunies Ross Foundation: Niall Byrne 03 5253 1391 /
0417 131 977
ATSIC: Peter Taylor 0409 074 125
Martin Freckmann 02 6289 3399 / 018
631 045.
Craig Sproule
Craig Sproule
Office of Public Affairs
Ph: 02 6289 3450
Fax: 02 6282 2854
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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