As we reflect on 2025, it is with immense pride that we share the stories, achievements, and moments that have shaped another powerful year for Wanta. Across remote Northern Territory communities, our work continues to be driven by strong partnerships, local leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting children and young people to thrive. This blog brings together reflections from across our programs and teams, highlighting not only what we have delivered, but the impact these efforts have had on the lives of young people, families, and communities. Each story is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and potential of the communities we work alongside, and to the dedication of the Wanta staff who make this work possible every day.
Henly Taka, CEO.
2025 has been another great and rewarding year for Wanta. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to our dedicated Wanta staff, who have continued to demonstrate remarkable commitment – often in challenging circumstances. I am equally grateful for the steadfast support of our Board.
Throughout 2025, we have continued to build on our strong foundations in remote Northern Territory Indigenous communities, including Yuendumu, Ntaria, Arlparra, Ngukurr, Kalkarindji, and Lajamanu. Across these communities, Wanta has successfully delivered a diverse range of programs designed to enrich the lives of children and young people, supporting their wellbeing, aspirations, and future pathways.
This year also saw the re-establishment of the Wanta Brighter Futures Program in Wugularr (Beswick). Our newly appointed Wanta Manager in Beswick has embraced the role with enthusiasm and purpose, quickly initiating a range of engaging activities. Programs such as hands-on horse work and welding training have already captured the interest of young participants and reflect our commitment to practical, skills-based learning.
Beyond Central Australia, the Brighter Futures Program has continued to thrive in communities such as Ngukurr and Lajamanu, delivering programs that are both inspiring and deeply meaningful for the young people involved.
Our Stronger Communities for Children (SCfC) Program in Ntaria has been further strengthened by the arrival of our new Program Coordinator, Simon, who joined the team earlier this year. Simon has made an impressive contribution in a short period of time, bringing energy, focus, and a clear vision for growth. We feel very fortunate to have him as part of the Wanta team and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead in 2026.
An especially memorable highlight of the year was the opportunity for Wanta staff from Yuendumu, Lajamanu, and Ntaria to accompany students on reward trips to Perth, Cairns, and Sydney. These experiences are transformative for young people, offering them the chance to step beyond the boundaries of their remote communities, explore new environments, and broaden their horizons.
The important work Wanta undertakes across remote Northern Territory communities is made possible through the generous and ongoing support of our funding partners. I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Central Land Council (CLC), Granite Mine Affected Areas Aboriginal Corporation (GMAAAC), Future Generations Global (FGG), Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR), CAGES Foundation, the Northern Territory Government, Australian Philanthropic Services (APS), and the Simpsons Foundation. Your continued support enables Wanta to deliver lasting, positive change.
Finally, on behalf of everyone at Wanta, I extend my sincere appreciation to the principals, teachers, and school communities we work alongside, as well as to all individuals who have contributed to Wanta in any capacity throughout 2025. Your collective efforts make a profound difference in the lives of the young people we serve. We look forward with optimism to continuing this important work together in 2026 and beyond.
David Bell, Beswick Brighter Futures Program.
2025 has been a year of strong foundations and growing momentum for Wanta’s Brighter Futures Program in Wugularr. Launched in March, the program has worked alongside Wugularr School to support students through hands-on learning, cultural connection, and pathways into training and employment. Across the year, the focus has been on building confidence, skills, and engagement through activities that are student-led, community-informed, and grounded in Country.
At the heart of the program is a student-led social enterprise, tentatively named Jambudi Café. Jambudi is a Kriol word commonly used to mean somebody, with spelling still under review, and reflects the students’ vision of a café that belongs to everyone. Throughout the year, students explored food and beverage ideas, completed barista and food safety training, and trialled selling items such as coffee, hot chocolate, sausage rolls, and brownies. This work culminated in a short pop-up café soft launch, giving students early experience in service, teamwork, and customer interaction. A purpose-built container café has now been fitted out and is ready for delivery to Wugularr in early 2026, with students already chomping at the bit to decorate the space and make it their own!
Alongside the social enterprise, Wanta continued to support Wugularr School’s Vocational Education and Training in Schools program, Learning on Country activities, and a shared approach to job readiness. Students participated in practical, hands-on learning across a range of training pathways, while also being supported to navigate the paperwork and requirements that can otherwise be a barrier to work and further training. Together, these supports helped students connect school-based learning with real-world skills and future opportunities.
The strength of the Brighter Futures Program lies in the local Wanta team. Travis Seccin and Anton Plummer bring deep community knowledge, strong relationships, and cultural leadership to their work with young people. They are respected role models who engage students with patience, humour, and high expectations, creating spaces where young people feel safe, capable, and proud of who they are. Their presence is central to the program’s success and to building pathways that genuinely reflect the aspirations of Wugularr’s youth.
Yuendumu Youth Program
The Yuendumu Wanta Youth Program has continued to shine throughout 2025 as a thoughtful, community-centred initiative dedicated to nurturing the wellbeing, confidence, and aspirations of young people in Yuendumu. Guided by Wanta Aboriginal Corporation’s broader vision, the program offers far more than activities – it creates a welcoming space where young people are supported to grow creatively, socially, and culturally.
Across the year, the program delivered a rich blend of structured workshops, daily drop-in sessions, and special events that encouraged strong participation and meaningful connection. At its heart is a holistic approach to wellbeing, recognising that physical health, emotional expression, creativity, and cultural identity are deeply interconnected. The daily Wanta Drop-In Space became a lively hub of learning and belonging, offering art, sport, games, and storytelling in a safe and inclusive environment.
Creative engagement stood out as a defining strength. Art workshops invited young people to share stories and emotions through visual expression, while innovative music workshops used recycled materials to inspire sustainability, teamwork, and joy. A new therapeutic aerial yoga program added a calming dimension, supporting balance, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
One of the year’s most memorable highlights was the cultural and educational trip to Perth. This experience broadened horizons, strengthened independence, and sparked new ambitions by exposing participants to different environments, cultural sites, and team-building challenges.
As a result of these efforts, the program has seen increased engagement, stronger confidence and communication skills, improved stress management, and deeper community connections. Looking ahead to 2026, the Yuendumu Wanta Program plans to expand creative and cultural learning, deepen partnerships, and develop new leadership and wellbeing initiatives.
With sincere appreciation to community members, families, staff, partners, and funders, the Yuendumu Wanta Program continues to plant seeds of possibility — empowering young people to imagine, create, and step confidently toward their futures.
Indigo Drendel, Ngukurr Program.
2025 has been a blast at the Ngukurr Wanta Academy. It’s been a busy year in our Social Enterprise Cafe, Bagai Barista, with our incredible student baristas making and selling over 4,000 coffees and hot chocolates and some yummy baked treats that they have been making in our Wednesday afternoon cooking sessions. We are very proud of the 16 senior high school students who obtained their Cert I in Hospitality with help from their experiences and learning in Bagai Barista.
Our academy room has been busy with lots of pool tournaments and mario-kart races for students before and after school, as well as many new learning experiences and opportunities with some classes partaking in our sessions where we yarn about AOD, Respectful Relationships and looking after our bodies through nutrition and mental health awareness. We were also lucky enough to take 5 Ngukurr students to Darwin to participate in the Under 12’s AFL Championships, they made their community very proud and came home as winners of their tournament, and winners of the team with the best sportsmanship.
We had a new and exciting opportunity this year to work one on one with Ngukurr school’s only Year 12 student in 2025, Patrick, who has been busy doing his online studies with NTSDE to gain his Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training, for which he has become the first student from Ngukurr in 11 years to achieve. Patrick is not only a great student and incredible barista, he is a talented artist who has gotten the chance with Wanta to create his own t-shirts which have been selling through Bagai Barista. This opportunity allowed us to take Patrick and his family on a memorable trip to Darwin to attend his Year 12 graduation.
With so many fantastic stories to share from this year, we are looking forward to another year of engaging, connecting and coffee making in 2026.
Simon Jones, Safer Communities for Children, Ntaria.
Wanta, SCFC and the LCB celebrate a year of unforgettable highlights.
What a year it has been. In strong partnership with SCFC (Stronger Communities for Children) and the Local Community Board (LCB), Wanta delivered one of its biggest and most exciting years yet. From action-packed holiday programs to life-changing reward trips, creative workshops and safe spaces for young people, 2025 was full of moments that brought Ntaria’s children together, lifted their confidence and strengthened community pride.
Kids Club: After-School Fun and Friendship
Kids Club was buzzing all year long. Boys aged 5 to 14 came together after school to relax, learn, play and just be kids in a safe, welcoming space. At Kids club, boys enjoyed internet access, games, YouTube, football, basketball, singing and gaming challenges. Most importantly, Kids Club became a place where they could be with friends, share stories, laugh and feel supported.
Young Women’s Room (YWR): A Safe Space for Girls
The Young Women’s Room continued to be a powerful safe space for all girls attending Ntaria School. Girls could unwind, talk women’s business, express themselves creatively and build strong friendships. Many spent their afternoons drawing, painting, making jewellery, styling their hair and taking part in group chats and mentoring.
Holiday Programs Full of Energy
School holidays were anything but quiet. Wanta facilitated large holiday programs for both boys and girls, and on some days up to 50 children arrived ready for adventure. Activities included singing, karaoke, dancing, painting and Internet, as well as sports such as t-ball, football, soccer, fitness sessions and basketball to name a few. The children also spent time on Country, walking through bush areas, swimming in waterholes, trapping fish, digging for water, rock scrambling, exploring the local landscape and eating bush tucker. These experiences kept children active and connected while strengthening cultural knowledge and community pride.
Cinema Trips: Everyone a Winner
Throughout the holiday program, children were rewarded for being helpful, well behaved and actively participating in activities. Each reward earned them a trip to the Alice Springs cinema, and by the end of the program every child had earned a visit. Everyone was celebrated as a winner, and the excitement around the cinema trips created memories the children will hold onto for a long time.
Sydney Reward Trip: A Life-Changing Experience
One of the biggest highlights of the year was the one-week reward trip to Sydney for students who attended school regularly, tried their best, behaved well and helped their teachers. Ten exceptional young people were chosen, and the experience was unforgettable. Their week included hiking, snorkelling, swimming in the ocean, sightseeing, watching a live NBL game, meeting sporting heroes, using all kinds of public transport and trying a variety of international foods.
Their confidence grew every single day. They kept their rooms clean, supported each other, showed respect and represented Ntaria proudly. The impact carried back into the community, with school attendance and behaviour improving noticeably afterwards.
Community Bike Workshop: 30 Bikes for Local Kids
Another standout moment was the delivery of 30 new bikes for children in the community. Wanta hosted a bike workshop where kids learned about bike safety, basic repairs and riding skills. The bikes quickly became a favourite activity, encouraging outdoor fun, fitness and new adventures across Ntaria.
Wrapping Up a Big Year
From after-school programs to cultural activities, excursions, workshops, reward trips and holiday celebrations, 2025 was a tremendous success. Wanta, SCFC and the LCB are proud of everything achieved together with the Ntaria community. And the most exciting part is that this momentum is only growing. Plans for 2026 are already underway and promise to be even bigger and more exciting.
Here’s to another year of opportunity, culture, learning and fun for the young people of Ntaria.
Zac Murfet, Arlparra Program.
One of the highlights of the Arlparra program this year was the range of camps that Wanta was involved in, which provided students with exciting new experiences and opportunities to learn outside the classroom. We took a group of eight students to Darwin to participate in the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival, giving them the chance to travel, compete, and represent their community on a national stage.
We also travelled to Tennant Creek for school swimming lessons, which were both fun and important for building confidence and safety skills in the water. In addition to this, we ran three school camps to Alice Springs, exposing students to new environments and activities. For many of the children, these trips were their first time going on camp, making the experiences even more meaningful. Across all of the trips, the students showed enthusiasm, resilience, and curiosity, and most importantly, everyone had an amazing time creating memories together.
Neil Mackenzie, Kalkarindji Brigher Futures Program
When our new, fresh-faced Manager 😉 rolled into Kalkarindji partway through 2025, it was like someone hit the community ‘refresh’ button…..Wanta programs were buzzing again, kids were excited, and staff at the school were smiling (or maybe just pleasantly confused).
With feet hardly touching the ground, rubber immediately hit the road by way of bicycles. Yes—actual bikes. Thanks to the Katherine West Health Board, we inherited a fleet of two-wheeled freedom machines, and the students were very ready to highlight their inner Tour de France (or wheelie) ambitions.
Fridays became the school’s version of a suspense thriller: the Wanta on Wheels Bike Ride Draw. Students sat on the edge of their neatly organised mats, with tension growing exponentially, with ten lucky individuals hoping their number would be generated randomly on a modern-day app that even managed to work occasionally 🤣. If your number came up, and given you were obviously at school—boom! You were off on a supervised, helmet-mandatory victory lap around community. (No helmet? No ride. No exceptions. Safety first, style second.)
Meanwhile, senior students became our unofficial bicycle pit crew. Puncture fixers, brake adjusters, chain whisperers—these legends kept the wheels turning both literally and metaphorically. And when their schoolwork was done, they too earned a ride. Nothing motivates like the promise of wind in your hair… well, in your helmet…and time out of the classroom on a Friday afternoon.
But bikes were just the beginning. Wanta jumped back into supporting school excursions with the enthusiasm of kids cannonballing into Mataranka’s warm springs (which, yes, we also visited). Students adventured to Wugularr waterfalls, splashed through swimming lessons in Katherine, tore around Lajamanu waterpark while hundreds of litres dumped suddenly on little heads with massive smiles, and even tried their luck fishing at Lawi. Let’s just say the fish that got away were definitely enormous, possibly legendary—and we absolutely promise they’re not getting bigger each time we tell the story.
Every activity this year has had a simple recipe: a huge scoop of fun, a generous sprinkle of leadership and engagement, and a big dollop of safe, positive experiences for these incredible children and young people of Kalkarindji and Daguragu. And to be able to do this with local staff (Keenan and Lynnariah, and more on the way) making up the core of our team just adds to the reason we do what we do!
Finally, with 2025 still rolling, we have also been busy planning some of the most exciting and ambitious, community driven programs designed to offer strong and lasting benefits to Kalkarindji and Daguragu. Job pathways and social and emotional wellbeing programs, delivered directly to and for the youth of these incredible communities, are just the beginning and we can’t wait to unfurl them in 2026.
Lajamanu Brighter Futures Program
In 2025 the Brighter Futures Lajamanu initiative experienced a period of remarkable growth, marked by creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to local empowerment. The program has made meaningful strides across its core pillars, particularly through the development of the Tanami Treats social enterprise, expanded vocational education pathways, and strengthened opportunities for young people to build confidence, skills, and a sense of agency within their community.
Tanami Treats has become a vibrant symbol of this progress. Now operating from a fully equipped mobile café trailer, the enterprise brings learning directly into the heart of the community. Students are involved in every stage of the café’s operation — selecting recipes, preparing and packaging treats from scratch, and serving customers alongside a professional beverage menu. This hands-on experience nurtures practical workplace skills while fostering pride, responsibility, and strong support from families who see young people contributing positively to community life.
Vocational education has remained a central focus. Through close partnership with Lajamanu School, students made significant progress toward nationally recognised certificates in construction, cookery, and retail. A comprehensive support model — combining in-class academic assistance, family engagement to support attendance, and motivational rewards — ensured students were encouraged and supported to persist and succeed.
Recreation and enrichment activities continued to play a vital role in engagement and wellbeing. Daily programs offered safe, welcoming spaces for relaxation and connection, while after-school sports, swimming trips, and community excursions strengthened relationships and positive behaviour. Highlights included regional sporting representation and a major reward trip to Cairns, where students experienced travel, adventure activities, and new cultural settings for the first time.
Complementing these experiences, alternative education sessions focused on healthy living, informed decision-making, and respectful relationships, equipping students with essential life skills. Underpinning all of this is the growth of a dedicated local Indigenous team, supported through leadership opportunities and professional development.
Together, these achievements reflect a program that is not only building skills, but also nurturing hope, pride, and possibility for young people in Lajamanu.
As we bring 2025 to a close, we extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated Wanta staff across all communities. Your commitment, care, and passion are at the heart of everything we do, and the impact of your work is evident in the opportunities created for children and young people throughout the year.
We are also deeply grateful to our supporters, funding partners, Boards, school communities, and community leaders who continue to walk alongside Wanta. Your trust and collaboration make it possible for us to deliver meaningful, community-led programs and to create positive, lasting change across remote Northern Territory communities.
From everyone at Wanta, we wish our communities, partners, and supporters a safe and restful Christmas and holiday period. We look forward to returning in 2026 with renewed energy, strong partnerships, and a continued focus on supporting bright futures for children and young people.
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