CfAT Enterprise Workshop / Frank Curtis Workshop
Creating appropriate technology solutions, and fabricating durable steel products for Aboriginal communities across Central Australia.
The CfAT Enterprise Workshop (Frank Curtis Workshop) was established in 2013 to support the organisation’s objective of providing appropriate technology and infrastructure for people living on country, and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in Central Australia. Its core operations include:
Manufacturing appropriate technology products to meet specific project specifications
Creating Hardy Steel products to support better living in remote Aboriginal communities
Supporting the employment and training of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking employment pathways in the metal and steel industries
The Enterprise Workshop is named after CfAT’s Chairperson, Frank Curtis, in honour of 25 dedicated years of service as a CfAT Board Member. Frank’s lifelong passion is to inspire Aboriginal youth to become leaders in their communities, which is exemplified in his work at CfAT, as well as his 20-year tenure as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The CfAT Enterprise Workshop (Frank Curtis Workshop) in Alice Springs.
The Enterprise Workshop is the home of CfAT’s first training deliveries, where it introduced technical training in automotive and welding for Aboriginal students in Alice Springs. The initial workshop layout accommodated a display area where visitors could view water and energy management technology projects being developed for remote communities. These early activities laid the foundation of CfAT’s training programs and steel fabrication for water and energy management projects.
Today, the workshop fabricates and manufactures metal products based in a foundation approach design, to achieve appropriate technology products and place-based solutions. These projects are a result of applied research, that deliver tangible results to Aboriginal communities through open collaborations with people, communities and industries.
Industry Apprenticeships
CfAT’s social goal is to create sustainable industry place-based employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The workshop supports industry apprenticeships and training for people in Central Australia.
“Working here makes me feel good every day. Completing this apprenticeship will be another step up to become qualified, and I’m proud of myself for working towards a better future. I enjoy meeting new people here, and learning to use different equipment and power tools.”
-Keiffen Mardi
Fabricating and Manufacturing Technology Solutions
CfAT’s Enterprise Workshop supports the CfAT objective of producing appropriate technology solutions which contribute to sustainable remote and regional communities in Australia. The workshop’s team of qualified tradespeople and apprentices pride themselves in quality workmanship and dedication.
Recent projects include:
Bush Hardy beds: These beds are specially designed for Aboriginal people living in remote areas. The all-steel beds are fabricated to withstand high-use, high-impact, external environment conditions and remain sturdy and hygienic.
ApMurra Wren Collection: These designer outdoor tables and chairs were produced for Lendlease Australia. The stainless steel and aluminium power-coated furniture was designed by Alice Springs-based designer, Elliat Rich.