CBT-led Projects
Funding to date: Over $8.8m
In addition to the grants program, a number of CBT-led projects and programs are funded by the Trust. These projects and programs are identified through community engagement and often fill the gaps where grant investments are not meeting community needs and aspirations. These projects bring immediate and longer-term benefit to the region.
<$3.9m as a CBT-led Project
Gulf Youth and Community Services – Establishment Costs incl. property acquisition and Vehicle Purchases
Gulf Youth and Community Services (GYCS) is an organisation dedicated to supporting young people and community wellbeing in Borroloola, town camps and outstations and Robinson River. Community members have consistently identified the needs of young people as their highest priority for investment by McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust (CBT). In August 2023, the CBT initiated the establishment of a stand-alone Youth and Community Program in Borroloola aimed at addressing needs and community aspirations. The CBT provided $900,000 over three years in establishment funding, and has since spent over $3m in property acquisition and vehicle purchases to support GYCS operations. See the GYCS tab for more info.
$16,593 as a CBT-led Project
Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) National Summit
CBT Female Directors – Marlene, Emily, Buffy and Nikita – attended the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) National Summit held on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country in May 2023. The summit was aimed at improving Australia’s approach for advancing the rights, health, safety, wellbeing and prosperity of First Nations women and girls.
$25,298 as a CBT-led Project
Borroloola Town Camp Upgrades
The McArthur River Mine (MRM) Community Benefits Trust contributed over $25,000 worth of materials for the McArthur River Mine’s local workforce as they carried out upgrades to the Borroloola township during COVID-19. Materials included road base for grading works around the town camps and fencing for the swimming pool. The purchases helped local mine workers who were unable to access work during the pandemic make invaluable contributions to the town and surrounding areas.
<$4.6m as a CBT-led Project
Jirribilyi Borroloola Central
Following requests from the community over the years for more local services and business opportunities, the CBT is currently working on developing Borroloola Central – a new community, retail and commercial development in the centre of Borroloola. The CBT purchased the property in 2022 for $565,000, and have committed $3.5 million to developing the site into a mixed use precinct. The CBT has acquired an additional <$22 million in co-contribution from various stakeholders including the NIAA, NTG and Purple House. See the Jirribilyi tab for more info.
$29,985 as a CBT-led Project
Youth Scoping Service
The MRM Community Benefits Trust has supported a Borroloola Youth Service Scoping Study to identify opportunities to inform planning, design and delivery of a youth service in Borroloola. This study contributed towards the development of the Gulf Youth and Community Services.
$60,000 as a CBT-led Project
Development of a three year Youth Strategy for Borroloola and Robinson River
The strategy provides an operational model for a youth service in Borroloola and Robinson River, based on the outcomes of the Youth Scoping Study undertaken in 2020/21 and additional engagement with the community and service providers. The strategy was foundational towards the development of Gulf Youth and Community Services.
$7,500 to CBT-led Project
Borroloola Economic Assessment
The McArthur River Mine (MRM) Community Benefits Trust initiated an Economic Study of the Borroloola Township to assess potential economic and social impacts of development projects in the region. The findings of this study contributed towards the conception of Jirribilyi Borroloola Central.
$47,322 as a CBT-led Project
Video Conferencing Hubs
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MRM Community Benefits Trust purchased and installed three remote video conferencing hubs in Borroloola and Robinson River to facilitate remote collaboration in extreme events such as pandemics and natural disasters. This equipment has been enthusiastically adopted by its users, who are finding potential for collaboration outside the community previously not possible.
$177,455 as a CBT-led Project
Academic Assistance Bursary
The Academic Assistance Bursary provides funding to support secondary school students in Borroloola, Robinson River, Outstations and Town Camps attending school locally or elsewhere to purchase essential IT equipment (computers, laptops, tablets and accompanying supplies) for school.