Airport Development Group (ADG) proudly hosted our latest Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting in Alice Springs, bringing together First Nations leaders, ADG representatives, and stakeholders to strengthen ADG’s Indigenous engagement and celebrate the impact of its initiatives.

A key highlight of the day was the progress of the Indigenous Training Academy (ITA), with committee members hearing firsthand about the achievements of trainees across Darwin and Alice Springs. With 16 current trainees and a growing number of graduates now working across ADG, Darwin Airport Resorts, and the broader hospitality sector, the program continues to provide meaningful employment pathways for Indigenous Australians.

“Our Indigenous Training Academy is more than just a program, it’s a movement for opportunity, empowerment, and community strength,” said Eddie Fry, Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Committee. “We are seeing young people grow in confidence, skills, and leadership.”

The committee also reflected on a standout community engagement event with the NRL team, the Canberra Raiders, held recently in Darwin. ITA trainees attended a training session and connected with Raiders players, culminating in a exchange of gifts, with the presentation of a signed Indigenous All Stars jersey, symbolising leadership, respect, and shared cultural pride from Canberra Raiders players, Jamal Fogarty and Xavier Savage. The ADG ITA trainees presented the Canberra Raiders with a print featuring the three stories depicted on ADG’s Larrakia Welcome to Country water tower, Mamilima, created by the late Larrakia artist Anthony Duwun Lee.

An insightful presentation was given by Jennifer Howard, Director of Saltbush Enterprises, titled “Building Culturally Safe Service Delivery and Inclusive Employment Models.” Jennifer's insights reinforced the importance of systems change, Indigenous-led solutions, and creating safe workplaces that honour culture and foster long-term participation.

“Saltbush’s message was clear, if we are to build strong, inclusive economies, cultural safety must be embedded in everything we do,” said Sandra de Kock, Executive General Manager, People, Culture and Community with ADG “We are proud to stand alongside organisations like Saltbush to listen, learn and act.”

The IAC meeting reaffirmed ADG’s commitment to genuine partnership, economic inclusion, and cultural integrity across all operations. As ADG looks ahead to NAIDOC Week and future investment in local communities, the energy and leadership shown by the IAC, trainees, and partners will continue to shape a stronger, more connected Northern Australia.