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Sharing local ideas

01 April 2015

Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu and Jabiru Area School Year 9 student Corben Nabanardi ready to meet and greet local residents outside the Jabiru Foodland store on Tuesday 17 March. Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu and Jabiru Area School Year 9 student Corben Nabanardi ready to meet and greet local residents outside the Jabiru Foodland store on Tuesday 17 March.

RESIDENTS of Jabiru and Gunbalanya had a chance to share ideas with their local Member of Parliament recently when Member for Arafura Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu dropped in for a visit. 
Speaking in Jabiru on Tuesday 17 March, Mr Kurrupuwu said he was calling for ideas from people on what they needed in their towns. Jabiru residents who took the time to share their ideas were put into the draw to win a gift hamper. 

Mr Kurrupuwu said one of the suggestions that he was hearing was the need for a hairdresser in Jabiru.  
“People want to see training opportunities for trades, whether it be a hairdresser or a mechanic,” Mr Kurrupuwu said. 

The local member was accompanied on his Jabiru visit by Year 9 student at Jabiru Area School Corben Nabanardi, who was learning the ropes for a potential future career. 
Corben says he is interested in a career in politics, or even in the Australian Army. 

“I’m spending time here with Francis as work experience, and learning leadership skills,” Corben told The Wire.  “I am enjoying it very much. One of the things I like about politics is it gives you the power to change things. I would like to see more job opportunities for Indigenous kids, and more local work experience opportunities for other students from Djibidjibi College.” 

Mr Kurrupuwu said he was looking forward to speaking to students at Gunbalanya School about his role as an elected member. 

“I will be talking to students from Years 7 and 8 in Gunbalanya tomorrow about the work of a parliamentarian, through the Parliamentary Education Outreach System,” he said.  “I feel it is time to train up some young leaders from West Arnhem. In the past, the Member for Arafura has come from the Tiwi Islands. It would be great to see some local representation from West Arnhem in the Parliament in future.” 

Mr Kurrupuwu can be contacted through his electorate office on (08) 8999 6950.