OREANDA-NEWS. The new Mulka Digital Learning Centre in Yirrkala is being supported by the Rio Tinto East Arnhem Community Development Fund.

The partnership is providing funding for computers, as well as wages for six months to employ a coordinator to guide learners and manage the facility.

Buku-Larr?gay Mulka art centre Program Director Kade McDonald said “These will be the only computers and internet many people in the Yirrkala community have access to and can make a real difference in their lives.

“We’ll be putting this equipment to use to provide a range of training that will increase the education and employment potential for people here.

“The Mulka Project and its partners will host community training workshops including film editing, audio recording, music production, and digital archiving. These workshops will have a clear pathway to full or part time employment at The Mulka Project.

“Registered Training Organisations further afield will be able to provide learning and training to the Yol?u community through online distance education.

“Local school groups will be able to engage with cultural media in a classroom environment.

“And the Yirrkala community will have greater access to the Buku-Larr?gay Mulka digital library for cultural referencing.”

The Mulka Digital Learning Centre was opened today as part of the 2015 Garma Festival. It has been constructed by the Buku-Larr?gay Mulka art centre in partnership with the Australian Government and the Cotton On Foundation.

Community Development Fund chair and general manager of Rio Tinto’s Gove operation Ben Devries said “The Board members of the fund are very pleased to support a project that will deliver education and employment outcomes for people in the Yirrkala community.

"Having access to computers opens up so many possibilities to learn, create and be employed.

“We look forward to seeing the Mulka Digital Learning Facility become a valued resource for the Yirrkala community for years to come.”