Trouble afoot for Mwerre Anthurre Alice Springs Arts Centre Studio?

In the 1970’s a small dedicated group of people set up an organisation to support people with a disability. They raised money, they volunteered, they put their heart and soul into the notion that people with a disability need a place to find support and purpose. The energy and enthusiasm that went into Bindi has made it a local icon, with a building and garden located at 47 Elder Street, where 30 people find friendship and meaningful employment. A fully fitted workshop produces woodwork and metalwork products, known locally as ‘tuckerboxes’ of the finest quality.

At the rear of the building is a purpose built art studio, the home of Mwerre Anthurre Artists. Not just an art program, but a space for artists of national and international reputation to have an outlet for creative expression. The late Billy Benn Perrurle was a founding member of Mwerre Anthurre Artists, an Aboriginal artist collective supported by Bindi. Billy Benn was noted as one of the top 50 Aboriginal artists, with collections in all parts of the world.

A small local community organisation, even one with a big heart, is not immune from the threat of financial uncertainty. Over many years the parents and friends of Bindi have adapted to changing government policies and funding arrangements. After using reserve funds to remain open, they were forced to make a decision to partner with a larger organisation. The decision was not made lightly, and considerable effort was taken to find an organisation with similar values.

In July last year, Lifestyle Solutions Australia put out a press release titled ‘Bindi’s future secure’. They promised to build the organisation, introduce training, new staff and other resources to secure the future of Bindi as a social enterprise. The optimistic statements, however, turned out to be shallow. The building and grounds now belong to Lifestyle Solutions Australia. This week most of the staff were made redundant. The art studio and workshop have closed.

Lifestyle Solutions also owns an accommodation service. Coordinators and administration staff moved into the Bindi building, paying no rent or any contribution to running costs –these have all been at the expense of the Bindi programs. The Lifestyle Solutions ‘brand’ has taken over and the Bindi sign has been taken down. A phone call to 47 Elder Street will answer ‘Lifestyle Solutions’, no longer Bindi or Bindi Enterprises.

The media department of Lifestyle Solutions like to use the line ‘business as usual’. The newly appointed NT Manager has stated that nothing will change, but everything has changed. No art program, no workshop, and not enough staff to run any of the programs with adequate supervision, safety or support.

The Bindi team of supported employees have heard the comments. They know that Bindi will close, but the media line remains the same – ‘nothing will change, business as usual’. Full time care of a family member with a disability is a significant pressure on parents and carers who must never be taken for granted. The consequences are widespread, and the community will be affected by the ripple effect of losing a valuable service.

Perhaps at the head office of Lifestyle Solutions in Newcastle the CEO David Hogg will know about Andrew, Clayton, Kevin, Shaun, Ryan, Stewart, Tara, Nannette, Olivia, Jess, Lloyd, Adrian, Kukula, Jane, Billy, Conway, and Brandon. Maybe he will understand what it means to Daryl and Robert to have respite from their lives at the hospital, to be a member of the Bindi community for their part time jobs.