‘The co-design project gives Martu families the opportunity to lead and to have ownership. When we have these opportunities, we take it by the hand and nurture it and develop it.’
Terrance Jack
Next Project
Martu Community Co-Design
Martu people hold native title rights to 136,000 square kilometres in WA’s Central Western Desert, country that includes the communities of Punmu, Kunawarritji and Parnngurr. A comprehensive audit of these communities revealed a startling disconnect between existing infrastructure, housing and community requirements.
Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) recognised the need for a community-led approach to address these challenges while ensuring future development would align with Martu cultural practices and protocols.
JYAC partnered with us to implement a Community-Led Co-Design Process, with JYAC securing state government support for this phase of work. The collaboration was fundamentally driven by Martu voices and priorities, with TFA working alongside Martu advisors to conduct extensive community engagement across all three communities.
The partnership approach included on-site discussions and workshops, walking tours and house visits, and various bespoke engagement tools designed to maximise participation from community members. This intensive co-design methodology investigated community planning aspirations, infrastructure needs, and housing requirements, with housing emerging as a central focus through rich discussions about current usage patterns and ideal future designs.
The process ensured that Martu people remained at the centre of all decision-making while TFA provided technical support to translate community aspirations into actionable plans.
The project established a framework for true self-determination, with several significant outcomes:
- Six core Martu Housing Principles to guide all future development: Martu Way for Culture, Martu Family Living, Safety, Health, Comfortable Living, and Quality Construction and Maintenance
- Cultural alignment: Future development will now reflect Martu cultural practices and protocols rather than imposing external standards
- Local decision-making: TFA’s process created pathways for Martu to have direct input into the design, delivery, and maintenance of community infrastructure
- Governance foundation: Discussions facilitated by TFA led to recommendations for a formalised housing governance model that would give Martu people greater control over housing matters.
- A plan to work together: The project identified the need for a clear, outcomes-focused Action Plan to guide implementation and ensure accountability.
The co-design process established a foundation for genuine self-determination, with Martu communities now having the tools and framework to lead their development priorities.
As Terrance Jack expressed, “The co-design project allows Martu families to lead and to have ownership. When we have these opportunities, we take it by the hand and nurture it and develop it.”
| Location | Martu Country |
| Partners | Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) |
| Project Type | Community Masterplan and Housing Guide |
| Completion | 2023 |
| Project Team | Kieran Wong, Heather MacRae, Andrew Broffman, Akira Monaghan |
