Walking the Talk: Sharing the Martu-Led Approach in Canberra
A small group of Martu travelled to Canberra to present Walking the Talk, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa’s (KJ) new report outlining the holistic, Martu-led KJ Model. The report shows how interconnected cultural, Country, social and family programs deliver stronger outcomes, offering governments a practical, proven pathway toward genuine progress in Closing the Gap.
Discussions in Canberra reinforced the importance of honest partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—collaboration built on respect, cultural authority and long-term commitment—to create meaningful, lasting change.
A Martu-Led Approach in Practice
KJ’s Ranger teams manage more than 8 million hectares of Martu ngurra (Country), protecting the desert’s biodiversity through threatened species monitoring, feral animal management and right-way waru (fire) programs. Martu ngurra is home to 15 animal and 29 plant species of national significance, including the Ngartijirri (Australian Night Parrot), Pakulyarra (Black-flanked Rock Wallaby) and Mankarr (Greater Bilby). Of which KJ Martu Rangers have identified new populations of these vulnerable and endangered species due to continued management efforts.
KJ Rangers not only keep ngurra healthy—they’re creating pathways for the next generation to do the same, with over 64 young Martu now part of the Junior Ranger Program.
Driving Change Through Social Reinvestment
KJ’s Social Programs, were also a key focus in Canberra, strengthen community wellbeing and cultural identity while helping Martu navigate complex systems. These Martu-led initiatives include:
Ngurra Karti (Transport Home): helping Martu return safely to Community after time away.
Wangka Minyirrpa: providing a structured way for Martu knowledge, values and governance, to guide justice processes ensuring decisions about Martu people are informed by culture.
Yiwarra Kuju and Wama Wangka: helping Martu stay on the right path –
fostering social, cultural and emotional wellbeing, with over 160 Martu joining Yiwarra Kuju (Martu Diversionary Program) in the past year alone.
Monthly in-prison cultural sessions: maintaining connection to culture, family and Country, and supporting reintegration pathways.
Together, these programs demonstrate the strength of the KJ Model, where Martu leadership, cultural authority and collective decision-making guide every aspect of program design and delivery.
Genuine Partnership is Essential
As highlighted in recent national coverage — including Government News’ article “Efforts to Close the Gap Will Fail Without Genuine Collaboration” and analysis from the Australian Policy Observatory — lasting progress in Closing the Gap depends on authentic partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These pieces reinforce what KJ and Martu have consistently demonstrated: sustainable change cannot be imposed; it must be led and owned by communities themselves.
The KJ Model is a living example of this principle in action. By placing Martu leadership and cultural ninti (knowledge) at the centre, the model shows that collaborative, community-driven approaches produce outcomes that are both more effective and more enduring.
KJ looks forward to continuing to work with government partners to apply the lessons of Walking the Talk — and to ensure that Martu voices and solutions remain at the heart of efforts to Close the Gap
