Ampilatwatja might not sound like an ideal holiday destination, but for LeasePlan Western Bulldogs employee Belinda Batty, the remote location in central Australia has provided her with an amazing teaching experience.

The tiny aboriginal community, located four hours north-east of Alice Springs, was Belinda’s home for the last month while she took part in the SWIRL (Story Writing in Remote Location) project.

SWIRL is an initiative of Western Bulldogs community partner Victoria University and IBM that gives Aboriginal communities the chance to use modern technology to produce digital and print versions of their communities’ story.

The project, in its twelfth year, is aimed at primary and early secondary students with assistance coming from Aboriginal elders who contribute their own knowledge and experience. SWIRL team members then help document their stories using digital cameras and computers. Each child publishes their story to share with family and friends, with a copy going also going to the school library.

Belinda, who returned from Ampilatwatja on Sunday, said encouraging young people to record aspects of their lives through the SWIRL project helped improve literacy levels in the community.

“Students were encouraged to document their story in English and their own language. Some of the stories they have told are amazing,” she said.

While Belinda can see some similarities between her role at the LeasePlan Western Bulldogs, where she works with youth who are experiencing difficulties with mainstream education at the FRESH Program, and her placement at Ampilatwatja, she says the trip provided valuable experience.

“The project provided many opportunities to connect with community members young and old and learn more about Aboriginal culture. My work with young people in the community to engage them in literacy through the writing of stories that reflect local lifestyle, values and culture has provided opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

“The knowledge learnt and skills developed while in Ampilatwatja has shaped my teaching methods and built my capacity to inform urban students about Aboriginal culture.”

She said sport also formed an integral part of Ampilatwatja’s community identity.

“Every second person was wearing a top or beanie displaying their favourite team colours. When you arrive in Ampilatwatja you are met with children playing football on the dirt oval. It’s was called Windy Hill but I tried to get that changed to Whitten Oval.”

“The Ampilatwatja community had a school, shop, health centre and government compound. I lived in the Principal’s home and another house used by teachers when they go up there. I had a great time and it was a shame the trip had to come to an end.”

Belinda says the friendships she created and memories she will keep compete with any holiday destination around the country.