BARUNGA residents have been hard at work transforming unwanted junk, mostly 44-gallon-drums, into a range of tables and chairs for the community.
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The drums, which were donated by the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, were previously used to stored aviation fuel.
The community, which is about 80 kilometres south-east of Katherine, turned out in force to celebrate the unveiling of the new furniture.
While the project provided participants with new skills and cheap furniture for their houses the main benefits were in providing a sense of community.
Between grinding drums back to bare metal to allow the stunning transformation to begin, Javin Harrison explained that the project had provided him with a new-found sense of community and self-worth.
“It’s changed my life,” the 19-year-old said as he inspected his work.
“I love the activity because it’s different to the other ones.
“It’s a lot better than staying at home and makes you somebody.
“It makes you feel happy.”
The program was part of the Roper Gulf Regional Council Community Development Program (CDP), which helps job seekers in remote communities find employment and gain new skills in the process.
