Final Report: Strengthening Community Research in ... - Ninti One

8. Conclusions8.1 Observations about potential research beyond the scope of this projectFurther areas of related research that should be considered but are outside the scope of this research relate to the rolesthat motor vehicles play in relation to community safety and wellbeing.Given a choice, most people seem to select travelling in a car, even short distances, rather than walking in thecommunity. A car represents an extended social space, where the passenger feels safe, and part of a group. Accessing aride in a vehicle shows belonging.Away from communities the exposure to outside elements presents known and unknown risks. For example, manypeople are concerned by wild camels, dogs or other animals. There is anxiety and caution in relation to making oneselfvulnerable to less tangible aspects of life too; particularly concerning the Arrarnta cultural world where animals, winds,and other natural events can signify meaning that ‘outsiders’ don’t understand. On the other hand, in a car only thedriver is in control; once a passenger has accepted a lift, there may be no way to know where the ride will take them.Not many large purchases are made in most remote central Australian communities. Cars represent prosperity. Theyare disposable, representing the status-of-the-moment rather than an investment that is to be maintained. A newer carnext time is a more realistic goal than caring for this one now.Equally, there are people who purchase good cars which they keep well-maintained. Further research could show therange of values – social, emotional, financial and practical – attributed to cars.There is a great potential for men at Ntaria to be recognised and resourced for their knowledge and skills exchangewhich occurs between one another, and between men and boys, based on cars, maintenance and safe driving. Inconsidering how successful football-based education and training programs have been in engaging young men andboys, it might be time to broaden the scope and engage directly with men, boys and vehicles.Small business and employment outcomes would be significant for Ntaria if a workshop was able to provide basicrepairs, access to tools, parts and tyre repair service. The community already supplies travellers on the tourist circuitwith very basic supermarket and accommodation options, but none of the current operators offer vehicle-relatedservices. A feasibility study could assess how a training-based enterprise might be set up for local employment, trainingand economic participation to support a new business.8.2. Vehicle safety and perceptions of governanceSafe Driving SurveyThe survey results provide a profile snapshot of Ntaria residents’ attitudes to aspects of driving and road safety. Carsplay a significant part in the daily life of many Ntaria residents, whether they drive or not. Cars represent the only accessto various homelands around Ntaria, for movement around the community itself including to shop, health centres,friends, or work place; or to Alice Springs for regional services not available locally. Complex negotiations occur inrelation to driving or being a passenger in a car and significant time is spent getting cars running for these purposes andto attend other less frequent events such as sports weekends in regional communities, sports, recreational and socialevents in town, funerals and other significant meetings.The key points that emerged are:91