The Northern Territory Government's interagency Remote Water Team (RWT), including Power and Water, in collaboration with Indigenous Connection (IC), has developed and piloted a culturally responsive engagement model to improve water security outcomes in remote communities. This approach focuses on strengthening equity and inclusion, fostering institutional trust, and building meaningful, on-Country relationships with indigenous communities. Central to the model is the recognition that sustainable water solutions must be co-designed with communities and informed by Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and cultural values.
The RWT was established under Priority Action 3 of the Territory Water Plan, with a mandate to improve drinking water safety and security in remote Northern Territory communities. Through its partnership with IC - a platform connecting government with Cultural Knowledge Providers (CKPs) - the RWT has been able to engage communities in more respectful and culturally appropriate ways. CKPs have played a critical role throughout the pilot, co-designing engagement protocols, contributing to culturally relevant learning materials, and leading community surveys to gather locally specific insights. Their involvement has enhanced the relevance and authenticity of engagement activities and enabled the RWT to access community spaces and perspectives that may otherwise have remained inaccessible.
The pilot has highlighted the importance of institutional trust as a key factor influencing water security outcomes. Survey responses revealed relatively low levels of trust in government institutions, indicating the need to rethink traditional engagement approaches. The findings suggest that engagement must better align with community norms, expectations, and informal governance structures.
Methodologically, the engagement model is built on key principles: community-led co-design, where forums are tailored to each community; two-way learning and listening; and the integration of Indigenous leadership. It also emphasises sustained, respectful engagement and the importance of social and cultural capital in shaping effective and culturally appropriate solutions.
Case studies of water information forums will be discussed to illustrate how the model enables meaningful culturally responsive engagement with communities, while improving shared understanding of drinking water security and quality.
The results of the pilot indicate stronger relationships, increased community participation, and improved discussions. RWT staff have also built cultural competency and confidence in aligning technical expertise with community priorities.
In conclusion, the RWT's model demonstrates that prioritising Indigenous leadership, trust-building, and co-design leads to more effective and sustainable water outcomes. Alongside infrastructure investment, embedding social and cultural considerations is critical to supporting long-term community-driven water security across the Northern Territory.