Darwin Regional Indigenous Advancement & CDEP Incorporated (DRIACDEP) is a not-for-profit community organisation supporting and promoting Indigenous people in Darwin and the surrounding region.

Established in June 2000, following extensive consultations with the Indigenous community in the Darwin region. From these discussions, a unique governance model was developed with representation and participation based on regional community organisations rather than individual members.

These arrangements include special acknowledgement of the Larrakia people and the Stolen Generations within the constitution - in recognition of both traditional ownership of country and our recent history which saw many Indigenous children removed from their families and placed into institutions in Darwin and other communities.

Our Vision

The central object of the Association is the relief of the poverty, sickness, helplessness, suffering, misfortune, serious economic disadvantage of the Aboriginal people of Darwin and the surrounding Yilli Rreung Region. (DRIACDEP Constitution)

Our Services

DRIACDEP has grown markedly over the years, beginning with 50 participants (via the Aboriginal Development Foundation), and progressing to be a major service provider to the region for community and employment services. DRIACDEP has successfully developed and delivered community and economic services to urban, regional and remote Indigenous communities in the greater Darwin region.

Over recent years, numerous government policy and program changes have had obvious impact on our communities and the operational framework of our organisation. DRIACDEP continues its commitment to development and delivery of appropriate services to our communities and to strategically position ourselves for the future. Our current services include:

Community Support Services - through the delivery of Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP), Ironbark Community Support Service and Ironbark Money Management Services

Employment & Training - through Ironbark Employments's delivery of Job Services Australia arrangements through our Job Futures membership

Economic Development - through the establishment of Ironbark Transport and Aboriginal Bush Traders retail, tourism and bush harvest activities.

Partner Organisations

Through our partnership arrangement with Ironbark (NT) Employment and Training Incorporated (a separate community organisation), DRIACDEP assist with the delivery of Night Patrol Services to Acacia Larrakia and Belyuen communities. Ironbark (NT) and DRIACDEP are also in the process of establishing Ironbark Labour Hire.

Through our partnership with Aboriginal Bush Traders Limited (a separate not-for-profit company), DRIACDEP continue to assist with the ongoing development of economic activities in our communities.