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Real work, Real impact: RJED is helping to strengthen communities

Employment
Jayarna Mills, Office Manager Ardyaloon Incorporated

Jobs funded through the RJED program bring new energy to the Kimberley region, boosting local jobs and making an impact on the community.

Communities across the Kimberley region are experiencing positive developments as new jobs are introduced through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program. Around 1700 jobs have been funded under the program, with a third grant round expected in 2026.

On the beautiful Dampier Peninsula, registered charity Ardyaloon Incorporated has recently created two new roles in administration and groundskeeping. These roles play an important part in enhancing community services and operations while bringing fresh energy and capacity to the Ardyaloon team.

Office manager, Jayarna Mills, a proud Ardyaloon woman, is already bringing her skills and personality to the office.

“I'm eager to contribute, learn, and grow alongside my people, honouring our traditions while embracing the new opportunities this role brings.”

Jayarna’s ensures that day-to-day operations happen efficiently and effectively and anyone who engages with Adryaloon Inc is greeted with a friendly smile.

“I aim to become adept at assisting community members with their needs, ensuring the office is a welcoming, efficient and a safe space for all”

Proud Bardi man Phillip Carter, Ardyaloon Inc’s, new groundskeeper is bringing skills and dedication to help maintain communal areas within the community.

For Phillip, this is more than just a new job. It's an opportunity to contribute to his community.

“It’s a great way to improve and work in One Arm Point community” he said.

Phillips enthusiasm for developing new skills is also clear; “I want to keep up work skills and have a real full-time job."

Meanwhile, over in East Kimberley, the Gelganyem Land Management is building momentum of its own with its recent purchase of a native plant nursery and expansion into broader land management activities such as weed control, parks maintenance and environmental consulting services. Tyesha Armstrong, a proud Mungindi Gamiliroi woman, joined the team in May 2025 as a pest technician, bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills and positive leadership vibes to the team.

“I love it! There is no job like this. I get to go exploring for work, and who can say they get to do that very often.

Tyesha is already looking at ways to further develop her skills through on-the-job experiences and completing additional TAFE courses and has recently been promoted into a supervisor position at Gelganyem Land Management where she is currently working at Argyle Diamond Mine.

RJED is helping to create job opportunities in local communities with good pay and conditions such as leave and superannuation.

​​To find out more information about the RJED program, visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs.

Phillip Carter, Groundskeeper at Ardyaloon Incorporated

          

Phillip Carter, Groundskeeper at Ardyaloon Incorporated

 

Tyesha Armstrong out and about in the East Kimberley collecting native seeds for Gelganyem Land Management’s rehabilitation work for the Argyle Diamond Mine.