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Leonora, Western Australia – Friday, May 17th, 2024, marked a momentous occasion with the launch of the Mamutjitji Story app, an innovative educational tool that marries ancient wisdom with modern technology.
Developed collaboratively by leading Indigenous business leaders from Australia and New Zealand, this groundbreaking app aims to inspire and educate young minds about the natural world and the cultural significance of the Ngalia language and traditions.
Local Business Support: A Commitment to Community
The creation of the Mamutjitji Story app is a testament to the power of local business support and the importance of fostering community-driven initiatives. MLG Oz Limited’s Community Engagement Program proudly sponsors this project, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to supporting local communities and promoting educational outcomes.
“MLG’s Community Engagement Program is honoured to have been invited to be part of the development of the Mamutjitji Story app. This innovative project will help preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Ngalia people whilst also inspiring and educating young minds through interactive storytelling and bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary learning. We congratulate everyone involved in bringing the first-ever app in the Ngalia language to life.
We look forward to seeing its positive impact on communities across Western Australia and beyond”
Tom Gregorczyk Chief Commercial Officer MLG Oz Limited
A Vision for Cultural and Educational Innovation
The Mamutjitji Story app is the first-ever app in the Ngalia language, providing an interactive resource that connects today’s youth with ancient ways through storytelling. This project is a beacon of hope and inspiration for other remote communities, demonstrating that innovation and cultural preservation can go hand in hand.
Kado Muir, Director of Dilji Corporation, and a key contributor to the app, emphasized the importance of local supplier arrangements. “This project showcases how local business partnerships can generate significant benefits for the community. It reminds big corporates that engaging with local suppliers results in local benefits, fostering sustainable development and cultural preservation.”
Collaborative Efforts and Bilateral Support
The Mamutjitji Story app was developed with the support of the WA’s Ngalia Heritage Research Council, Walkatjurra Cultural Centre, CSIRO, and Australia’s National Science Agency. The initiative also received backing from the Shire of Leonora and Kiwa Digital, highlighting the strength of cross-border collaboration fostered by bilateral government policies between Australia and New Zealand.
“This app is a profound testament to what can be achieved when local businesses, Indigenous leaders, and governmental support come together with a shared vision,” said Steven Renata, Managing Director of Kiwa Digital Ltd. “It’s an honour to see our collective efforts bring such a valuable educational resource to life.”
A Tool for the Future
Aimed at schools and organizations in Australia and New Zealand, the Mamutjitji Story app develops science inquiry skills by connecting with Aboriginal ecological knowledge. It is free and accessible on Apple and Android mobile devices, and it features bilingual narration, animation, artwork, and game features.
The app tells the Mamutjitji Dreaming Story, a narrative belonging to the Ngalia Western Desert Aboriginal People. Students are introduced to a community of Aboriginal children who face mythical challenges, learning about the antlion’s lifecycle, feeding habits, and the environment through engaging digital content.
Celebrating Local Success
In his speech at the launch event, Tom Gregorczyk of MLG Oz Limited highlighted the project’s collaborative spirit and cultural significance. “The Mamutjitji Story app is a profound testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of cultural heritage. We at MLG are honoured to have played a part in this journey and look forward to seeing its positive impact on communities across Western Australia and beyond.”
The app is free and can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store.
Contact for Media Inquiries
For Leonora (Western Australia) Media Interviews:
- Kado Muir, Dilji Corporation Pty Ltd: kadomuir@dilji.com.au, 0477184957
- Talbot Muir, Ngalia Elder and Custodian: 0439629559
- Cate Rocchi, Perth Media: cate@perthmedia.com.au, 0428 431 699
For Kiwa Digital and New Zealand Media Interviews:
- Jill Tattersall: jill@kiwadigital.com
- Steven Renata: steven@kiwadigital.com
For MLG OZ Limited Media Interviews:
- Urvin Seeburuth: urvin@mlgoz.com.au
