The Warlpiri people have wanted their own secondary school in the Tanami for many years. Since the establishment of the Warlpiri Education and Training Trust in 2004 Warlpiri people have repeatedly raised the possibility of establishing a secondary school.

The Warlpiri have a record of tackling their problems and challenges head-on and have an admirable record of successful projects/organisations: Warlukurlungu Artists co-operative and gallery; Warlpiri Media Association; Mt Theo Petrol sniffing programme (now a diversion facility); Jaru Pirrjirdi Youth Programme; WYN health - to mention a few. Adding a secondary College is a new challenge. Coming at this stage after such a successful history of self-management, means that these training objectives are not regarded as unreasonably ambitious, or beyond the reach and capability of the Warlpiri people.

This presentation will talk about the processes in hand, the challenges ahead and the enthusiasm among the community to make this dream become a reality.