The Umbalarre Story
History
Craig’s Grandfather grew up on a cattle station but maintained a strong sense of culture. He raised his kids with a farmers work ethic but with their identity firmly rooted in Umbularre. Their Grandfather was instrumental in reclaiming their land and maintaining it. Craig now lives on site with his mother and with family only a short drive away on adjacent properties and in Finke.
Oak Valley Olive Grove
Family owned and operated producer of Oak Valley Olive Oil. Oak Valley is a small community situated 96km south of Alice Springs on the Mpwelarre Land Trust. It was established by Robert & Mary LeRossignol with the goal to establish multiple sustainable enterprises, which will allow our community to become self-sufficient. The ventures currently being operated at Oak Valley include a 400 tree Olive Grove which produces extra virgin olive oil. Oak Valley Oil will be sold locally and Territory wide with a view to expanding Australia wide. This venture will showcase Central Australia and the Northern Territory by being the first commercial olive grove in the area, and by being a unique product grown locally by local indigenous people.
Titjitkala
With a population of about 200 residents, the community of Titjikala sits nestled among the red sand dunes of the Simpson Desert straddling the Hugh River, a major contributory to the ancient Finke River. Also known locally as Tapatjatjaka, Titjikala is 130km south of Alice Springs. Most commonly speaking Pitjantjatjara, residents of Titjikala have a strong sense of community and cultural heritage. Titjikala’s community engagement is broad and its residents demonstrate a strong community pride that is reflected through a history with Tidy Towns that began in the 1990s and in 2013 culminated when it was named the Territory Tidy Town.
Insert Pictures
Umbalarre (Oak Valley) Family Tree