Centre for Appropriate Technology (Australia) facts for kids

The Centre for Appropriate Technology Inc (CfAT) is an Australian organisation that helps Indigenous Australians. It is a not-for-profit group, which means it uses all its money to help people, not to make a profit. CfAT started in 1980 and is based in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. It also has an office in Cairns, Queensland.

CfAT works to make life better for Indigenous Australians. They do this by using special tools and ideas called appropriate technology. This helps people in remote areas get important services like clean water, power, and communication.

What is CfAT?

CfAT is an organisation led by Indigenous Australians. This means that Indigenous people are in charge of making decisions and guiding the work. Their main goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people, especially those living in remote parts of Australia. They focus on practical solutions that really help communities.

Helping Indigenous Communities

CfAT helps communities get access to things many of us take for granted. This includes better housing, clean water, and reliable electricity. They also work on ways to improve communication and transport in remote areas. Their projects are designed to be useful and lasting for the people they serve.

What is Appropriate Technology?

Appropriate technology means using tools and ideas that fit the needs of a community. It's about finding simple, affordable, and sustainable solutions. For example, instead of a huge power plant, it might be a small solar panel system. These technologies are often easy to maintain and use local resources. They are chosen to be good for the environment and the community.

Powering Remote Areas: The Bushlight Program

One of CfAT's big projects was called Bushlight. This program ran from 2002 to 2013. Its main aim was to bring clean, renewable energy to remote Indigenous communities. Many communities in distant areas did not have reliable electricity.

Bringing Clean Energy to Homes

Through the Bushlight program, CfAT installed over 130 renewable energy systems. These systems used power from the sun or wind. They were set up in remote areas across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland. This helped homes and community buildings get electricity for lights, fridges, and other important needs. Using renewable energy also meant less pollution and lower costs for the communities.

Where is CfAT Located?

CfAT's main office is in Alice Springs, which is in the middle of Australia. This location helps them work closely with many remote communities in the Northern Territory. They also have a branch office in Cairns, Queensland. This second office helps them reach communities in the northern parts of Queensland.