Meet Nolan, our dedicated Community Assistant at Ampilatwatja, in the heart of Central Australia.
Nolan, born in Ali Curung, has returned to his mother’s country in Ampilatwatja, where he lives with his father, brother, and sisters. Located roughly 325 km northeast of Alice Springs, this remote community is accessible via the rugged Sandover Highway – a 4-hour journey on a road that, when in good condition, opens up a world of quiet, untamed beauty.
A family man with five children of his own, Nolan finds joy in both his work and his free time. When he isn’t busy in the garden nurturing fresh produce or teaching local kids about healthy living, he’s out in the bush on a hunting adventure with his cousin and brother.
“We hunt for kangaroo, turkey, goanna, and porcupine. Porcupine is my favourite. Before dawn, we follow the tracks in near silence, and when we spot one, we carefully spear it. After removing the spikes, we build a fire in the ground to cook it. The meat is incredibly tasty—either enjoyed plain or mixed with veggies for extra flavour”, Nolan shares with a smile.
In his role with EON, Nolan is passionate about cultivating a deeper connection between his community and the land.
“I love being in the garden here, learning and teaching kids healthy ways and helping them to understand what we are doing and why we need to care for ourselves and the garden,” he explains.
His curiosity drives him to learn about water and irrigation systems, while his hands-on approach to removing buffalo grass not only clears space but also encourages the return of bush medicine. Nolan’s dream is to plant more trees for shade, creating a welcoming space where everyone can come together and enjoy the beauty of Ampilatwatja
