Walk a While Foundation’s
Long-term, Life Changing Strategy
Over 20 years ago, a respected Indigenous elder gave Walk a While founder, Ken Duncan, some advice: “If you really want to know someone, you need to "walk a while" with them.”
Since then, Ken Duncan has been working with the Indigenous people of central Australia and helping wherever possible. In 2010 Walk a While Foundation was established with the primary objective of walking alongside Indigenous people using creative and visual arts as common ground. We provide youth with equipment and skills to tell their stories and to equip them to engage in meaningful employment opportunities for the future.
People often tend to look to government to bring about unity and reconciliation, but the reality is we can all make a difference. Our vision is for all citizens of our nation to truly walk a while together in this beautiful land we call home.
Initially Walk a While focused on photography, video and music and – with assistance from some of Australia’s finest artists – the project quickly gained momentum. The plan is to show our Indigenous friends how they can make a living from the creative arts. This way, they will begin to see more choices for their future and free themselves from the cycle of dependency, which erodes identity and self-respect.
We have secured a permanent building for the Ikuntji Creative Arts & Technologies Centre, to house instructors and equipment and provide a base for training in a variety of creative arts, including photography, cinematography, music, website development and design.
Our Leadership
Walk A While Foundation Limited is a company limited by guarantee and a charity registered with ACNC. We are able to receive tax deductible gifts for our work. Our board includes very experienced business leaders, engineers and a construction project manager. Ken Duncan is the board Chair and the board meets regularly to oversee operations. All board members volunteer their time to manage the Foundation’s activities. The Board Members are Ken Duncan, OAM, Pamela Duncan, Ray Martin, Mark Tailby, Graeme Thitchener, Steve Walker and Dennis Woodward,
Governance
We take governance seriously and ensure we remain up to date with our compliance obligations. As we work with young people, all visitors to the community are required to have NT Working with Children Clearances.
Our values or respect, integrity, service, compassion, perseverance and courage underpin all our decision making. More information, including our financial reports, can be found on the ACNC website.