About the Centre for
Appropriate Technology
Appropriating technology to provide people and communities better opportunity.
The CfAT headquarters in Alice Springs, NT.
The Centre for Appropriate Technology Limited (CfAT) is an Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)-incorporated not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee. CfAT operates under a corporate group structure, which comprises of parent company CfAT, and subsidiaries Ekistica Pty Ltd and CfAT Satellite Enterprises Pty Ltd. Both the parent company and its subsidiaries share similar missions and values around ‘people and engagement, innovation and excellence’.
CfAT is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)-controlled business with a majority ATSI Membership, Board and Chairperson. CfAT has a core commitment to providing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, who comprise 50% of its staff.
“CfAT believes in people, and their connection and responsibility to place. We believe that technology solutions provide key enablers to unlock their potential for the future.”
Headquartered in Alice Springs, NT, CfAT also has a regional office in Cairns, QLD. The organisation’s national focus has supported projects across the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. CfAT has strong partnerships with organisations which share similar goals; and works closely with Aboriginal communities and organisations, Aboriginal Land Councils, Federal, State, Territory and Local Government jurisdictions, tertiary and VET educational institutions, the private sector, NGOs and philanthropic institutions.
CfAT was established in Alice Springs in 1980 to research, design, develop and teach appropriate technologies and deliver technical training to Indigenous people living in remote communities. The organisation works towards sustainable and enterprising communities by delivering appropriate fit-for-purpose technology, including practical project design, technical innovation, infrastructure, and training services.
Today, CfAT builds on four decades of work to continue advancing technology for people and place.
The CfAT mission:
CfAT supports people in remote and regional Australia in maintaining their relationship with country, including a desire to live on country, visit country, develop country for economic benefit, or protect country. CfAT provides solutions to infrastructure challenges including reliable power, water supply, digital connectivity, infrastructure, and training and skills development.
CfAT believes the best outcomes for communities, service providers and funders arise when communities are in a position to make informed decisions about matters affecting their lives, and provided with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to ensure greater self-reliance.
CfAT's unique knowledge of and engagement with remote communities contributes to its mission of delivering technical reliability, and building local capacity to unlock economic opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
CfAT’s core operations include:
Technology innovation and application
Applied project design, management and professional services
Community engagement, planning and facilitation
Place-based accredited training, skills development and capacity building
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises and employment
Infrastructure design, engineering, construction and fabrication
CfAT’s primary objectives between 2016-2021:
Transitioning to a successful enterprise-based not-for-profit business
Further establishing CfAT as remote technology innovation leader
Maximising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment
Building training and skills development outcomes