CfAT Ltd. Enterprise Workshop
Enterprise Workshop
The CfAT Ltd. Enterprise Workshop (Frank Curtis Workshop) was established in 2013 to support the organisation’s objective of providing appropriate technology and infrastructure for people living on country, and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in Central Australia.
Its core operations include:
- Manufacturing appropriate technology products to meet specific project specifications
- Creating Hardy Steel products to support better living in remote Aboriginal communities
- Supporting the employment and training of Aboriginal people seeking employment pathways in the metal and steel industries
Frank Curtis
The Enterprise Workshop is named after CfAT Ltd.’s Chairperson, Frank Curtis, in honour of 25 dedicated years of service as a CfAT Ltd. Board Member.
Frank’s lifelong passion is to inspire Aboriginal youth to become leaders in their communities, which is exemplified in his work at CfAT Ltd., as well as his 20-year tenure as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Early Activities
The Enterprise Workshop is the home of CfAT Ltd.’s first training deliveries, where it introduced technical training in automotive and welding for Aboriginal students in Alice Springs. The initial workshop layout accommodated a display area where visitors could view water and energy management technology projects being developed for remote communities. These early activities laid the foundation of CfAT’s training programs and steel fabrication for water and energy management projects.
Today, the workshop fabricates and manufactures metal products based in a foundation approach design, to achieve appropriate technology products and place-based solutions. These projects are a result of applied research, that deliver tangible results to Aboriginal communities through open collaborations with people, communities and industries.
Industry Apprentices
CfAT’s Enterprise Workshop supports our objectives of producing appropriate technology solutions which contribute to sustainable remote and regional communities in Australia.
The workshop’s team of qualified tradespeople and apprentices pride themselves in quality workmanship and dedication.
A key aspect of CfAT Ltd.’s work is to create sustainable industry place-based employment for Aboriginal people. The Frank Curtis workshop supports industry apprenticeships and training for people in Central Australia.
“Working here makes me feel good every day. Completing this apprenticeship will be another step up to become qualified, and I’m proud of myself for working towards a better future. I enjoy meeting new people here, and learning to use different equipment and power tools.”
- Keiffen Mardi
Frank Curtis Workshop
Products & Services Capabilities
Fabrication
Manufacturing
Welding
Metal fabrication
Structural steel fabrication
Boilermaking
Laser cutting – CNC Mazak Super Turbo X510 Laser
Tubular bending: CNC38TSR Hydraulic CNC Tube Bender
Tube/pipe bender: Baileigh RDB-250
Finishing: powder coating and painting
Deformation: bending and folding
Joining: welding, brazing, bolting, riveting
Products
Services
Large and small shelter structures
Large storage sheds
Steel skip bins (2/4/6 cubic meters)
Modifications to existing structures
Remote firefighting trailers
Remote waste management cages
Bending tubular safety railing systems
Outdoor tables and chairs
Designing and fabricating interpretive centres
Preventative maintenance
Waste controlled bins
Laser cut screens and corporate banners
Structural steel assembly
AutoCAD drawings and electronic files
Development for prototyping
Technical advice to develop first-stage concepts
Industry certification
Engineering certification
Production and manufacturing of metal products
Projects
Bush Hardy Beds
These beds are specially designed for Aboriginal people living in remote areas.
The all-steel beds are fabricated to withstand high-use, high-impact, external environment conditions and remain sturdy and hygienic.
The Bush Beds are also designed to assist the elderly with bed access, easy transport and indoor or outdoor use.
Campfire Guards
Campfire Guards minimise risk of harm and injury for people and animals getting too close to campfires. An opening in the frame allows long logs to be placed on top of the fire.
The guards feature steel frames with mesh covers and an insulated handle.
Drum Ovens
CfAT Ltd. Drum Ovens are built for the outdoors. They will withstand harsh weather and are deisgned specifically for remote living.
The ovens feature a large entry door for food, handles designed for insulation from the heat and a resting grill on top.
The fire pit at the base of the oven is where wood can be placed from the rear of the oven, and the heat surrounds the oven with a vent pipe at the top to allow smoke to escape.
These designer outdoor tables and chairs were produced for Lendlease Australia.
The stainless steel and aluminium powder-coated furniture was designed by Alice Springs-based designer, Elliat Rich.
Visit the ApMurra Furniture website to get more information.