Drones for Change
The "Drones for Change" initiative aims to empower young Indigenous individuals in correctional centres by providing culturally safe, practical and drone piloting training. The program provides a clear pathway from introductory drone technology with the goal to achieve formal training, ie CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) readiness and employment pathways across sectors such as agriculture, conservation and media.
Program highlights
- Culturally Safe Training — a selected Indigenous staff member supports the program to ensure cultural relevance and safe engagement.
- CASA RePL Pathway — structured instruction to prepare participants for formal training towards Remote Pilot Licence certification.
- Pathways to Employment — practical skills linked to jobs in multiple industries and further study options.
Objectives
These are the core objectives for the Drones for Change initiative:
Introduce drone technology
Give participants a safe, introductory experience with UAV hardware, software, and safe operating best-practices.
Hands-on & theoretical training
Combine practical flight practice with classroom-based theory that aligns with CASA knowledge requirements.
CASA RePL readiness
Outline and teach the components required to start formal training and outline Remote Pilot Licences (RePL) requirements including practice and theory.
Facilitate employment pathways
Outline paths to industry contacts and further education opportunities in agriculture, conservation, media and more.
Outcomes & Impact
Short-term outcomes
- Increased engagement and participation of young Indigenous individuals in educational activities.
- Development of technical drone piloting skills, safety awareness and teamwork.
Long-term outcomes
- Improved employment prospects and capability to pursue CASA RePL accreditation.
- Enhanced community engagement and stronger cultural connections through technology-led projects.
- Creation of a sustainable model for empowerment, training and rehabilitation within correctional settings.
Policy alignment
The Drones for Change initiative aligns with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice objectives to support and rehabilitate young Indigenous people in the justice system by providing culturally relevant training that leads to education and employment pathways.
Delivery model & cultural safety
Key features of delivery include:
- Culturally-informed trainers: An Indigenous staff representative will co-design and co-deliver sessions to ensure relevance and safety.
- Blended learning: A mixture of hands-on flight training, classroom theory, and mentoring tailored to participants' learning styles.
- Assessment & certification: Supplying the students with the full path to formal training to sit CASA RePL-related exams and practical verification.
Next steps & contact
To pilot this initiative or discuss partnership opportunities, please contact the program coordinator via the chat button.