In this, the final episode of the Outback Way Podcast, Helen gives an update on the Outback Way funding and development before sharing a snapshot of a project that epitomises the kind of sustainable development of the corridor that the Outback Highway Development Council want to see more of going forwards.

Helen interview Sue Hanson from the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre, which is an exiting project building agency and a sense of belonging and capacity for Indigenous community in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. You can find out more about their work at www.wangka.com.au/galcac-charity/

“We've had 5 seasons of the podcast capturing the characters, places, events and the development of the Outback way for the last few years. I really appreciate everyone who's listened and downloaded, and all who participated in the podcast as guests.

I would also like to make a special mention of the Perk Digital team, and Ellen Ronalds Keene who has been the producer for this podcast for its duration.

I wanted to just give you a snapshot of where the Outback Way project is actually at now, in 2023. We are in an amazing place. In October last year in the Federal budget, we now have a national bipartisan project with the funding being secured of the 1.2 billion which will finish the sealing of the Outback Way.

I know there's mixed feelings about the sealing of the road. But for people who live across the 2700km Outback Way, the sealing of the road is paramount to their wellbeing and their livelihoods and the liveability of their communities.

So we at the Outback Highway Development Council are really charging forward now with a new focus and through a new lens of moving from advocacy to actually enabling community development and community capacity within and along the Outback Way.”

~ Helen Lewis, General Manager, Outback Highway Development Council

You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1

Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

The Outback Way Podcast is produced by Perk Digital perkdigital.com.au

The Outback Way has become a symbol of resilience, connection, and progress, weaving together the diverse landscapes and communities of Australia's heartland.

 In celebration of the  25-year journey of advocacy and lobbying to the funding announcement to complete the seal, the Outback Highway Development Council is proud to present ‘From Bulldust to Bitumen – 25 Years of the Outback Way’. A book that captures the spirit, history, and future vision of this transformative project.

Order your copy and be part of the journey that continues to shape Australia's outback, it’s people and the nation. 

Head over to our website and order yours today  W: outbackway.org.au