Exciting upgrades are underway at the Ajurumu Store in Warruwi (South Goulburn Island), located 290 kilometers northeast of Darwin.

ALPA proudly manages the Ajurumu Store, owned by the Ajurumu Store Aboriginal Corporation. With the support of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and Aboriginal Benefits Scheme (ABA) grants, this independent store is now undergoing major renovations to better serve the community and meet their growing needs.

Creating more efficient spaces with Bukmak Constructions

Bukmak Constructions, an ALPA subsidiary, is leading this project with several design innovations, including: 

• Doubling the store's total floor space and expanding chiller and freezer capacity, allowing for increased wet season stock and improved food security. 
• Boosting energy efficiency through new electrical mechanical and refrigeration services.
• Improving store safety with the addition of a drive through undercover loading/unloading area.
• Providing disability access requirements to meet current Australian standards. 

Tackling remote construction challenges

Construction projects in remote areas come with their own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is logistics—transporting materials, equipment, and even skilled labour to these locations can be complex, time-consuming, and costly. 

Bukmak Constructions has an established base in East Arnhem Land which helps to mitigate some of these issues. Their local workforce has been developed in communities of operation, and closer access to a pool of plant and equipment means Bukmak can easily be mobilised to locations across the region. Collaborating with Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation, Bukmak is also engaging local labour, and utilising accommodation and community-based support services. 

Keeping the store operational during construction is another crucial challenge. To support this, a mobile food preparation van has been brought in to make sure the store can keep serving the community while kitchen renovations are underway.