MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 1

Santa Teresa representatives accept the Australian Sustainable Communities Tidy Town Award

ABOVE: (left to right) Tyrone Griffin, Frankie Marks, Joseph Zimran, Sonia Jugadai, Rachel Kantawara, Darren Dixon, Francis Marshall and Derek Egan NEW ENERGY IN IKUNTJI RACHEL KANTAWARA STARTS AS THE NEW COUNCIL SERVICES COORDINATOR Full story and photos pages 6-7

PAGES 4-5: Councillors speak up on economic development PAGES 12-15: Our young people join effort to reduce suicide INSIDE PAGE 27-37: Internal and Territory Tidy Town Awards MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 2

CEO UPDATE

Welcome to MacDonnell Regional Council,

Welcome to 2020, I hope those that took holidays had an enjoyable time and I thank those that worked over the break and allowed us to maintain our services to our communities.

I am looking forward to this year as we have many exciting projects in the works, including renovations to the office on Bagot Street.

As reigning title holders, Santa Teresa and MacDonnell Regional Council (MRC) will host the National 2020 Keep Beautiful Tidy Town Awards in April this year. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from across Australia and showcasing Santa Teresa. Congratulations to all of the MRC communities that received recognition in the Territory Tidy Town Awards and our internal awards. The friendly competition encourages us all to strive towards better standards for our communities.

Sadly, we lost Councillor Wilyuka this year. On behalf of the management and staff of MRC, I extend our deepest sympathy his family and friends. Councillor Wilyuka was a tireless leader and advocate for his community , the Rodinga ward and the Central Australian area.

We will conduct a by-election in the Rodinga Ward for the replacement Councillor after a culturally appropriate period of time.

It is extremely satisfying to see so many local Aboriginal staff moving up through the organisation. Congratulations to Kathy Abbott as the new Manager Service Delivery for Hermannsburg, , Haasts Bluff and Areyonga, and our new Council Services Coordinators; Rachel Kantawarra at Haasts Bluff, Simon Walmby in Wallace Rockhole, Stephen Trindle in Docker River and Max Baliva in Hermannsburg.

I look forward to working with you all this year to improve the lives of our constituents.

Jeff MacLeod, Chief Executive Officer, MacDonnell Regional Council MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 3 Message from the President What a busy and productive year we had in 2019. I am so proud of all our many achievements across all of our services. Thank you to the Councillors for their support and leadership. It is amazing to work with such an experienced and strong team. I must congratulate the Local Authorities for their decisions that continue to improve their communities. I can see the results as I visit each of our communities. I am pleased to see the Local Authorities allocating project funding and decision making to Youth Boards. This is an important way to support our young people who are our future. To our young people, our future leaders, we look forward to hearing your voices. For all of our community representatives, we must keep engaging with our residents, to talk and listen. Sadly last year and early this year with the passing of Councillor Wilyuka, we have lost some inspirational community members. We must honour their legacy as we work together and support each other. We have had several new Council Services Coordinator appointments; Rachel Kantawarra at Haasts Bluff, Simon Walmby in Wallace Rockhole, Stephen Trindle in Docker River and Max Baliva in Hermannsburg. Kathy Abbot has taken on a new role as the Manager Service Delivery for Hermannsburg, Wallace Rockhole, Haasts Bluff and Areyonga. We are heading in the right when all of these new appointments are from our local community. Finally, I would like to thank all the 530 staff of MacDonnell Regional Council for your hard work. The Councillors and I are grateful for your support for community residents to be able to work on community, for community. Roxanne Kenny President MacDonnell Regional Council

ABOVE: The final Council meeting of 2019 MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 4 Councillors speak up about economic development for communities at Parliamentary inquiry

ABOVE: MRC Councillors talk to the Parliamentary committee

Late last year, Council President Roxanne Kenny and Councillors Marlene Abbott, Braydon Williams, Mark Inkamala and Dalton McDonald spoke on behalf of the MacDonnell Regional Council to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Opportunities and Challenges of the Engagement of Traditional Owners in the Economic Development of Northern Australia.

President Kenny spoke about the issues that are common across of housing deficits, road conditions, resource availability, and the fact that water is running low in communities and outstations.

The local Federal Member for Lingiari Warren Snowden recounted how he and fellow committee member Yawuru man Senator Pat Dodson had visited the Docker River camp site and how comfortable they were using the new ablution block.

Cr Williams spoke about the value of tourism to the area with its beautiful countryside. He entertained the committee with some examples of the stories associated with the land and the committee agreed that support for tourism initiatives could assist with economic development of the area.

Cr McDonald talked about the plans has for a big music and cultural festival and its potential for the region.

Continued on the next page…. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 5 Councillors speak up about economic development for communities at Parliamentary inquiry

ABOVE: (from left) Senator Pat Dodson, Cr Braydon Williams, Warren Snowden MP, Cr Marlene Abbot, Warren Entsch MP, President Roxanne Kenny, Senator Sam McMahon, Cr Mark Inkamala and Cr Dalton McDonald BELOW: Councillors represent MRC at the Parliamentary Inquiry MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 6 New energy in Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff)

There a new energy around the Haasts Bluff Service Centre Delivery team following the appointment of new Council Service Coordinator (CSC) Rachel Kantawara. The return of Rachel to the community that is 50km east of the outstation she grew up on has sparked excitement amongst the team. New ideas and a refresh of older ideas have been written on a whiteboard in the Council office. Rachel said the board was ready and full of great ideas before she had even started.

“I spoke to my team and they want to clean up more and enter into Tidy Towns. I’m excited cause they’re excited about taking care of the community. They take so much pride in their community and they spoke about the awards they got before and they want more awards. They’re excited just talking about it” Rachel Kantawara Council Service Coordinator Haasts Bluff

ABOVE: Haasts Bluff CSC Rachel Kantawara Continued on the next page…. BELOW: Haasts Bluff Civil Works team MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 7 New energy in Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff)

ABOVE: The Haasts Bluff Centre Service Delivery team, when Rachel was asked for her photo, she said that the photos had to include the team. One idea from the Civil Works team is to paint the large cement blocks around the community white so that the community can then paint whatever they want on them, beautifying the community. Rachel said she is happy to be back as it allows her family to come back and visit the lands close to their heart. Rachel started as in administration in Hermannsburg with MacDonnell Regional Council in 2017 and has worked as a Centrelink agent as well. Rachel covered as the CSC in Hermannsburg when Kathleen Abbott was on leave and trained as an Essential Services Officer (ESO), becoming the 1st female Aboriginal ESO for MRC and the NT Southern Region. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 8 Opening up the decision-making space Papunya Local Authority held in public open space As part of the 2019-20 Regional Plan, Council has been supporting Local Authorities (LAs) to hold a number of meetings in public open space so that the meetings are more accessible to the public. In November 2019, Papunya became the 1st LA to take their meeting outside of the Council office and held their meeting in the Maku Shed. Usually used as a youth space, the area allowed for members of the public to easily enter, listen and make contributions to decision-making. LA member Sammy Butcher said meeting in the public open space was a good start and more people will come. The LA thought it was a good initiative to engage with the public and decided to have another on 11 June 2020. Sammy said it would be a good opportunity to consult with the community about how what the Council should be doing. The next LA meeting in a public open space will be Wallace Rockhole on 13 February with the more in other communities to be held from April in the cooler months.

ABOVE: (From left to right) Robert Rabotot, Ken Newman, Sammy Butcher (grey shirt) at the Papunya Local Authority meeting in the Maku Shed

2019-20 MacDonnell Regional Council Regional Plan

Goal: Empowered Communities

3.3: Local Authority and Council members, constituents and Objective stakeholders are engaged and informed Local Authority meetings are engaging and accessible to members and Strategy the public 13 Local Authority meetings are held in public open spaces Key Performance 5% of residents attend each Local Authority meetings Indicator 13 Councillor community engagement events supported Continued on the next page…. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 9 Opening up the decision-making space Papunya Local Authority held in public open space

ABOVE: (left to right) Terrence Abbott, Gareth Lea (standing), Dalton McDonald and Tommy Conway in discussion at the Papunya Local Authority meeting BELOW: Papunya residents Marissa Roger, Felicia Inkamala and Vavalda Cooke help with the BBQ MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 10 Planning for a sustainable and healthy community Kintore Master Plan

ABOVE: Kintore Local Authority Chair Monica Robinson (centre) gives direction for the Kintore Master Plan After a request from the Kintore Local Authority for a master plan for community shared space, MRC has engaged the services of Arid Edge Environmental Services Manager Alex McClean to consult with the LA and produce a draft plan. In the final LA meeting of 2019, Alex consulted with the Kintore LA around a map of Kintore. The robust discussion included where wind breaks and shade should be placed and how to make shared spaces safer. BELOW LEFT: Kintore Local Authority member Lindsay Corby gives direction for the Kintore Master Plan BELOW RIGHT: (left to right) Alex McClean listens to LA members Giselle Barku and Phyllis Rose MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 11 Local Authority member Giselle Barku to bring more leadership skills back to Kintore

ABOVE: Giselle Barku (left) contributes to the Kintore master plan in the Local Authority meeting with assistance from Phyllis Rose

Kintore Local Authority (LA) member Giselle Barku has been accepted into the First Circles Leadership Program which supports emerging Aboriginal leaders from across remote communities.

First Circles members meet with the Government Cabinet to discuss solutions and opportunities for government to work with remote communities on a range of projects. The members work together with their communities to build their skills to be the next generation of community leaders. The program will support members to tap into existing NT Government grant funding to benefit their community and leadership aspirations. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 12 Our young people join effort to reduce suicide

Late in 2019, The National Agency provided funding to MacYouth so that 9 Youth Board members from Hermannsburg, Kintore and Santa Teresa could attend the Indigenous Suicide Prevention Forum presented by Thirrili in Melbourne. Attendance enabled participants to engage with peers from across Australia to develop place-based strategies to deal with Indigenous suicide in community.

MacDonnell Regional Council young people were represented by Annika Flowers, Camilla Hayes, Natarlia Alice, Cheryl Raggett, Francis Collins, Jordan Pollard, Lofty Armstrong, Sheila Rubuntja and Kevin Abbott. MacYouth staff Nicholas Williams, Menam Ryder and Lily McKnight provided support on the trip.

Continued on the next page….

“It felt really good to talk story about Kintore. What makes us strong is going out bush with elders and learning about country. We have strong elders who show us how to hunt, dance and sing” Youth Board member Kintore

“I liked the part in the workshop where everyone stood up and shouted together ‘we are young, black and deadly!’ This makes me feel confident to stand up and talk at Youth Board meetings”. Youth Board member Kintore MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 13 Our young people join effort to reduce suicide

ABOVE: MRC attendees with CEO of Thirrili Adele Cox (centre in beige jacket)

On the first day the group were involved in 2 workshops; ‘Understanding the challenges facing Indigenous youth and developing strategies to build resilience, access support and improve wellbeing’ and ‘Contributing to the Prime Minister’s National Suicide Prevention Taskforce’. The group discussed and workshopped strengths and challenges faced by their families and communities.

On the following 2 days of the forum, there were a range of speakers from Federal and State Government, community and Aboriginal owned organisations, NGOs and other service providers. Other forum attendees were overwhelmingly positive about the presence of young people at the forum.

“It fills me with joy to see young ones here, they are our future we need to look after them” Senior woman Northern Western Australia

“Young people are critical, we need to hear their voices” Representative National Indigenous Australians Agency Continued on the next page…. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 14 Our young people join effort to reduce suicide

ABOVE: from the MacYouth Handbook MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 15 Our young people join effort to reduce suicide One of the aspects most valued by young people were the 1-on-1 conversations that were had between presentations with many interested to hear about our young people’s communities and experiences.

A major theme shared across the 2 days was stressing the importance of connection to culture and land and how this is essential to the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous people, as well as place-based and community-led solutions and more funding for Aboriginal controlled organisations.

“It was good to meet other people working in the same space, make connections, hear about how other people from all over Australia are working towards the same goal and showing government how important it is to listen to us” Youth Board member Hermannsburg

ABOVE: enjoying the sights in Melbourne In the evenings after the forum, after the young people had debriefed and reflected on the day, they enjoyed being in a large city and took the opportunity to go shopping, go out for dinner, go shopping, catch trams, go shopping and look at the Christmas lights. BELOW: from the MacYouth Handbook MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 16 The Little Red Threat Book Supporting Communities in Responding to Suicide Being Used as a Threat MacDonnell Regional Council has provided auspice support for the production of a resource tackling the issue of people using suicide as a threat. The book has been redeveloped to assist Northern Territory community members and service providers to respond to this difficult topic. “The Little Red Threat Book’’, originally published in 2007, has been revised and further developed by the Central Australian Life Promotion Network (LPN) with input from people who have lived experience of this issue. Some of those people that gave vital input to this new resource and attended the workshop were MRC employees, Roselene Rankine ( MacSafe), John Wallace and Terry Alice (Santa Teresa MacSafe), Lilly McKnight, Belinda Malone, Ted Lawrence & Jessica Kragh (MacYouth). MacYouth’s Jessica Kragh played a key part in getting this resource together. Continued on the next page….

“The Little Red Threat Book responds to community concerns about the increase in people threatening suicide and provides useful support suggestions for those involved” Peter Devine MRC Manager Community Safety and LPN Chair/Board Member. BELOW: Participants at the workshop MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 17 The Little Red Threat Book

ABOVE: Smoking ceremony at the workshop In 2019, the Central Australian Life Promotion Network received funding from the Northern Territory Government to organise, host and facilitate a Suicide Prevention Forum in Central Australia that would inform a revised version of the Little Red Threat Book. The LPN was established in 2017 as part of the Wesley Lifeforce networks, and is facilitated by MHACA, MacDonnell Regional Council, Lifeline Central Australia, Australian Red Cross and the National Indigenous Australians Agency. In August 2019, people from Aboriginal communities, people with lived experience of suicide and representatives from local service organisations came together at the Suicide Prevention Forum to share experiences and explore responses to suicide being used as a threat. The forum heard directly from people who have been impacted by this issue, as well as from successful suicide prevention programs. “Suicide as a threat is a complex issue and this book does not have all the answers, but the LPN has developed this resource in the hope that it will help people be more confident to provide the appropriate support in these difficult situations” Peter Devine Manager Community Safety, MacDonnell Regional Council and LPN Chair/Board Member. “The book tackles a problem that has felt difficult, confusing and dangerous for many people. In the workshops, participants expressed an understanding that people making suicidal threats are often affected by trauma and the frustrations of unmet needs. Responses explored in the book revolve around expressing care, supporting collective safety and finding ways to meet unmet needs without reinforcing unsafe behaviour,” said Peter Devine. The book can be downloaded here: https://www.macdonnell.nt.gov.au/uploads/misc/The-Little-Red-Threat-Book.pdf or from the MacDonnell Regional Council website: www.macdonnell.nt.gov.au, then click on Services then click on Community Safety MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 18 Do you need extra support at work? Employee Assistance Program

Welcome to 2020 and welcome back to those who have enjoyed some time away for the festive season.

As we enter the new year, it gives many an opportunity to pause for reflection over the last year’s (and recent) events and the opportunity to set some new goals for a new year.

At times we could all do with some support in working through challenges. As part of Council's commitment to supporting its team members, Council provides employees with a personal support service called Employment Assistance Program where a local organisation EASA delivers this on Council’s behalf.

The Employee Assistance Program encompasses a range of confidential counselling and psychological support services, with the first five sessions paid for by MacDonnell Regional Council.

Council employees may attend counselling for a variety of reasons, work-related stress, trauma, grief, loss, career issues, relationship problems, stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol or drug problems.

EASA can, amongst other things, provide confidential counselling that can help you to clarify the issue, identify realistic goals, and develop new perspectives and coping skills.

The topics and contents of the employee’s discussions with EASA are private and confidential to the employee and EASA. EASA will not tell us (and we don’t ask) which employees attend counselling, so if you don’t tell us, then we won’t know!

EASA provides a range of means to communicate, including over the phone and SKYPE, so even if you are remote you can still access the program and EASA.

If you are thinking to use the program or are a supervisor wanting more information to inform your employees of the program then feel free to contact the team in Human Resources, your supervisor or EASA directly. You will also find more information in Council's Enterprise Agreement.

Contacts: MRC Human Resources 08 8958 9611 EASA (08) 8953 4225 or [email protected] MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 19 A good place to have a yarn Yarning Circle opens in Finke

ABOVE: Having a yarn at the Finke Yarning Circle outside the Community Safety office: MacSafe team members Ivan Palmer and Rodney Lambourne, Community Engagement Officer Gemma Neil

With funding from the Northern Territory Government Department of Health, MacSafe has been able to create a Yarning Circle outside the Finke Community Safety office that offers the community a chance to share stories and ideas in the evenings while feeling warm and safe. Designed in consultation with the community consultation. It is an inviting space for everyone to feel welcome in the evenings to share a cup of tea and a biscuit and have a good yarn. Community residents have long recognised that a neutral space for people to gather at is needed. It has also provided MacDonnell Regional Council staff a place to sit over a meal with community members and have a good yarn.

“On my visits to Finke, I have been able to sit with community members to get to know how they are feeling about personal and community wide issues. We have developed a greater trust and opened communication channels which would not have been possible without the creation of this yarning space” Yarran Cavalier Southern Region Coordinator Community Safety and Remote Sports MacSafe MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 20 MacKids – Kintore Morning tea time at the Early Childhood Learning Centre MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 21 MacKids – Kintore Play time at the Early Childhood Learning Centre MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 22 Connecting young people to culture through The Right Track program

ABOVE: Camp participants exploring Eastern Arrernte country.

MacYouth, Traditional Owners, Elders, family and other community members have worked together to provide 2 cultural camps for 13 young people from Santa Teresa. The cultural camps are part of The Right Track program, which is funded through Territory Families. It aims to support young people engage in activities within their community who are ‘at-risk’ of entering the juvenile justice system. The camps are structured to encourage young people maintain culture through traditional arts and strengthen connections to families and community. Camp activities included traditional tool-making delivered in partnership with local organisation Wellbeing and Indigenous Leadership Development 1 (WILD1) and drumming workshops delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal organisation Atyenhenge-Atherre Aboriginal Corporation (AAAC). Social and emotional skills were developed to self-regulate emotions, build upon impulse control, find ways to problem-solve conflict and use therapeutic crisis intervention strategies. Young people also worked on practical skills such as cooking, maintaining camp cleanliness and risk assessment and management. These activities were facilitated by MacYouth staff who have experience and knowledge in trauma-informed care, child and youth psycho-social development and behavioural management. This allowed MacYouth staff to spend quality time with the young people in a supportive environment. Continued on the next page…. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 23 Connecting young people to culture through The Right Track program

ABOVE: WILD1 Leader Jamie Tjupurulla explaining the factors, quality and types of wood required to make traditional tools. RIGHT: Sunset drumming and yarning around the fire. The rhythmic sounds of drumming enhances cognitive brain functioning and creates connection and space for conversations to occur.

The Right Track Program will run across all 9 MacYouth sites: Amoonguna, Areyonga, Haasts Bluff, Hermannsburg, Papunya, Mount Liebig, Kintore, Santa Teresa and Titjikala. Referrals can be made for young people (aged 10 to 17 years) by family / community members, police, school, MacYouth staff, other community agencies (both non- government and government) as well as by the young person themselves.

To refer a young person to The Right Track please email: [email protected] or call 0428 102 431.

Continued on the next page…. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 24 The Right Track

ABOVE LEFT: After safety demonstrations and discussing responsibilities about axe use, the participants contributed in cutting down their first branch to be shaped into traditional tools. ABOVE RIGHT: Maxwell Meneri (Youth Engagement Officer) has come across a prospective figure seven throwing stick. All participant hands were required to dig it out. BELOW: Back at the campground the participants begun to craft their traditional tools. It was hard and hot work that was challenging, but rewarding for the participants. On the left will be a shield and on the right will be a throwing stick. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 25

LEFT: Participants taking charge and cooking breakfast for the MacYouth team. ABOVE: The Traditional Owner took the young people to a place where there might be water, a deep hole hidden within a gorge near Arltunga Historical Reserve. BELOW: A Troopy Convoy with 8 participants, 3 MacYouth staff, 1 WILD1 stakeholder and Traditional Owners heading north-east along the Arltunga Rd. A buddy and numbering system was used so that nobody was left behind with the constant stopping.

“So much of my work is observation. Seeing young people sitting around in a circle in silence and working hard cannot be underestimated. Being a whitefella from Cairns, connection is built in the spaces of silence. I still have much to learn from these young people” Zachary Tonkin The Right Track Case Manager MacYouth MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 26 Do you want help with using digital devices? MacConnect is here to teach residents and staff how to use digital devices

MacConnect is a service that is currently being delivered in all MacDonnell Regional Council (MRC) communities to develop the capacity of residents and staff in digital literacy and digital safety. The goals of MacConnect are to provide safe connected access to the internet, digital education and content contribution. Funding has been received from the NT Libraries BeConnected initiative which will provide communities with free Wi-Fi.

BELOW: MacConnect workshop with iPads in Mount Liebig MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 27

ABOVE: MacConnect workshop in Hermannsburg with MacCare staff

A MacConnect workshop was run in Mount Liebig for Ngurratjuta about e-safety following concern in community about people posting inappropriate messages in public posts on social media such as Facebook. The workshop taught people to understand ways to use social medial safely. E-safety Yarnsafe videos were used to assist this. The videos focus on cyberbullying and how to be safe online.

Feedback from the participants was that they found the workshop to be very useful and learned from the information. Participants said they would spread the lessons learnt around the community. Informative posters were also given to participants to place around community. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 28 Ken Newman appointed as Director of Service Centre Delivery

Ken was born in Canada but got here just as quick as he could – 42 years ago. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Ken came to Australia on a 12 month working holiday and never left.

Arriving in Central Australia just after the Northern Territory received self-government in 1978, he began his working career in the Northern Territory Government (NTG) as a Probation and Parole Officer with NT Correctional Services. He met his wife Fiona, who was a Teacher at Yuendumu and they married there in 1979. Ken left the NTG for a couple of years and lived and worked in Community Government in Yuendumu. They then moved to Katherine in 1982 for 4 years after rejoining the NTG, once again with Corrections. They then returned to the Red Centre building a career and a family. Ken has worked almost 18 years in total in NT Community Corrections visiting many NT communities through his work.

Ken left the NTG in 1998 and after some years working in the private sector, worked as the General Manager on the APY Lands in South Australia until 2010. Ken and Fiona returned to live in Alice Springs and after settling back into town life, Ken started working for the MacDonnell Shire at Hermannsburg in 2011 as a Shire Service Coordinator. Over the next 9 years Ken has worked mainly as an Area Manager, supporting many MRC Service Delivery teams, until this most recent promotion.

Ken and Fiona have 2 children and 7 grand-children.

“I love the remoteness, the bush and the people in the communities I visit. Fiona and I have made many friends over the years from all walks of life” Ken Newman Director Service Centre Delivery

“Ken brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience gleaned from over 40 years of living and working in Central Australia to the role. During his time in the NT, he has held a number of senior executive and management positions with the NT Public Service, NGOs, private industry and for the last 9 years with MacDonnell Regional Council. Please join with me in congratulating Ken on his well-deserved appointment and I look forward to working with him and his team” Jeff MacLeod CEO MacDonnell Regional Council ABOVE: New Director Service Centre Delivery Ken Newman MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 29 MacDonnell Regional Council Internal Tidy Towns Awards

Our Service Delivery Teams have done an amazing job in 2019 in keeping all 13 MRC communities tidy and continually improving best practices in the management of community. Hard work has especially paid off with Finke, Wallace Rockhole and Santa Teresa becoming finalists in the Northern Territory Tidy Towns. Congratulations to everyone in these communities.

Late last year, all MRC Council Services Coordinators (CSC) gathered together in Alice Springs for a couple of days to attend training, share stories, get updates and recognise all the hard work each team is doing to improve the quality of life in our regions communities. The team then spent the morning exploring Santa Teresa’s waste management facility which won at the Northern Territory Tidy Towns in 2019 for ‘Best Landfill Site.’

A part of this gathering is to hold a MacDonnell Regional Tidy Towns competition within our own communities, creating some healthy competition and to ensure our communities continue to be great places to live. Keep Australia Beautiful Council (NT) CEO, Heimo Schober was the special guest presenter for the awards along with MRC CEO Jeff MacLeod.

Encouragement Award Haasts Bluff CSC: Rachel Kantawara

Encouragement Award Kintore CSC: Frank Tzoukos MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 30 MacDonnell Regional Council Internal Tidy Towns Awards

Runner up Best Landfill – Small Wallace Rockhole CSC: Max Baliva

Winner Best Landfill – Small Imanpa CSC: Tanya Luckey

Runner up Best Landfill – Medium Amoonguna CSC: Levina Phillips

Winner Best Landfill – Medium Mount Liebig CSC: Stuart Millar ESO Stephen Trindle collects the award MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 31 MacDonnell Regional Council Internal Tidy Towns Awards

Runner Up Best Landfill - Large Papunya CSC: Gareth Lea

Winner Best Landfill – Large Santa Teresa CSC: Annalisa Young

Best Park Areyonga (Main park) CSC: Christopher Broomhall

Best Sportsground Titjikala Oval CSC: Lisa Sharman MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 32 MacDonnell Regional Council Internal Tidy Towns Awards

Most Improved Community Docker River CSC: Robert McQuade

Runner up Best Small Community Imanpa CSC: Tanya Luckey

Winner Best Small Community Wallace Rockhole CSC: Max Baliva

Runner up (Tie) Best Medium Community Mount Liebig & Titjikala CSCs: ESO Stephen Trindle On behalf of Stuart Millar and Lisa Sharman MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 33 MacDonnell Regional Council Internal Tidy Towns Awards

Runner up Best Large Community Hermannsburg CSC: Kathleen Abbot

Winner Best Small Community Wallace Rockhole CSC: Max Baliva

Winner Best Medium Community Finke CSC: Heather Smith

Winner Best Large Community Santa Teresa CSC: Annalisa Young MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 34 Territory Tidy Town Awards As reigning title holders of the 2018 Northern Territory Sustainable Community Tidy Town Award, Santa Teresa played host to the 2019 awards. The awards showcase innovative ideas and initiatives that improve social and environmental development and sustainability in regional areas of the Northern Territory.

MacDonnell Regional Council was awarded the Best Regional Council, while Santa Teresa and Wallace Rockhole were awarded Best Medium and Best Small Community respectively.

The East township of Nhulunbuy (Gove) won the overall 2019 Northern Territory Sustainable Communities Tidiest Town and the Best Large Community and will represent the Territory at the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Sustainable Community Awards which will be held in Santa Teresa and Alice Springs this year. Congratulations Nhulumbuy, MacDonnell Regional Council will be cheering for you at the national awards!

As part of the award, Santa Teresa hosted the other Territory communities to share knowledge and ideas. This included tours of the MacDonnell Regional Council, Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation (AAAC), the Ltyentye Apurte Catholic Education Centre and the Santa Teresa Catholic Church facilities.

Best Regional Council MacDonnell Regional Council

ABOVE: (left to right) Keep Australia Board Member Jeff Colver, MRC CEO Jeff MacLeod and LGANT President Damien Ryan MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 35 Territory Tidy Town Awards Best Medium Community Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte)

ABOVE: (left to right) Keep Australia Board Member Jeff Colver, Santa Teresa Council Services Coordinator Annalisa Young, Santa Teresa Team Leader Civil Works Darren Young and LGANT President Damien Ryan

Keep Australia Beautiful Council (NT) CEO, Heimo Schober, said that Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte) have well and truly set the ‘waste management facility and practices’ benchmark for other Northern Territory towns and communities to follow, the bar has been raised and the challenge is set. “Santa Teresa carries the title as Australia’s most Sustainable Community, and it’s through the very effective combination of MacDonnell Regional Council’s strong leadership commitment and the very proud residents participation that they have achieved this nationally awarded status,” Mr Schober said. “How fantastic would it be if all the other towns and communities followed their lead. “The community participation and culture, their engagement and willingness to learn and be educated on the desired waste management practices, the waste management facility design and system are all ‘Best Practices’ and Santa Teresa can stand tall and be very proud indeed,” he said. “For my next holidays I plan to take the wife to Santa Teresa Waste Management Facticity and camp there for two weeks taking in the beautiful sights of this magnificent facility” Heimo Schober Keep Australia Beautiful Council (NT) MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 36 Territory Tidy Town Awards Best Landfill Site Santa Teresa

ABOVE: (left to right) Keep Australia Board Member Jeff Colver, Santa Teresa Council Service Coordinator Annalisa Young, Civil Works Graham Hayes and Darren Young and LGANT President Damien Ryan

Waste Management MacDonnell Regional Council

ABOVE: (left to right) Keep Australia Board Member Jeff Colver, Service Centre Delivery Director Ken Newman and LGANT President Damien Ryan MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 37 Territory Tidy Town Awards Best Small Community Best Store (Highly Commended) Wallace Rockhole

ABOVE: Keep Australia Board Member Jeff Colver, Wallace Rockhole Council Service Coordinator Max Baliva and LGANT President Damien Ryan Resource Recovery (Highly Commended) Finke

ABOVE: Keep Australia Board Member Jeff Colver, Finke Service Coordinator Heather Smith and LGANT President Damien Ryan MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 38 Territory Tidy Towns Awards Community Participation Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte)

2019 Australia Sustainable Community Tidy Town Winner Plaque Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte) MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 39 Territory Tidy Towns Tour of Santa Teresa MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 40 Santa Teresa Waste Management Facility Blessing In a world-first for the world-class Waste Management Facility, the community organisations that were responsible for Santa Teresa’s National Tidy Towns win came together to bless the facility. The ceremony was led by Alfons Nahak, Liz Wiemers, Annie Young and Bill Ryan from the Catholic Church Santa Teresa. Tidy Town Judge Jill Grant was also in attendance. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 41 Santa Teresa Waste Management Facility Blessing MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 42 Keeping it cool in Amoonguna MacCare facility upgrades for energy efficiency

The MacDonnell Regional Council Technical Services Team has recently completed the 1st of 6 upgrades to the regions MacCare facilities. MacCare services are available in 8 of our 13 communities. Amoonguna was the 1st community to have the works completed that included a new layer of paint and solar reflective paint on the roof to make the building more energy efficient. This will keep the space cool during the summer months. Along with this, two new air-conditioners, two ceilings fans, LED lights, a solar hot water unit were purchased and installed. Importantly, the kitchen has been fully renovated with new stainless steel benches, commercial ovens and range hoods increasing the amount, and of course taste, of the home meals MacCare provide to the community. The upgrades to 6 of the 8 MacCare facilities in our region is thanks to funding received from the Department of Health for Aged Care Regional Rural and Remote Infrastructure. This funding will support MacCare’s continual care and support of residents in our communities. Continued on the next page…. Before the facility upgrades MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 43 Keeping it cool in Amoonguna MacCare facility upgrades for energy efficiency After the facility upgrades MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 44 MacCare looking good in their new uniforms

ABOVE: Finke MacCare team: (left to right) front row: Marlene Boko, Raylene Ferguson, Kayme Matasia, Sarah Lynch, back row: Liz Hoare and Rosemary Matasia

Known locally as MacCare, Aged and Disability Services (previously Home Care) provide care and support to clients in eight MacDonnell Regional Council communities, as well as deliver the School Nutrition Program in five of those locations.

MacCare provide culturally appropriate services to individuals and families that promote a respect for culture, dignity, social justice and a healthy lifestyle. Our aim is to support each person’s goals, preferences and choices about their life including to remain ‘on country’.

Some of the supports available to our clients include: meals, laundry, transport, group activities, bush trips, toileting and showering support, care coordination and planning.

MacCare is committed to maintaining strong local employment through on-going development, mentoring support and capacity building. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 45 The most remote Christmas light competition in Australia “It’s good to have the lights, they brighten up the community and everyone is getting into it. To walk around and chat to the community at this time of year” Annie Young Local Authority member Santa Teresa

ABOVE: 3 generations celebrate Christmas in Santa Teresa: Shalaya Young, Annlisa Young and Annie Young MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 46 The most remote Christmas Light competition in Australia

ABOVE: The winning house: Back row (left to right): Warwick Simmons, Larissa Kopp, Terry Simmons, Sophia Conway, Front (left to right): Nevaeh Simmons, Chansey Paech. RIGHT: Warwick Simmon’s hand-cut and painted nativity set and Grinch

The most remote Christmas light competition in Australia has been happening in Santa Teresa for 19 years. Run by Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation and the community store, and judged by the Member for Namatjira Chansey Paech, the competition brightens up the community as residents walk around and chat with their neighbours. This year, the family of MacDonnell Regional Council Civil Works Warwick Simmons won the competition, thanks partly to his hand-cut and painted nativity set and Grinch. “The best thing is everyone is showing the Christmas spirit. It’s a good time to catch up with people as the go around” Warwick Simmons Civil Team Santa Teresa MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 47 Most remote Christmas Light competition in Australia

ABOVE: (left to right) Anita Alice, Ingrid William, Megan Hayes, Hector Malbunka BELOW: Their holy family decorations MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 48 Most remote Christmas Light competition in Australia “First, we put up 15 lights, then the week after we got another 8. We can’t remember how many we have up now but it’s our first time in the competition. More communities should do this” Raphael Ronson Resident Santa Teresa

ABOVE: (left to right): Pools assistant Jocelyn Young and Raphael Ronson MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 49 Management Challenge 2020

ABOVE: (left to right) CEO Jeff MacLeod, Belinda Malone and Cristiano Castro with the NT Management Challenge Trophy

As part of MacDonnell Regional Council’s (MRC) ongoing support of employee’s professional learning and development, MRC Council will again enter a team into the Australasian Management Challenge to be held in either April or May (venue TBA) this year.

Last year’s Northern Territory regional Management Challenge was won by a combined team of MacDonnell Regional Council and Alice Springs Town Council which included Belinda Malone, CT Fraser and Cristiano Castro. They then went on to represent the Territory at the National Management Challenge.

The Management Challenge is a simulation-based team building, learning and networking program using real local government themes – the types of issues that a senior management team in a council would most likely face.

Teams of 6 are challenged to respond to a series of tasks in a unique one-day, fast paced, “pressure cooker” environment. Some tasks will require written responses, some will take the form of role plays or presentations and the teams are also scored on observations of how well they display energy, synergy, effectiveness and creative thinking.

The Management Challenge is designed to develop new and improved skills in effective team processes, issues resolution and situational leadership for all team members. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 50 MacDonnell Regional Council is coming to listen Community Engagement Officer Gemma Neil (below) and Coordinator Communications and Engagement Jeff Tan will be around the 13 communities in the MacDonnell Regional Council (MRC) area talking to residents about how MRC services can be improved for your community. Look out for notices around your community and make sure you say hi and have a yarn about how MRC should plan for the future.

ABOVE: Community Engagement Officer Gemma Neil and Youth Engagement Officer Corey Baker MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 51 IN MEMORY Mr P Wilyuka A tireless leader

Councillor Wilyuka, a /Yankunytjatjara man from Titjikala, was elected to represent the Rodinga Ward as a Councillor for the MacDonnell Regional Council (MRC) in 2017. Even though he was wheelchair-bound in his latter days, Cr Wilyuka still attended his final Council meeting showing his commitment to guiding the MacDonnell Regional Council to improve the lives of the Council’s residents.

“Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people needs to work together, stand together, walk hand in hand, learning from each other Name Cr Wilyuka Cr Wilyuka’s final contribution to the strategic direction of the MRC was to encourage Youth Boards to be leaders in the community.

“You young people from Titjikala, Santa Teresa, Amoonguna, Finke and the other wards, you need to get involved with the Council and the Local Authority while the good leaders are there to learn from. Get together, sit together, have a chat and be good leaders” Cr Wilyuka In 2012, Cr Wilyuka was elected as Chair of the Central Land Council after being a delegate for many years. When attending Central Australian land handbacks to traditional owners in his capacity as CLC Chair, he said handbacks were always the happiest days for Aboriginal people. "Now this has happened it allows people to move forward because even though they knew they were the traditional owners of their country, they felt it needed to be acknowledged by non-Aboriginal law," Cr Wilyuka said. "It has removed a barrier for them, it has removed a sense of injustice." Throughout all his representations, he was always a strong supporter of outstations, constantly advocating for more funding and services to be provided. Cr Wilyuka also spent much of his energy and time contributing to committees on behalf of his community, advising all levels of government up to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. At the Aboriginal Housing Body to develop solution and alternatives on Aboriginal housing issues he said, “Home is where the land is, and that is where the heart is”. A product of Maryvale School, when Cr Wilyuka was a youngster, he tried to pull out of school. Cr Wilyuka recalled that his old man found out, “he kicked me up the backside…and told me to go back to school” he said. He passed on a similar message to the young people (without the kick), “get your education, stay in school, education will find you a good job,” he said A stockman, a school teacher, a builder, a Lutheran pastor, a football coach, Cr Wilyuka was many things to his community. A father, brother, husband and uncle, he was forever proud of his family’s achievements, especially their contribution to their community. Cr Wilyuka’s favourite Bible verse was Matthew 11:28-29 King James Version: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ Cr Wilyuka, thank you for the many responsibilities you took upon yourself to better your community, may you rest now. MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 52 Upcoming Local Authority Meetings

Month Communities

January Amoonguna

February Titjikala, Docker River, Hermannsburg, Wallace Rockhole, Areyonga March Santa Teresa, Kintore, Imanpa, Finke, Mount Liebig, Papunya, Haasts Bluff

For meeting dates, agendas and minutes. Please check the website: www.macdonnell.nt.gov.au

All Local Authority meetings are open to the public

ABOVE: Kintore Local Authority meeting MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 53

SERVICE RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS

10 Year Service Awards Roslyn Raberaba Team Leader Community Safety Hermannsburg Tymara Murnik Finance Officer - Accounts Payable Alice Springs Doreen Lane Senior Home Care Assistant Haasts Bluff

ABOVE: Tristan Robertson (left), Civil Works Assistant (Mt Liebig) receives his 10 Year Service Award from Ken Newman, Director Service Centre Delivery.

7 Year Service Helen Meredith Coordinator Children's Services Alice Springs 5 Year Service Gary Mumu Works Assistant Imanpa Natasha Stuart Team Leader Youth Services Amoonguna Thelick Malbunka Works Assistant Hermannsburg Lorraine Scobie Customer Service Officer Kintore 2 Year Service Eva Smith Educator - Early Learning Santa Teresa Lorraine Stuart Team Leader Community Safety Finke Cynthia Palmer Youth Services Officer Titjikala Veronica Dixon Educator - Early Learning Mt Liebig Thelma Peterson Children's Activity Officer Mt Liebig Kitana Kelly Youth Services Officer Mt Liebig Christopher Paine Mobile Mechanic Alice Springs Selinda De Rose Educator - Early Learning Docker River Helen Fitzgerald Coordinator Children's Services Alice Springs Tamara-Lee Collins Educator - Early Learning Mt Liebig MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 54

STAFF MOVEMENTS

We congratulate those who have taken up new roles and welcome those returning within the Council and extend a big welcome to the following people who have joined MacDonnell Regional Council since our last issue. Alice Springs Cherie Forbes Manager Youth Services Bruce Kemp Plant Operator Maryam Moradi Project Officer - Digital & Library Services

Amoonguna Stephen Kernan Community Safety Officer Sebastian Stuart Community Safety Officer

Areyonga Dickie Dixon Pool Assistant Jake Sellers Youth Engagement Officer Gerald Windy Works Assistant

Finke Rodney Lambourne Community Safety Officer

Haasts Bluff Adam Bell Youth Engagement Officer Crispin Curtis Works Assistant Simon Djana Works Assistant Chris Marshall Works Assistant Loretta Penhall Youth Services Officer

Imanpa Hassan Tariq Essential Services Officer

Kintore Rowena Gibson Pool Assistant Sophie Johnston Youth Engagement Officer Cherise Major Educator - Early Learning Doreen Reid Educator - Early Learning

Mt Liebig Katie Hicks Youth Engagement Officer Ambrose Katakarintja Works Assistant MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 55

STAFF MOVEMENTS We congratulate those who have taken up new roles and welcome those returning within the Council and extend a big welcome to the following people who have joined MacDonnell Regional Council since our last issue. Santa Teresa Francesca Williams Educator - Early Learning Sharon Williams Educator - Early Learning Camille Young Youth Services Officer

Titjikala Niamh Geoghegan Youth Engagement Officer Caitlin Palmer Youth Services Officer

Wallace Rockhole Cody Parlow Works Assistant

STOP PRESS

ABOVE: Did you know that in the old days, Thorny Devils were used as hair combs? Demonstrated here by Haasts Bluff MacSafe’s Tutama Jack MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 56

STOP PRESS

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ABOVE: Nerita Marshall loved the photo of her son Roger in the MacNews BELOW AND ABOVE RIGHT: MacNews being read at MacKids Papunya

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TRACHOMA MESSAGE FROM MILPA MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 57 MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 58

SPORT PapunyaMacTeams Sport excel Weekend at the SouthernBELOW: Cup Kintore Basketball women’s football competition team and MacSafe Kintore’s Adam Tjapaltjarri Gibson

Papunya Sports Weekend

ABOVE: The winning MacLadies team with their medals Recently, the Annual Southern Cup Basketball competition here in Alice Springs. The event showcased the skills of youth from around the Central Australian region and boy oh boy what a competition it was! MacDonnell Regional Council had an incredible weekend with one of our three female teams, the MacLadies, finishing 1st place in the 3x3 Competition. The 2nd place team in that component were the very impressive Moongy Girls from Amoonguna. In the 5x5 event, our MacLadies took out the top spot again, beating the girls from Ti Tree in an absolute nail-biter Grand Final. A job well done to the girls from Kintore, Hermannsburg and Santa Teresa! The fellas played incredibly well in both the 3x3 and 5x5 events, but ultimately fell to the perennial champions from . Nonetheless, they showcased incredible grit, determination and the ability to play basketball at a high level. All in all, it was great to see all the young people from different communities coming together in this wonderful event. Bring on 2020! MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 59

SPORT MacTeams excelPapunya at the Southern Sport Cup Basketball Weekend competition BELOW: Kintore women’s football team and MacSafe Kintore’s Adam Tjapaltjarri Gibson

Papunya Sports Weekend MacDonnell Regional Council Staff Newsletter January 2020 volume 12 issue 1 page 60 SPORT MACLADIES WIN SOUTHERN CUP B-BALL TITLE FULL STORY AND PHOTOS INSIDE