EDITION NO. 42 / APRIL 2021 Central Desert News THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL, CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

OUR STRATEGY :: Two Ways – One Outcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together. Eastern Arrernte :: Atherrele ularreke – ularre anerremele mpwaretyeke. Anmatjere :: Atherr ankwerr - anyent arrarteme. Warlpiri :: Yapa manu kardia jintangka nyinawyjaku.

NYIRRIPI CHILDCARE CENTRE REOPENS n Tuesday 9 February, 2021 there was a Omorning tea held to celebrate the reopening of the Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Nyirripi Childcare Centre and introduce the new Coordinator Tyler Tafstad. The morning was attended by six children and fifteen adults who gave a warm welcome to Tyler. Other local service providers attended to show their support for the centre reopening. Morning Tea and children’s activities were the focus and the event was enjoyed by all who attended. The centre has been closed since early 2020 due to having no Coordinator, with it only opening two days a week in October, November and December 2020 by the CDRC Laramba Coordinator, Irene Floyd.

Playing on the equipment.

The children enjoying morning tea. Playing with the toys.

Central Desert News is published by Central Desert Regional Council PO Box 2257, Alice Springs NT 0871 INSIDE! Ph 1300 360 605 www.centraldesert.nt.gov.au 20/21 PLANNER CENTRAL DESERT NEWS / APRIL 2021 CENTRAL DESERT NEWS / APRIL 2021

YUELAMU CDP ROAD WORKS YUELAMU TIDY TOWN AWARD COMES HOME ast week the Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Community Development Program (CDP) worked on fixing a road in ollowing the win for Yuelamu of the Water Conservation (Innovation) award in the 2020 Territory Tidy Towns LYuelamu. FAwards online, Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Senior Administration Officer Yuelamu, Norman Hagan, A large gully in the road made it unsafe for driving. The CDP participants filled it in with gravel and finished it off with top received the physical award on behalf of Yuelamu from Regional Services Manager, Jason McKissock. soil. This will stop water from travelling down it and creating even more erosion. This was not the first time Yuelamu won the Water Conservation Award, winning it back in 2017, but it was the first Now the drivers and pedestrians of Yuelamu can travel along this street safely again. time that the awards ceremony was held online.

The road before being fixed. Aboriginal Liaison Engagement Officer Finished off with top soil. (ALEO) Leroy Stafford, filling in with gravel.

ENGAWALA FLOOD CLEAN UP Jason McKissock (left) presented Norman Hagan (on behalf of Yuelamu) with the award. he recent heavy rainfall of 260mm in Engawala caused minor flooding including blocking the access road. Once the water Twent down the Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Engawala Works Team got to work cleaning up the road to make it a smooth crossing.

ANMATJERE FLEXIBLE AGED CARE SERVICE COMPLIANT n a report that came out 24 February 2021, the Anmatjere IFlexible Aged Care Service (Ti Tree) was given a tick of approval by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. The service, run by Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC), was considered to be compliant with the requirements set out in the Aged Care Quality Standards. These standards are developed by the Australian Government. “Congratulations to everyone in Aged Care in Ti Tree. This is a fantastic result for Anmatjere Flexible Aged Care,” said Pip Parsonson, Director Community Services at CDRC.

The Engawala access road, with Waite Creek flowing across it. Terry Drover and Bruno Tilmouth clean up the road after the flood.

One of the rooms at the Respite Centre in Ti Tree.

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IT'S RAINING TRAINING FAMILY WELLBEING TRAINING FOR AGED t’s raining training at Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC)! CARE I The week of 15-19 March was a very busy week for training at CDRC. Congratulations to Warren Kenney, Ben Campion and entral Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Aged Care Services staff in Anmatjere (Ti Tree) started their Certificate II in Sascha McKell who completed their Certificate IV in Work Health CFamily Wellbeing on Monday 22 March. and Safety. This means that CDRC now has had 11 staff achieve this The certificate, delivered by Batchelor Institute in Ti Tree, is a program that addresses the physical, mental, emotional qualification in the last four months. and spiritual issues that impact on an individual’s wellbeing, family unity and community harmony. There were also 22 staff who finalised their enrolments and The aim of the certificate is to address unresolved personal and community issues, which can impact on individuals started their first units in Certificate IV Local Government in the and families throughout their lives. These can manifest in grief and trauma, suicide and other forms of self-harm, month of March. Delivery of this training was conducted in Alice identity issues, use of alcohol and other drug problems, family violence and over representation of Aboriginal and Springs, Atitjere, Ti Tree and Yuelamu. Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system. The CDRC Works crews in the communities are continuing their Through the certificate, staff will Certificate III in Rural Operations, however Yuelamu was postponed gain knowledge on how to face their due to the weather. own personal issues and to help “It’s always exciting to see staff complete training - building their others in community when help is skills and confidence, and gaining valuable qualifications,” said needed, especially Aged Care clients. Irenee McCreevy, General Manager People and Culture. It will also open a pathway to higher level qualifications in Aged Care for the staff. Staff have already completed the training at Lajamanu, and next will be Engawala, Atitjere and Yuelamu. Warren Kenney with his Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

Back row: Karen Khan (Batchelor trainer), Edna, Lanceton, Terrizeta and Sonia. Front row: Shikeera, Cherise and Selina. CRICKET UPSKILL FOR YOUTH, SPORT AND RECREATION STAFF TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING FOR WORKS entral Desert Regional Desert (CDRC) had four representatives at Cricket’s Community Coaching CREW CCourse (Level 1) on Wednesday 17 February. Stephen Royes, Stephen Evans, James Anderson and Jeff Aubert (Youth Sport and Recreation Team Leaders in n 12 March Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) works crew members participated in traffic control training, Engawala, Laramba, Yuelamu and Ti Tree respectively) completed the online component of the course prior to the Owhich they will use for their everyday road maintenance activities such as road grading, pothole patching, signage practical session, which was held at Mona’s Lounge, Traegar Park in Alice Springs. installation, etc. The Team Leaders will pass on the skills learnt to the Youth, Sport and Recreation Officers in their communities The participants were Cyril Kunoth, Albert Wilson, Geoffrey Wilson and Colin French from and Alan Davis to continue to upskill players in preparation for inter-community tournaments, Imparja Cup, and Youth, Sport and from Ti Tree. Recreation evening activities. The training was sponsored by Boral Asphalt and was delivered by Civil Train in Alice Springs. The course was held in conjunction with the Imparja Cup Cricket Carnival, where CDRC were represented by the Laramba women’s team and the Ti Tree men’s team.

Stephen Royes, Stephen Evans, James Anderson and Jeff A Laramba team member striking the ball in the Imparja Cup. The instructor demonstrating the use of a handheld Geoffrey Wilson practicing traffic control techniques. Aubert at the Community Coaching Course. portable two way radio to Cyril Kunoth, Albert Wilson, Geoffrey Wilson.

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MOCK TRIAL IN WHS TRAINING MORE 4WD TRAINING IN ALICE SPRINGS n Monday 14 December nine Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) staff undertook a mock trial event for their n 17 March more Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) staff members attended a four wheel drive course, after Ofinal unit of Certificate IV Work Health and Safety (WHS) in the Alice Springs office. It took place in the lunchroom Oanother course run on 17 February. This time there were staff from Community Development Program (CDP), upstairs, with the presiding judge Rob Wallace, the trainer from Balance HR and Municipal Training that delivered the Community Safety Patrol (CSP), Works and Aged Care. training. In the trial one team represented NT Worksafe and the other team represented CDRC in a case study of a scenario where a contractor using a Council vehicle was injured in a roll-over on the road to Engawala. To succeed in the trial the teams had to reference legislation and prepare documents for submission. The mock trial was the culmination of a Certificate IV in WHS that Council staff started back in November 2019. The training was disrupted by COVID-19 so there were some long gaps in program delivery. Another three staff members will sit the final trial in February to get the sign off. The verdict? Possibly guilty so the prosecution team (NT Worksafe) were the victors of the mock trial, but each staff member was a winner of the Certificate IV. The aim of staff completing the certificate was for CDRC Managers based in Community as well as Alice Springs to be aware of their legislative responsibilities under WHS and for them to provide WHS leadership and knowledge to their teams – with the support of the CDRC People and Culture team of course! In 2021 CDRC is offering Certificate IV in Local Government and have close to twenty staff enrolled. It’s great to see staff embracing training opportunities and achieving great results.

Pictured from left: Mark Francis from CDP; Peppi Drover (behind) and Cameron Reiff from Atitjere CSP; Joanne Tilmouth, Lorraine Foster, Rachel Tilmouth and Sharon Tilmouth from Engawala CSP; Engawala Works field officers Bruno Tilmouth and Tyrone James (behind); the instructor and Tracey Pierce from Aged Care.

Practicing four wheel driving on desert roads. Practicing four wheel driving on tropical roads.

Nishantha Perera, Steve Walton, Marlin De Silva, Deb Wearne, Frank Tzoukos, Jason McKissock ...AND 4WD TRAINING IN LAJAMANU (crouching), Cameron Ingham, Irenee McCreevy and Matt Wharton, each with their Certificate n 29 March Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) staff from Lajamanu attended a four wheel drive training IV Work Health and Safety. Ocourse in Lajamanu. The attendees were Angela Liddell (Administration Officer), Michael Erglis (Senior Administration Officer), Max Callingham MUNICIPAL CREWS ATTEND 4WD TRAINING (Cleaner), and Matrina Robertson, Nathan Botterill and Melinda Simons (Community Safety Patrol). n 17 February Central Desert ORegional Council (CDRC) municipal crews from Anmatjere (Ti Tree), Laramba and Yuelamu attended a four wheel drive training course in Alice Springs. The attendees were Mack Murphy, Norman Hagan and Cliffy Tommy from Yuelamu; Billy Briscoe and Caesar Tilmouth from Laramba; and Elias Birch Baird from Anmatjere. A four wheel drive course helps keep drivers safe when on dirt roads and prepares them in case they get bogged. Pictured from left: Angela Liddell, course instructor Gary Pendlebury, Pictured from left: the instructor, Billy Briscoe (behind), Cliffy Tommy, Caesar Michael Erglis, Max Callingham, Matrina Robertson and Melinda Tilmouth, Mack Murphy and Norman Hagan. Simons. Matrina Robertson practicing changing a tyre.

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KIDS SAFETY PROGRAM INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY n Wednesday, 10 March, members of the Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Lajamanu Community Safety Patrol very March 8th is International Women’s Day. Today we are celebrating with an interview with the Chief Executive Officer Oattended a stakeholder workshop as part of the Safe4Kids program. Safe4Kids works through the school to teach E(CEO) of Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC), Diane Hood. protective behaviours to children, and provide them with a set of tools to use if they feel unsafe. Delivery at the school is followed up with community education sessions, ensuring that adults understand what the children have learned, and What challenges have you faced in your career as a woman? How did you overcome them? recognise the simple hand gestures that can be used to demonstrate feelings of safety or distress. The inherent challenges to women in our society are sexism and unconscious bias against them. It is assumed that women should act in a certain way; nurturing and caring, but at the same time when in a leadership role they are expected to be logical and decisive, which are traditionally seen as male traits. When a female executive doesn’t act the way they are expected to it is hard for them to be seen as an individual with individual strengths and weaknesses. In the end, it has made me a better executive because I have been exposed to many different perspectives, and had to navigate through them. You have to stand up and be counted. Pretending to be someone you are not doesn’t work, but learning techniques and tools to better manage people and situations is an ongoing process! An example of challenge was when I once worked for a multi-national company and had a track record of high performance, but my pay was significantly lower than my male counterparts. When I brought it up to executive there was push back, but I also pushed for it and ended up getting a pay rise every six months for 2 -3 years, but there was no acknowledgement of the issue whatsoever. At some stage women need to make the decision between getting along with people, or standing up for equality. In another job, I had developed a government training program, for which I was to receive an award. At the presentation the male presenter of the award said that it was for “giving great morning tea”. I publicly refused the award, which needless to say, was not how I was expected to behave. At the end of the day, a lot of organisations have got great policy, but it comes down to individuals to enforce behaviour. If people (male and female) don’t stop bawdy jokes or inappropriate behaviour of any sort and say “this is not acceptable”, nothing will change and poor behaviours will continue benefiting those in the majority group.

Which mentors or role models have positively impacted you in your career? Nell Wilson was a great mentor that I paid to help me navigate a time in my career when I was deciding whether to change careers or not. She helped me confront my own part in the problems I was facing and advised what I should stop doing. She also help me see what I should not stop doing. I have been lucky to have had several great mentors in my career and I recommend it to everyone, even if you pay for one yourself. It can be challenging, but the benefits are worth Pictured are (back row) Matrina Robertson (CDRC), Holly-Ann Martin (Safe4Kids), Gerald the effort. Watson and Andrew Johnson (CDRC), and (front row) Francesca Szakaly and Michelle Newman (Katherine West Health) giving the thumbs up sign, to show that they feel secure. How have you managed to balance your career and personal life? I make sure that I have time out, with a clear division between work and home. It is ENGAWALA COOL ROOM FOR AGED CARE important to cultivate activities that bring you entral Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Aged Care Services have added a wonderful cool room at the Aged Care facility in joy, and also to exercise regularly. CEngawala after receiving funding from the Aged Care Regional Rural & Remote Infrastructure Program. The new cool room means that sufficient goods can be held for more than a fortnight and more space for clients in the What advice would you give to your 20- dining area as a result of removing unneeded fridges and freezers. year old self? Don’t be surprised by people’s behaviour. Always remain open to possibilities.

Jackets on for Patsy Tilmouth and Rachel Tilmouth, with Irene The completed cool room. Tilmouth braving the cold in the cool room. Diane Hood, CDRC CEO.

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NEW YUENDUMU LANDFILL PIT SMALL CELLS IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES uendumu has just had a new landfill constructed at their waste management facility. It will be used to safely dispose of here has been no mobile coverage in the communities of Nyirripi, Engawala and Laramba in the Local Government of Ycommunity waste over the next four and a half years with a capacity of 5,610m3, or just over two Olympic swimming TCentral Desert Regional Council (CDRC). This has impacted the liveability and enjoyment of their town for the residents pools. for a long time. This is the fourth new landfill constructed by Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) this financial year and uses the CDRC is moving to install 4GX-lite Satellite Small Cells in each community, with funding assistance from the Federal same design as the Willowra and Yuelamu landfills. The design includes constructing ‘benches’ around the sides, giving it a Government. stadium look. This reduces the likelihood of the walls collapsing, making it safer for the field staff when working in the pit. This technology will give residents access to email and basic data, and voice calls and text with a compatible device, in “This landfill design meets Australian standards,” said Shane Coleman, Waste and Environmental Manager for CDRC. “We areas where it has not been possible before. The Small Cells will be installed and maintained by Telstra. The 4GX-lite Mobile plan to eventually upgrade all the CDRC community landfills using this design.” Satellite Small Cells provide affordable access to 4GX services on the Telstra mobile network for people living and working in remote areas of Australia. The project is anticipated to increase liveability within the remote communities of Engawala, Laramba and Nyirripi. Access to mobile services will enrich the communities which lagged due to digital disadvantage caused by lack of access to mobile and data services. There will be increased safety as community residents will be able to access emergency services via their mobiles and reduced economic disadvantage to the residents due to access to competitive services online. Barring any delays, the towers are expected to be operational by the end of March or early April.

A small cell tower similar to the ones that will be installed in Nyirripi, The benches. The completed pit. Engawala and Laramba.

An aerial view of the landfil. Nyirripi, one of the communities to receive a Telstra Small Cell.

10 11 Round 1 Round 2 All Staff Meeting Finance Committee Local Authority Meetings from last FY Local Authority Meetings Round 3 Round 4 Managers' Forum Audit & Risk Committee Special Council Meeting KEY: Council Briefing RCS Forum Work Health & Safety Directors' Council Reports Due Council Meeting YEAR PLANNER 2020‐21 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THUFRI SAT SUN MON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 COUNCIL ALL STAFF MEETING JUL 2020 MEETING KATHERINE NYIRRIPI YUENDUMU NYIRRIPI LAJAMANU SHOW ALICE SPRINGS NAIDOC DAY LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LAJAMANU COUNCIL SHOW HOLIDAY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY ONLY BRIEFING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

ALL STAFF WHS FINANCE AUG MEETING COMMITTEE COMMITEE TI TREE WILLOWRA ATITJERE ENGAWALA LARAMBA YUELAMU MANAGERS' LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL AUDIT & RISK PICNIC DAY RCS FORUM FORUM AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY COMMITTEE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 COUNCIL MEETING SEP ALICE SPRINGS YUENDUMU NYIRRIPI LAJAMANU LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL COUNCIL AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY BRIEFING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

ALL STAFF WHS FINANCE OCT MEETING COMMITTEE COMMITEE TI TREE WILLOWRA ATITJERE ENGAWALA LARAMBA YUELAMU MANAGERS' LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL RCS FORUM FORUM AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 COUNCIL MEETING NOV ALICE SPRINGS YUENDUMU NYIRRIPI LAJAMANU STAFF LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL COUNCIL CHRISTMAS AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY BRIEFING PARTY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

ALL STAFF WHS FINANCE DEC MEETING COMMITTEE COMMITEE

MANAGERS' AUDIT & RISK BOXING DAY ANNUAL ANNUAL ANNUAL RCS FORUM FORUM COMMITTEE CHRISTMAS DAY BOXING DAY HOLIDAY SHUTDOWN SHUTDOWN SHUTDOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 COUNCIL MEETING JAN 2021 ALICE SPRINGS NEW YEAR'S COUNCIL DAY AUSTRALIA DAY BRIEFING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

ALL STAFF WHS FINANCE FEB MEETING COMMITTEE COMMITEE TI TREE WILLOWRA ATITJERE ENGAWALA MANAGERS' LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL RCS FORUM FORUM AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 COUNCIL ALL STAFF WHS MEETING MAR MEETING COMMITTEE YUELAMU LARAMBA YUELAMU YUENDUMU NYIRRIPI LAJAMANU LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL MANAGERS' COUNCIL AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY RCS FORUM FORUM BRIEFING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

FINANCE APR COMMITEE TI TREE WILLOWRA ATITJERE ENGAWALA LARAMBA YUELAMU EASTER LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL AUDIT & RISK ANZAC DAY LOCAL LOCAL GOOD FRIDAY MONDAY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY COMMITTEE HOLIDAY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 COUNCIL MEETING MAY ALICE SPRINGS YUENDUMU NYIRRIPI LAJAMANU LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL COUNCIL MAY DAY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY BRIEFING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ALL STAFF WHS FINANCE JUN MEETING COMMITTEE COMMITEE

MANAGERS' QUEEN'S RCS FORUM FORUM BIRTHDAY MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THUFRI SAT SUN MON

COUNCILLOR COMMUNITY WARD COMMITEES WARD COMMUNITY DIXON, Adrian (President) Laramba Anmatjere Finance, Audit & Risk, CEO Performance AKITYARRE WARD Atitjere GLENN, James Ti Tree Anmatjere Finance Committee McCORMACK, David Yuelamu Anmatjere Audit & Risk Committee Anmatjere, Engawala, ANMATJERE WARD VACANT until August 2021 elections Anmatjere Laramba, Yuelamu MARTIN, April Willowra South Tanami Finance Committee Yuendumu, Nyirripi, SOUTHERN TANAMI WARD SPENCER, Jacob Nyirripi South Tanami Finance Committee Willowra WILLIAMS, Freddy Willowra South Tanami Audit & Risk, CEO Perfomance Committee NORTHERN TANAMI WARD Lajamanu WILLIAMS, Warren (Deputy President) Yuendumu South Tanami CEO Perfomance Committee GEORGE, Robert Lajamanu North Tanami Finance Committee MARSHALL, Joe Lajamanu North Tanami LIDDLE, William Atitjere Akityarre Audit & Risk Committee WEBB, Jamie Atitjere Akityarre CENTRAL DESERT NEWS / APRIL 2021 CENTRAL DESERT NEWS / APRIL 2021

CDP ACTIVITIES PROTECTING TREES AND BOOKS Community Development Program (CDP) participants across all the Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) sites have been reengaging with the program after the Christmas break and the men's business season. In Yuendumu they have been making tree guards for trees purchased under the Drought Relief funding. They are also making bookshelves as part of the Drought Relief funding. Participants and the team at Yuendumu CDP led the project which included designing the bookshelves. They are currently in the process of making eight book shelves to be sent to other CDRC communities where they will be decorated and put into the Council offices as a small library. CDP PROGRAM PROVIDES WORK EXPERIENCE SUZIE STAFFORD Since 2013, Council has delivered the Community Laramba Community Development Program (CDP) in Anmatjere, Laramba, Skills Painting, cooking, reading, writing, and helping children Ziggy Brown, Andrew Brumby, and Eli Egan. Eli Egan welding together a tree guard. Willowra, Yuelamu and Yuendumu. Job Interest Working with children As part of the program, job Community I enjoyed attending CDP with the cooking classes. I have seekers are able to undertake work Development assisted with CDP community barbeques and I enjoy experience that assists them with Program attending the art room to paint, but I also assist with work readiness. This frequently keeping it tidy and organised. CDP assisted me with getting results in the job seeker being my Ochre card and supported me to start a role with the employed by Council or another Laramba School to assist the children in the classroom. I employer – a win-win situation for enjoy working with and helping children. all. Council also partners with organisations that provide training and skills development. The program supports the Freddy Patrick putting together a book shelf. Nathan Brown and Aaron Singleton (kneeling communities’ and Council’s goal down) building a bookshelf. of “a diverse and growing regional economy including strong local employment and a gradual increase SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE REGION in the number of locally available jobs”. Two CDP participants, both past and present, are profiled here. Part of Council’s role as a CDP VICTOR KELLY provider is to facilitate training and Community Laramba support to assist job seekers find Skills Woodwork, restoration, drawing employment. Job Interest Woodwork Standard training activities include: Community I have really enjoyed CDP, never been with this program resumé preparation, work health Development before. CDP was really helpful, I think if you have a positive and safety, food handling, manual Program attitude CDP can really assist you. CDP helped me with pointing out where jobs were available in community, I handling, numeracy and literacy, needed help with boots and work items and this was basic repairs and maintenance supplied immediately. I was successful with a construction for buildings, cooking, health and job very quickly and I could start straight away because I had work boots and clothes. CDP helped me understand nutrition and timesheet preparation. and complete the paperwork and now I really enjoy my job with Asbuild in community.

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CDRC HAD GOOD RAIN IN DECEMBER THE TANAMI HIGHWAY here Mparntwe (Todd River) flowed after a good amount of an you spot five (5) differences between the two photos of the Tanami highway when it was flooded? Lrain fell in Alice Springs just before Christmas. C Good rain fell on the Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) communities as well. North of Alice Springs, the rain was steady and there were sporadic parts where water was over the (with a gentle current) from approximately 2 kms before the Laramba turnoff, until Aileron. The Tanami road was temporarily closed due to flooding (see photo facing page). The Nyirripi road was closed and in Nyirripi the phones were not working and large parts of the community were under water, including roads and the football oval. All Yuelamu access roads were closed due to big rain over two days. Also closed was the Yuelamu Clinic as the staff were on call from Yuendumu clinic over the Christmas period. Yuelamu Rain over the roads in Nyirripi. airstrip, rubbish collection and Power and Water staff were also not available due to the weather. All Engawala access roads were closed due to heavy rain falls over the the same two days. Engawala airstrip was also closed temporarily. The Mt Dennison to Willowra road was closed and the road from Willowra to Stuart Highway was unpassable due to the heavy rain over a few days. Lander River also flooded. Atitjere had steady rain and the creeks were flowing on the but were not an issue to traffic. “We have been getting a good soaking rain,” said Scott Pinchbeck, Community Safety Patrol Team Leader for Atitjere. The Plenty Highway was closed between Dneipier Intersection and the Queensland Border due to flooding. Rain over the road out of Yuelamu. The freight truck got in early on the morning of 22 December to get in Christmas supplies to Lajamanu. “The rain is a continuous heavy drizzle that occasionally turns into heavy rain,” said Community Services Manager Heather Smith. Laramba was cut off due to closed roads and the Napperby River flowing. “The two sides of the river are flowing and it’s still raining,” said Billy Briscoe, acting Community Services Coordinator. “It’s good for country. Lots of green grass coming up,” he added. But some of the houses were flooded with water in Laramba. Yuendumu had several days of persistent rain. Early on Monday 21 December morning was torrential resulting in the flooding of roads. The airstrip was closed for almost 24 hours but re-opened the on the Tuesday morning. Locals enjoying the floods in Engawala.

Levy bank breach in Yuendumu. Houses to the right of One of the flooded houses in Laramba. the photo were not penetrated by the flood water.

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YUENDUMU RECYCLING SHED YUELAMU MARCH RAIN - ROAD CLOSURES uendumu now has a dedicated recycling shed, with bays for seven different recycling categories. Y The shed was designed and constructed by an Alice Springs business using local employees, to cater for the community’s AND BOGGED VEHICLES needs and to assist with increasing recycling. It also focusses on diverting waste from landfill, which is a National, Northern Territory and Local Government initiative. ver the four days from 11-14 March there was a constant amount of rainfall in Yuelamu resulting in road The aim is to increase the average resource recovery rate from all waste streams in Australia to 80% by 2030 (National Waste closures and vehicles bogged. O Policy Action Plan 2019). “It was astonishing, the speed the water rose on Saturday. Within three hours the Napperby River rose by inches Each of the seven bays is dedicated to a separate recycling stream. These are tyres, bottles and cans, white goods, gas and the Tanami highway had water over the road in multiple locations,” said Tammi Booker, Central Desert Regional bottles and fire extinguishers, motor oil, paints and chemicals, and batteries. The community residents are able to drop of Council (CDRC) Community Services Coordinator in Yuelamu. recyclable material without contamination, which allows Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) staff to collect the recycling On the approach to Yuelamu from the Tanami highway the turnoff was completely covered in water making it only easily to put in piles ready for value adding / recycling. accessible to high clearance four wheel drives into the community. This is a good reminder that if a road crossing is flooded, don’t try to cross it. Yuendumu had several days of persistent rain. Early on Monday 21 December morning was torrential resulting in the flooding of roads. The airstrip was closed for almost 24 hours but re-opened the on the Tuesday morning.

The shed will mean the recyclable material will not get contaminated by rubbish. The Napperby River on Saturday 13 March.

Seven bays for seven recycling streams.

The Napperby River on Saturday 13 March.

The Yuelamu turnoff.

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CDRC VALUES AWARDS ENGAWALA CEMETERY PLOT MARKER TRIAL hese are the premier Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) awards, now in their third running. The value of the awards he Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Engawala works crew have installed new plot markers in the cemetery, as part Thas been increased as the standard has increased. The awards were formally acknowledged at the last All Staff meeting in Tof a trial to better mark out the plots. March, where winners received a certificate, $200 voucher and a mug commemorating the value the winner is demonstrating. “Community residents have visited the site after the works were completed, and were very happy with the new plot Congratulations to all the winners, well done on demonstrating the values and your strong contribution to Council. markers in the cemetery,” said Community Services Coordinator, Frank Tzoukos. “Engawala has one of the best cemeteries in CDRC. It highlights the need for caring and respecting for the deceased,” he Teamwork – People and Culture Recruitment Team – Cameron Ingham and Sonsee Isaako added. Cameron and Sonsee have demonstrated excellent collaboration, working well together and with Managers, to achieve great After the success of the trial, the plot markers will be introduced to all CDRC cemeteries, says Jason McKissock, acting results. In the last four months they have actioned 51 successful appointments, which is more than 1.5 staff appointments Regional Services Manager. “They should all be completed in the next 12 months.” per working day. To achieve this, Sonsee and Cameron established new processes to keep recruitment actions moving forward during staff leave, demonstrated good communication by creating a new Recruitment and Selection Standard Operating Procedure and working with Managers. Accountability – Norman Hagen – Administration Officer, Yuelamu Norman has focused on solutions, making sure all worksites in Yuelamu have had worksite inspections conducted. He is the new HSR and has delivered results quickly. Norman’s role is normally undertaken by higher level staff, but he owns the outcome and ensures the job is done. Norman received training from the WHS Advisor and immediately put it to good effect, delivering a quality result. Integrity – Wayne Porter – Aged Care Coordinator, Nyirripi Wayne keeps his promises by supporting Council values to get great engagement from his local workers. He actively promotes his staff in good news stories and when other staff are visiting. Wayne communicates changes in policy and processes in a culturally appropriate way, ensuring his staff understand Council expectations. This has resulted in consistent staff, reduced absenteeism and allowing Council to consistently deliver full services. Wayne is responsible, reliable and consistent both with his staff and messages, fulfilling his WHS obligations and with his comprehensive reports to his Manger. He makes sure meetings result in progress, an example being where a serious WHS hazard was reported, but not actioned, Wayne escalated it accordingly until it was resolved. Field officers Bruno Tilmouth, Eric Tilmouth, Adrian Price Some of the new plot markers at Engawala cemetery. and Tyrone James finishing off a marker. Respect – Irene Floyd – Children’s Services Coordinator, Laramba Irene demonstrates here commitment to Council by aligning with Council’s goals. She did this when she filled the Manager role for a long period, even when she didn’t want to. Irene also ensured services could operate at both Nyirripi and Laramba. She demonstrated her ability to prioritise her duty to Council when dealing with staff issues amongst those who were usually her peers. Wayne Porter after receiving his Irene acted on behalf of community, advocating strongly through the Local Authority certificate, voucher and mug. CDRC STAFF PROFILE: JANE ARMSTRONG and also her relationships with local staff. Irene actively encourages staff to grow in their roles and mentors local staff to act in a Coordinator role when she is not on ow long have you been with Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC)? Just over two and a half years. community – this is great succession planning in action and promotes sustainable communities in a practical way. H What position/s are you in / have you had? My first role with CDRC was as Community Development Program (CDP) Case Manager and Female Activity supervisor in Yuelamu. I worked there for just over twelve months. Next I took on the Nominations in the future will be open to all staff. CDRC values are the cornerstone of how we operate and how we deliver position of CDP Case Manager in Laramba, and three months later became the relief Case Manager. I have recently accepted services – it is great to have such good examples as our winners! the position of Manager Community Safety Patrols after acting in the role for the past six months. What is your favourite thing about working for CDRC? I enjoy working with our community members. I’ve been fortunate enough to CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN TI TREE LIBRARY visit each of our sites, and have worked with such an amazing variety he Ti Tree library spruced up for Christmas last year, with decorations bringing a of people. Living in community has given me the opportunity to form Tcheerful mood. They even had a tree with presents underneath. They were also very strong relationships with some of our residents, and I get a lot of offering services for satisfaction from seeing how work makes a positive impact. Christmas such as Why is your position important? The Community Safety Patrol is an wrapping gifts, helping to essential part of community life. It plays an invaluable role in keeping write Christmas cards or children off the streets at night, settling minor disputes, and making hand-making gifts. sure that safety issues are appropriately escalated. Their presence gives community members a sense of security. It’s rewarding to me to The library is open: be able to offer my support and guidance to the teams who are doing 9am -1pm this work in nine of our communities. Monday – Thursday What do you like doing outside of work? When I lived fulltime in 9am – 12pm community, I made most of my own clothes, but find that I’m doing Fridays less of that now that I’m based in town and on the road a lot. Now that I have a kitchen with a gas stove, I’ve been rediscovering my love of cooking. I’ve always been an avid reader, and find that’s the one Jane Armstrong, new Manager Community Safety Patrol. The Christmas tree. Decorating the library. interest I have that never changes.

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ATITJERE – READY TO BARBECUE ANYWHERE ENGAWALA REPRESENT AT SOUTHERN CUP BASKETBALL he Atitjere Local Authority (LA) decided they wanted barbecues in their community – and they got them. Two fixed COMPETITION barbecues were located at sites that the community wanted for family gatherings and social events, and a barbecue T he 2020 Southern Cup Basketball Tournament saw Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) represented by a men’s team trailer is an asset to both Atitjere and the surrounding outstations, as it can be used for a variety of functions ranging from from Engawala on the weekend of December 5 and 6 2020. birthdays to funerals and everything in between. T Featuring a good mix of youth and experience, the Engawala Men were drawn against six other teams, and made it through Back in July 2020 the first barbecue was installed at the rear of the Recreation hall by Central Desert Regional Council to the third and fourth place playoff. In a close, see-sawing game, the Engawala team lost by only 2 points 20-22, finishing (CDRC). It included an LED light. fourth overall. The team was very competitive throughout the tournament, their only big loss coming at the hands of the reigning The next barbecue was installed at the basketball court back in champions Tennant Creek, when they went down 23-35. Even in this game, the team showed their willingness to compete November 2020. This barbecue complimented another LA project to the end, outscoring Tennant Creek 18-10 in the second half. – a 12m x 6m shade structure and picnic tables. The barbecue The team also played a couple of 3 x 3 games on Saturday morning; however drawn against some of the favoured teams, was installed at one end of the shade structure and has a solar they did not make it to the 3 x 3 finals. powered light installed above. This site was also chosen as it The team also participated in a community coaching and referee education session on Friday night, with Ian McAdam from is close to the playground and basketball court, an area that is the ‘Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks’ program. central to the community and used often. The installation was A big thank you to the CDRC Staff who came down on both Saturday and Sunday to cheer the team on, and Central Desert completed early November in time for Christmas. Regional Council look forward to providing intercommunity basketball opportunities in 2021. The barbecue trailer fit-out was completed by Warren Kenney (Community Services Coordinator) and Scott Pinchbeck and is fully off grid, sporting a 130 watt solar panel, 120 amp-hour battery and solar charger, two 60 litre Engel fridge/freezers and LED lighting throughout. The fridge/freezers can be set up as either fridges or The recreation hall barbecue with the light on. freezers or a combination of both. The fridges can be kept running on the battery alone for several days. So far the barbecue has been used for a couple of Christmas events, sorry business and a couple of Youth, Sport and Recreation events.

The Engawala Men’s team. Back row (left to right): Joseph (Nino) Tilmouth, Kelvin Neal, Nino Tilmouth looking to shoot. Nathan Fishook, Field Officer, Scott Pinchbeck, Community Reagan Drover, Owen Ryder. Front row (left to right): Carl Inkamala, Kassidy Bird, Kalem Scott Pinchbeck installing the fridge/freezers into Safety Program Coordinator, and Shane White, Works Williams, Justin Tilmouth, Dwayne Bloomfield. the barbecue trailer. Supervisor with the barbecue at the basketball court.

The coaching and referee education session with Ian McAdam. CDRC Children and Youth Services Manager Marlies Coleman Warren Kenney working on the supporting the team. electronics of the barbecue trailer. The completed barbecue trailer with slide-out hot plate.

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CDRC COMPETE IN IMPARJA CUP FINAL he Imparja Cup 2021 finals took place on Friday 19 February and it came down to the last over in the grand final for the TCentral Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Laramba team who almost took out the title. After playing six games through the rounds and then winning their semi-final, the Laramba team played in the Statewide Super Women’s Community Division grand final against the team Ladeez (Alice Springs). Central Desert batted first to make a total of 87. Simona Tilmouth top scored for the Laramba team with 30 runs (forced to retire) and took two wickets. But it was the consistent batting from the Ladeez team with four of the six batters making double figures which saw them take out the title. They won with just six balls to spare. The team displayed great integrity, humour and sense of fair play for the entirety of the competition, and represented the community of Laramba with great pride. The Anmatjere team represented CDRC with pride, and learnt a new set of skills throughout the competition. Although the team were unable to come away with a win, they were competitive throughout the week, with some fantastic performances from a number of players. They were beaten in the 7th vs 8th final against ASCC Eagles. Congratulations to the following players who made ‘Team of the Tournament’ for the men’s and women’s community divisions: Male – Lachlan Moore Female – Annalisa Dixon Female – Tahlia Turner

The Laramba team. The Anmatjere team.

Laramba won the toss in the final, electing to bat first. Going for a hook shot.

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