Central Desert News

New wheels for Willowra EDITION NO. 29 / MARCH 2016 Aged Care! INSIDE New wheels for Willowra Aged Care! 1 n Friday, 19 February the new aged Ocare bus was delivered to Willowra From the President 2 Aged Care Centre. A small presentation From the CEO 2 took place at the Council Service Welcoming new staff in language 3 Delivery Office presenting the new HiAce commuter bus to the Aged Care Community landscaping with Arid Edge 3 Coordinator and clients. The bus features Fresh harvest in Laramba 4 wheelchair access to enable clients to easily hop on and off. CDP helps reinvent the Wilora Women’s 4 The aged care bus was funded Centre through a partnership between the Aged care gets a windfall 5 Wirliyatjarrayi Aboriginal Land Trust via the Central Land Council, and Central Focus on mediation and justice in Yuendumu 6 Desert Regional Council. CDP build for peace in Yuendumu 6 A painting for the bus was specifically designed by community members for On the Mediation and Justice Program 7 use on the bus. The bus will assist aged Robert Robertson joins the First Circles 7 care to provide activities in and around Program the community, including bush trips, for an aged care facility to be built at Recycling project funds Christmas 8 social activities and visits to the school. Willowra. Once built, this facility will give celebrations This great initiative by the Willowra clients a place to attend for breakfast community represents a strong step Willowra pumping some iron 8 and allow the service to provide cooked forward in developing the aged care meals, showering and blanket washing Yuendumu CDP delivering delicious results 9 service in Willowra. facilities as well as day respite and social The presentation ended with the Anmatjere Cricket Team battles it out in the 9 activities. handing over of the bus keys and a trip Imparja Cup It’s been a very busy time for aged around the community to test out the care in the with Work Zone Training with Boral Asphalt 10 new wheels. so many projects currently underway to Fire crews mobilise in Willowra 10 Thank you to the Willowra community improve the environment for staff and and Central Land Council for their clients and enhance service delivery! Around the region 11 engagement with aged care and all We wish to thank the Department of New faces in the Akityarre Ward 12 those who assisted in the provision and Health (formerly the Department of Social delivery of the bus! Services) for their ongoing support. We In another exciting development, would also like to take this opportunity to a tender process will soon commence thank all workers in each of our remote aged care services for their patience and understanding at this time of constant change. Your cooperation and ongoing support has meant that the service provided to our clients continues to be delivered at a high standard whilst Central Desert News is published by improvements are underway. Central Desert Regional Council Read more about other exciting new PO Box 2257 NT 0871 Ph 1300 360 605 upgrades to aged care facilities across www.centraldesert.nt.gov.au the region on page 5. Please send your stories to [email protected] From the President

appy Easter everyone! I hope that Heveryone had a relaxing holiday and is enjoying a great 2016. I am proud to say that the Council has already been very busy this year, at the moment we are undertaking upgrades to aged care services across the region, new roads and capital works, as well as improved services for all communities. In January we unfortunately had to say farewell to one of our founding councillors, Louis Japanangka Schaber, due to health issues. Cr Schaber has made an important contribution to local government in Central , particularly for the community at Atitjere. He has been a great ally and support in council and his strong voice and leadership will be missed. President Adrian Dixon and outgoing MacDonnell Regional Council President, Sid Anderson, at Cr Anderson’s farewell. The resulting vacancy in the Akityarre Ward has been filled by Sandra Peckham after being elected unopposed in the that makes a real difference for our communities. Sid has been a long-time recent by-election. It is with great communities. colleague and friend; and a strong leader pleasure that I welcome Cr Peckham I recently attended a reception to for the MacDonnell Region. Cr Anderson to the Council. It is good to see that farewell outgoing MacDonnell Regional will continue to represent the Pintubi community members are willing to step Council President, Sid Anderson, to Luritja Ward as a Councillor. up to such an important role. Being honour him for his many years of Adrian Dixon a councillor is a difficult job but one public service to Central Australian President

From the CEO

t is with great pleasure to announce that Aged care is benefiting from a major Council to determine priorities in the Ithe Council appointed Craig Catchlove capital upgrade program and, with a Regional Council Plan. Councillors will as the new Director Corporate Services great contribution from Community be participating in a planning workshop in February 2016. Craig joins us from Development Program participants, in April to help shape the Council’s Alice Springs Town Council where he communities are benefiting from a range priorities for the new financial year. Once has been for the past eight years. With of park, cemetery and oval upgrades. Councillors have set the priorities, staff his many years of experience in NT local While we are busy making things will develop them into action plans which government and as a long time resident happen this year, we also need to be make up the Regional Council Plan. of Alice Springs, Craig will be a valuable again thinking about what is in store for Council will be releasing its draft addition to the CDRC family. next year and developing our Regional Regional Plan in late May. Please look out As you can see from the newsletter, Plan for 2016/17. We have been for this document and provide feedback the Council is very busy fulfilling the visiting communities recently to talk to on its contents. many plans and projects identified in community members about what they Cathryn Hutton the last Regional Plan. Council continues would like to see happen in the future. Chief Executive Officer to be incredibly busy with building This information is used to develop upgrades in Nyirripi as well as fencing specific plans for each community. and road upgrades across the region. These plans will also be used by the

2 • CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Welcoming new staff in language

ouncil knows how confusing starting a new Cjob can be. As part of the Council’s effort to make its induction material easy to understand, induction DVDs are now available in Central Desert languages: Anmatjere, Arrernte, Eastern Arrernte, English and Walpiri. Engawala Aged Care Centre has a new Aged Care Coordinator, Sue Ware. The new induction video has helped Sue to get good idea of what it means to be a Council staff member. Sue, along with Engawala Aged Care Centre staff, Joy Turner and Rachel Tilmouth, and community member Margaret Tilmouth, are shown here watching the induction DVD in Arrernte. The women found the DVD an informative and relevant introduction to the workplace. The new induction DVDs in local languages have now been distributed throughout the Central Desert communities. The Human Resources Team in Alice Springs welcomes any feedback staff and community members have on them. Engawala Aged Care Centre staff watch an induction DVD in Arrernte. Community landscaping with Arid Edge

ilora Community Development Edge works to carry out environmental CDP participants were also involved WProgram (CDP) participants were projects with positive social outcomes in community meetings with Arid Edge recently involved in the tree planting with a vision of “healthy futures for arid aimed at supporting the development activity carried out in partnership with lands and people”. A total of 30 trees of a community landscaping plan. The the Anmatjere Local Authority and were planted in properties throughout results of this fantastic partnership are Arid Edge Environmental Services. Arid the Wilora community. sure to keep on growing.

Wilora CDP get green thumbs.

CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER • 3 Fresh harvest in Laramba

ommunity Development Program (CDP) participants Care taking on nature in Laramba. The activity centre garden produced a magnificent crop of watermelons and rockmelons in January, good enough to eat! Originally from southern Africa, watermelons grow really well in the desert’s hot summers, with a bit of TLC from the community. As well as fresh fruit, Laramba CDP was also involved in a whole lot of outdoor activity mowing and whipper- snipping around the community. This included cleaning up the schoolyard to get it looking good in time for the start of the new school year. The Laramba community has been enjoying a fantastic outdoor environment as a result.

Glenda, Vanessa, Veronica, Aileen and Carol hold the first crop of melons CDP helps reinvent from the activity centre garden. the Wilora Women’s Centre

ilora Community Development Program (CDP) Wparticipants are currently involved in repair work in the Wilora Women’s Centre which was not in a good state when the lease to the building was obtained. Once the renovations have been completed, CDP participants will use the revamped building to undertake health and nutrition, art and sewing activities. Participants have cleaned and painted the building, some have also been retiling the bathroom and kitchen areas. With all the work so far the place is looking pretty spectacular and the CDP can look forward to using a great space created by and for participants. Allan Harrison, Lawrence Daniels and Joshua Dixon mow the grass.

Shane Dixon, Lindsay Turner, Timothy Glen, Allan Andrews and Clarrie CDP participants at work at the Wilora Women’s Shelter Mbitjana at the schoolyard clean up.

4 • CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Aged care gets a windfall

(Continued from page 1…) Lajamanu: In 2014/15 work commenced Over the past two financial years on replacing the Lajamanu Aged Care Centre Council’s Aged Care Service has roof which had ongoing water issues each had surplus money from its federal time it rained. Both the external roof and government funding. In early 2015, internal ceiling have now been completely Council was given permission by the replaced—a big job! Aged care clients in Department of Health to use the extra Lajamanu can now stay warm and dry all money on capital upgrades and new year round. equipment for all aged care services in Yuelamu: Upgrades are in progress at the region. the Yuelamu Aged Care Centre, including New items have been purchased levelling the floor to reduce fall risks for all aged care centres, including for clients and making it easier for staff mattresses, washing machines, dryers, unloading stock, repairing the kitchen floor, towels, lounges and mink rugs. replacing floor coverings, providing internal There are also a plethora of capital access to the upgraded disability bathroom works upgrades happening across the and installing a staff toilet. When upgrades region, including: are complete there will be a focus on clients Lorraine Stirling and Sarah Morton working in attending the centre for breakfast and Engawala: Mesh has been purchased the kitchen at Laramba Aged Care. to enclose the rear veranda at social inclusion activities. It will also improve Engawala Community Centre. When clients’ ability to shower easily. complete, a washing machine and Nyirripi: Planned upgrades to Nyirripi Aged dryer will be installed. Engawala Care Centre will include clearing broken now has a full time coordinator and washing machines from the laundry area is encouraging clients to attend the and making improvements to the kitchen service for breakfast. The centre hopes and dining area to improve the space for to begin social activities and bush trips social activities. in the near future as well. Anmatjere: Late last year approval was Laramba: The ramp and decking on granted to install the fire sprinkler system the rear veranda at the Laramba Aged at the Anmatjere Aged Care Centre. Once Care Centre has been earmarked for it’s complete, Council will be able to offer replacement. Materials have been overnight respite care at Ti Tree. This will in purchased and, with the assistance turn make a huge difference to clients who of Community Development Program will no longer have to travel long distances Allan Harrison, Lawrence Daniels and Joshua Dixon mow the grass. participants, this project will begin to Tennant Creek or Alice Springs for very soon. overnight respite care. New ramps, flooring and safety handles for Yuelamu Aged Care.

Shane Dixon, Lindsay Turner, Timothy Glen, Allan Andrews and Clarrie Timothy Glen washing blankets at Mbitjana at the schoolyard clean up. Laramba Aged Care. Jamesie washing the car at Laramba Aged Care. New minks blankets for aged care clients.

CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER • 5 Focus on mediation and justice in Yuendumu

he Yuendumu Mediation and Justice analysis by the University of Canberra TCentre Aboriginal Corporation’s that found the government saves $4 for annual general meeting, held on 30 every $1 spent on the Mediation and November 2015, was an opportunity Justice Program. to celebrate the elders and mediators’ Other significant events across the achievements for the year and consider year that were celebrated included the way forward for the corporation. the visit by the former Department of The highlights for 2015 included Correctional Services Commissioner, an invitation for the mediation group Mr Ken Middlebrook, and Executive Mediation and Justice Centre trip to to travel to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Director, Mr Robert Steer, following an Amata Trip, 2015. Yankunytjatjara Lands in the north west invitation from the mediators. Their of to share their story trip to Yuendumu involved a series of of peacemaking in Yuendumu with meetings with the elders, mediators the Amata community in the hope of and service providers and concluded resolving conflicts occurring there. The with a community meeting at the mediators were also invited as guest park established in recognition of the presenters to the 10th anniversary community’s efforts in overcoming annual forum of the Elders Visiting longstanding conflicts in the community. Program (EVP) run by the Department The purchase of a new troop carrier with of Correctional Services. At the forum, a grant from the Central Land Council, Elders’ Visiting Program, 10th Year the mediators reflected on the history and rollover funds from the Department Anniversary Forum, Darwin, May 2015. and impact of their mediation program of Prime Minister and Cabinet, was and provided guidance to other elders another cause for celebration. The team becoming an independent corporation and community leaders striving towards is now able to travel in one vehicle for under consideration, the Board have peace in their communities across trips such as prison visits and work in been actively reviewing their structure the Territory. Corporation members neighbouring communities. and service model in preparation for were also reminded of their recent On a procedural level, the AGM was a possible transition. The AGM was an achievements, which include a certificate a time to elect a new Board of Directors, important moment to take stock of these of merit at the Australian Crime and put forward changes to the Corporation changes, challenges, the progress made Prevention Awards, as well as findings Rule Book and pass a resolution for by the corporation so far and its direction of a recent independent cost benefit a new name. With the prospect of for 2016 and beyond. CDP build for peace in Yuendumu hroughout 2015 Yuendumu TCommunity Development Program team could be seen working hard to build a community park and provide a makeover of the Yuendumu Mediation and Justice Centre. The team transformed a central area in the community into a safe and neutral meeting place established as an acknowledgement and a celebration of peace. While the formal name of the park is still under discussion, the park is referred to locally as the “peace park” and has become the primary venue Department of the Prime Minister and and green. The colours were chosen by for community meetings, for disputes Cabinet’s Community Development the Corporation Directors and Executive best managed in the open air, and for Fund. Members to represent peace and families to enjoy time together on the Neighbouring the park is the growth. swings. The park was funded by the Mediation Centre, newly painted in blue

6 • CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER On the Mediation and Justice Program

A reflection on the have to break the cycle we go around year after Mediation and Justice year—we need to look Program by Robert at the cycle we’re in and create opportunities for Robertson helping ourselves and believe in the program and what it can others. Breaking the cycles Iachieve. Do what you believe and a lot means we must face the of things will become possible. I keep challenges in our lives. We believing that this program will grow. It are all in this community will grow. living together and we I have seen this program have lots all want it to be a safe of ups and downs, but we have the community to live in. Robert Robertson, Team Leader Yuendumu Mediation focus—that helps us overcome the and Justice Program obstacles that we have, and will face. Our lives are not problem free—that’s the hard truth. But we must believe in what we can do. The Bible teaches us to have faith in things not seen but Robert Robertson joins the hoped for. Believe what’s in your heart. There are a lot of things that are in our First Circles Program heart about making this a better, safer community for our children, our elders, obert Robertson, Team Leader to the conversation and help build for us all to live in. Rof the Yuendumu Mediation the next generation of community Everyone has hidden talents but a and Justice Program, has just been leaders. He joins Council President, lot of our mob needs support. Support accepted into the First Circles Remote Adrian Dixon, who was an inaugural to see themselves as someone who Leadership Program that will see him appointee to First Circles in 2015. The can contribute to this community’s working with those at the highest level Program holds four to six forums each future. We need everyone to know how of the Government. year. Congratulations to Robert on this important they are. Without knowing The First Circles Program focuses on fantastic appointment and we wish that destruction comes into people’s engaging Indigenous leaders across him the best as he brings the voice of lives—alcohol, gunja, conflict with the Territory to bring new voices his community to Darwin. family. We go across the line when we start arguing with our family members. This life is full of problems, but we need to be prepared for these problems and understand how they come into our lives. We need to help each other to be aware. Being a leader in this program has helped me to understand the community. There are a lot of pot holes that need to be filled in with support, encouragement and belief. We need to take responsibility for ourselves—we need to look at ourselves before we start looking at others. We need to help ourselves and then reach out and help others. We also need to look up and see who is there, ready to support us. There is a lot of support in this community if you’re willing to ask and President Adrian Dixon and Robert Robertson at Parliament House in Canberra in accept that you need the support. We 2013.

CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER • 7 Recycling project funds Christmas celebrations

he recent recycling project— Tconducted by Council’s Community Development Program (CDP)—was a huge success. CDP participants from the five communities serviced by the Council undertook huge community clean ups and in the process raised money for Christmas celebrations. Cans and other recyclables were collected from the community and then brought to Alice Springs for recycling. These shots show beautiful meals prepared by CDP participants as part of their health and nutrition activity, and the festive celebrations.

Willowra pumping some iron illowra community has just installed some new outdoor gym equipment in WWillowra Park that can be used by anyone, anytime, to get some exercise. The equipment was purchased by the community using its community leasing money. Younger members of the community can also look forward to getting active with a delivery of $48,000 worth of playground equipment, which is also part of the same funding agreement, scheduled for March. These two projects mean that there are a lot more outdoor recreation options for Willowra community members. It will be great to see everyone getting active, working out, playing hard and feeling great!

Willowra residents Harold Ross, Nazareth Long and Malcolm Fry testing out the new exercise equipment

8 • CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Yuendumu CDP delivering delicious results

n late 2015, Yuendumu Community IDevelopment Program (CDP) participants catered for the Yuendumu Careers Expo. All the meals shared with the Yuendumu community at the end of the expo were prepared by CDP participants. CDP participants took pride in their catering activity, with the event giving them the opportunity to display their finesse in preparing some delicious food. The Careers Expo was a chance for everyone at Yuendumu to come along for the day and find out about the job options. This kind of thing definitely builds up an appetite, so the fresh fruit and a BBQ were certainly well received.

Anmatjere Cricket Team battles it out in the Imparja Cup he Anmatjere Cricket Team battled it Team Captain Wayne Scrutton, who have been Tout in the semi finals of the Imparja working with the men this summer to improve Cup on Friday, 12 February at Sadadeen their skills and bring the team together. Well Oval in Alice Springs. It was a close done Ti Tree! With this experience and all the game with the Anmatjere team falling practice going on Anmatjere is sure to return short of the 110 run target they needed. to the Cup next year! Despite the loss the team played a great game, with the opening batter, Terrence Campbell, fighting it out for the full 14 overs. This is the first time that a team from the Central Desert Regional Council has made it to the finals of the Imparja Cup and the team is thrilled that they made it so far. As well as the hard work by the players, their success can be attributed to their team leader Maria Rosa Rodner, Coach Majid Khan and

CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER • 9 Work Zone Training with Boral Asphalt

ouncil recently signed a Cmemorandum of understanding with Boral Asphalt for Boral to provide training and mentoring to Council road works staff. On 27–28 January Boral sponsored Work Zone Traffic Management Training in Ti Tree. Six works staff participated and completed the course. In Yuendumu the same training was held on 18–19 February, 11 works staff participated and completed the course. In Alice Springs the Work Zone Training was scheduled on 22–23 February, with equally positive results. This training delivery is part of a fantastic collaboration with Boral, which has allowed the works crews in these locations develop and hone their road works skills. Fire crews mobilise in Willowra n February a dust devil dropped embers one Ikilometre south of Willowra community from a fire over four kilometres away. In a matter of minutes a grass fire started raging. Reacting to the fire threat, the Willowra works team mobilised the fire trailer and stood watch. Thankfully the fire started outside our primary firebreak and the firebreak did its job and stopped the flames spreading into the community. The works team stayed on watch to extinguish any spot fires that may have started due to another dust devil. After four hours the fire had continued south away from the community and all was safe. Some overnight rain was welcomed afterwards.

It’s times like this that you breathe a sigh of relief that our firebreaks are maintained and that our works crews are trained in the operation of the fire equipment. Willowra is also lucky to have an experienced Warlpiri ranger, Nazareth Long, on its works team. Nazareth led the way in determining the expected direction the fire would travel enabling the team to assess the fire’s potential threat. Thank you to Nazareth and the Willowra works team for their quick actions to keep the community safe.

10 • CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Around the region Laramba Aged Care breakfast

An exciting time was had by clients at the Laramba Aged Care Centre in February with some dancing and meals eaten. Staff also delivered meals to clients at home. Everyone enjoyed the food and had a great laugh.

Lajamanu tree planting Asbestos training in

Willowra Lajamanu works crew plant the first few trees that are part of an upgrade at the Holy Ground Park. Trees were purchased in February with funds from their 2014/15 Local Authority Projects money from the Department of Local Government and Community Services. Left: Craig Patterson, Hector Patterson, Lionel Wilson. Below: Michael Erglis, Russell Sampson, Craig Patterson, Hector Patterson, Lionel Wilson.

Training in the B Class Asbestos Removal Licence for women holding a White Card occurred in Willowra in late January. Tiahni and Gemmiah dressed up for the occasion!

CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER • 11 New faces in the Akityarre Ward

n January, it was with gratitude that ICouncil said farewell to Councillor Louis Japanangka Schaber, a founding Councillor of the Central Desert Regional Council, due to health issues. At the February Council meeting, Councillors acknowledged Cr Schaber’s important contribution to local government in representing the people of the Central Desert Region. A framed photograph of the Council signed by all Councillors and a letter of thanks from President Adrian Dixon was sent to Cr Schaber to acknowledge the occasion. Cr Schaber was recently recognised with an award for ten years of service from the Local Government Association Cr Schaber at the Harts Range Races in Cr Sandra Peckham. 2014. of the Northern Territory. Cr Schaber’s dedication and hard work saw him make was elected to the seat unopposed in Regional Councillor, I am looking forward a big difference to the lives of people in February. to learning about the role and how I the Central Desert Region. We wish him Cr Peckham is a long time resident can represent my community, especially well for the future. of the Atitjere (Harts Range) community, when it comes to young people and The vacancy in Akityarre Ward with her children and grandchildren also making positive changes for them and created by Cr Schaber’s departure saw living there. She takes on her new role as their futures,” Cr Peckham said. Council hold a by-election for the seat, Councillor as well as her day job in the Council staff and Councillors welcome and it was with great pleasure that community shop. Cr Peckham to the role. Council announced that Sandra Peckham “As the newest Central Desert What’s on around the Council Local Authority Meeting dates: Lajamanu: 23 March Atitjere: 18 April Engawala: 19 April Anmatjere: 20 April Willowra: 21 April Laramba: 26 April Yuelamu: 27 April Nyirripi: 10 May Yuendumu: 11 May

Central Desert Regional Council Next Council Meeting: PO Box 2257 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871 Atitjere: 8 April Ph 1300 360 605 www.centraldesert.nt.gov.au Public holidays:

Good Friday: 25 March FOLLOW US ON Easter Monday: 28 March FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE Anzac Day: 25 April

12 • CENTRAL DESERT REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER