Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Warruwi, Minjilang, Maningrida and Gunbalanya

Edition 317 17 - 30 July 2014 [email protected] 08 8979 9465 Published by West Arnhem Regional Council

HECTORING KIDS FOR ROAD SAFETY THIS EDITION KAKADU GETS READY TO GROOVE

Tracey Bunn and Ivan Zar will headline an evening of chilled out tunes on the shores of Lake Jabiru from 4pm Saturday 19 July. PAGES 8-9 > MINJILANG HAVING A BALL

Hector the Road Safety Cat gives Shamika, Lashon, Roy and Talina from Gunbalanya School a hand to cross the road at the community’s new crosswalk. Hector visited the schools in West Arnhem recently to teach children the importance of being road safety aware. READ MORE, PAGE 7 >>

NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HERO The Heart Foundation rolls into Minjilang with a healthy week of fun activities. PAGE 7 > NE nomination is all it takes. Such is the message from the O2014 Senior Australian of FUNDRAISER HELPS BUILD ARK the Year Fred Chaney AO and 2014 Australian of the Year Shellie Morris. Fred and Shellie attended a NAIDOC Flag Raising special event at Parliament House in Darwin on Monday 7 July to call for local nominees for the 2015 Australian of the Year Awards. Sue and Sandra’s charity auction that raised $10,000 for The event, hosted by Deputy Chief Nina’s Ark Wildlife Sanctuary. PAGE 10 > Minister Dave Tollner, called for nominations for Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young NOTCHING ONE UP FOR JABIRU Australian of the Year and Australia’s Fred Chaney and Shellie Morris put out the call for nominations for Local Hero. the 2015 Australian of the Year Awards from Parliament House in Darwin on Monday 7 July. Honoured as Senior Australian of the Year 2014 for his efforts as a world’s concert stages to campfires in Australia’s reconciliation advocate, Fred says he always enjoys remotest communities. Shellie said a recent visit spending time in the Northern Territory. to Gunbalanya was a highlight, catching up with “The great thing about this year has been meeting friends and family to share the excitement of her so many Australians doing so many great things for award. their communities,” Fred said. “It’s such an honour to be part of this tour with Fred, He was joined at the event by one of Australia’s who has been so inspirational,” Shellie said. Clinton Rasmussen brings it all back home at the Jabiru finest Indigenous singer-songwriters, Shellie CONTINUED PAGE 2 Open Pistol Championships. PAGE 14 > Morris, who has performed everywhere from the West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang 2 WHAT’S ON OUT AND ABOUT If you have an upcoming event you would like to see listed in this space please phone Mark at The Wire on 8979 9465 or email [email protected].

Tracey Bunn will headline Kakadu Groove this Saturday 19 July from 4-10pm at Lake Jabiru Park, supported by Ivan Zar, The Unknown David Stutz, Laura Hensley and Haylee Jensen with paintings they created at the NAIDOC Week Ensemble, The Kakadu Crew and Linda Sayers. Bring a rug or chair, celebrations at Bowali Visitor Centre on Wednesday 9 July. some wine, or enjoy food from the market stalls. Entry is free. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 10 >> JULY Fri 18 Auskick clinic and game, primary school-aged children, NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HERO Brockman Oval 2-4.30pm < FROM FRONT PAGE Sat 19 ERA Info Day and Ranger Mine tour, Town Plaza 9am-3pm Sat 19 Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres 9 Hole Ambrose, Jabiru Golf A celebrated performer, Shellie heads Club 9am for 9.30 tee-off to Glasgow this month to perform at Sat 19 Jabiru Library Colouring Competition closes, winner drawn the Commonwealth Games and then to Sat 19 Kakadu Groove music festival, Lake Jabiru Park, free entry, China as part of the Black Arm Band. market and food stalls, 4-10pm Tue 22 Gunred Community Meeting, Children’s Ground 10am Adopted by a non-Indigenous family, Tue 22 Back to school Shellie grew up in Sydney, making the Fri 25 Show Day 9 Hole Ambrose, Jabiru Golf Club trek back to the NT 15 years ago to Fri 25-Sat 26 Royal Darwin Show reconnect with her roots. Since then she Tue 29 Domenick O’Kieran, stand-up comedy, JSSC has worked in more than 80 remote and Mondays Bowali Track guided walk, Croc Hotel Foyer 8.30am urban Indigenous communities delivering Mondays Twined Together, traditional weaving demonstration, music workshops and as an ambassador Border Store, East Alligator River 2-4pm for the Fred Hollows Foundation. West Arnhem Regional Council’s Ian Lindsay (centre) with Mondays Rock Art slideshow, Aurora Kakadu Lodge Jabiru 7.30pm NT Australia Day Council Deputy wife Margaret and NT Australia Day Deputy Chair Jeff Tuesdays Jabiru Art & Craft Group, Kakadu Youth Centre 7.30pm Colver at the Parliament House event. Tuesdays Jabiru Playgroup, Jabiru Lake Park 9.30-11am Chair Jeff Colver said bringingShellie Tuesdays Six Seasons of Kakadu, Mardugal campground 7.30pm Morris and Fred Chaney to the Territory pivotal people in the history of our nation.” Wednesdays Gun-gardun guided cultural walk 8.30am was a valuable opportunity for communities. To put someone you admire in the running Wednesdays Bardedjilidji guided cultural walk 9am 89381120 “Both Fred and Shellie have been instrumental Mixed social tennis, JSSC 5.30pm to be the next Australian of the Year, Senior Wednesdays in the history of the people of the Northern Wednesdays Wildlife slideshow, Aurora Kakadu Sth Alligator 7.30pm Australian of the Year, Young Australian of Territory, by empowering Indigenous Australians Thursdays Italian Night, JSSC Bistro the Year or Australia’s Local Hero, you can and providing a voice and opportunity Thursdays Kakadu Rangers guided walk, Gunlom 8.15am nominate online at australianoftheyear.org. Thursdays Buffalo Days slideshow, Aurora Kakadu Lodge 7.30pm for marginalised communities,” Mr Colver said. au or call 1300 655 193 for more information. Fridays Kakadu Rangers guided walk, Manngarre 8.15am “It is a great opportunity for Territorians to meet Fridays Morning Fitness Class, Jabiru School MPA 5.45–6.30am with Fred and Shelley and be inspired by these Nominations close on Friday 1 August 2014. Fridays Badge Draw and raffles, food specials, Jabiru Golf Club 7pm Saturdays Thick Lines/Thin Lines traditional painting demonstration, Border Store 2-4pm Saturdays Ranger guided walk, Nawurlandja 5pm TOURIST TRAIL READY FOR REVAMP? Saturdays Kakadu's Bushtucker slideshow, Gunlom 7.30pm Visitors to are other destinations. Others quality, you don’t get a sense Sundays Ranger guided walk, Gunlom 8.15am disappointed by “high costs, spoke of “tired hotels” and that your money is being well tired infrastructure and lack of “disappointing restaurants”. spent in the NT,” he says. SENIORS MONTH innovation”, according to a AUGUST recent article in The Australian. Visitors at Jabiru encounter “not Mr O’Brien argues tourism Thu 14 ERA Info Day and Ranger Mine tour, Town Plaza 9am-3pm a plush visitors centre, but a should be more indigenous-led. Seniors Month afternoon tea, Gunbalanya Community mining town”, according to the Fri 15 The article says visitors report What do you think? Is there a Care 1.30-3.30pm article. problems ranging from contradiction in tourists wanting Subway ‘Eat Fresh’ comes to Jabiru Golf Club for JAFFA Sat 16 difficulties finding information Gundjeihmi Aboriginal to visit a wilderness area while fundraiser - more details to come! on road conditions to not Corporation chief executive demanding plush facilities? Sun 17 Jabiru Golf Club, Gary Dunstan & JAFFA fundraising meeting enough indigenous Justin O’Brien is quoted as weekend ambrose and trivia quiz - more details to come! people. saying the tourism industry Or is Arnhem Land’s tourism industry ready for a revamp? Many of those ­interviewed in the Northern Territory is SEPTEMBER said the tourism experience overdue for “revivification”. Send your letters to wire@ Sat 6 Mahbilil Festival, Jabiru (but not the landscapes) did “You don’t get a sense of westarnhem.nt.gov.au Fri 5-Sat 6 Gurrung Sports Carnival, Jabiru not compare fav­ourably with

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang 3 LOCAL AUTHORITY FINDS REPORT FINDS ITS VOICE IN MANINGRIDA NO HARM DONE HE need for a community morgue was one of Milaidjaidj, Steven Wilson and WARC Councillors BY SLURRY SPILL the first items raised at the first meeing of the Dene Herreen, Helen Williams and Matthew Ryan. newly formed Maningrida Local Authority, held T Local Authority meetings are also due to be held in AN interim environmental report at the West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) has found that a slurry spill at offices in Maningrida on 16 July. Gunbalanya on 2 July and Warruwi and Minjilang on 6 August. WARC provides secretarial assistance the Ranger Mine in December The Local Authority members for Maningrida are at the meetings and lends a close ear to the concerns 2014 has resulted in no abnormal Ben ‘Baru’ Pascoe, Bernadette Yibarbuk, Catherine of the community. Through the meetings, the Local changes in the air, soil and water Wales, Charlie Gunabarra, David Jones, James Authorities have a direct say in how council funds around the site. Woods. Laurie Guraylayla, Leon Lami Lami, Marcus are spent in their communities. In a statement, Parliamentary Pascoe, Noni Eather, Sarah-Lyn Ankin, Steven CONTINUED PAGE 10 >> Secretary for Environment Senator Simon Birmingham said the report meant the environment and people of the Region, including , remained protected from the potential effects of the Ranger uranium mine.

“Indigenous communities who live in Kakadu National Park can continue to fish in these rivers and creeks and drink the water without fear of contamination.”

Maningrida Local Authority members Matthew Ryan, Marcus Pascoe, Steven Milaidjaidj, Chairperson Baru The report stated that the radiation Pascoe, Catherine Wales, Deputy Chair Bernadette Yibarbuk, Steven Wilson and Charlie Gunabarra at the first dose to workers involved in the official meeting on Wednesday 16 July. cleanup activities was low and of no consequence to human health. However the report notes “a small STUDENTS’ BRISK VISIT TO MELBOURNE volume of contaminants may have “I like being at Trinity because you entered the groundwater in the are never alone and everyone is offsite environment”. By Matt Woodward the same. If you’re sitting on your The spill of sulphuric acid and own, someone always comes up uranium ore slurry occurred in the and sits with you and talks.” RECENTLY two West Arnhem early hours of December 7 2013 College students, Shierese and Of course Melbourne in July is not after a leach tank ruptured due to Tristan Cunningham, ventured so warm and both were emphatic wear in the rubber lining of the from Jabiru to Melbourne for that the city’s cold weather took tank, forcing the shutdown of the the Young Leaders Program at some getting used to. But they entire site. Trinity College – University of quickly adjusted and were able Traditional owners say the Melbourne. to get out and about. According findings of the interim report are to Tristan, “this experience has not conclusive. The visit was part of the College’s opened my eyes to the world. Indigenous program and allowed Melbourne is a big city”. Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation the brother and sister to experience chief executive Justin O’Brien told university life first hand. Back in the Territory, Tristan ABC News a further assessment is and Shierese are completing Shierese and Tristan participated Tristan and Shierese Cunningham at needed. Trinity College, Melbourne. school-based apprenticeships in a range of activities that with mining company Energy “We have some concerns about included a trip to Parliament Resources of Australia (ERA) at the lateness of the monitoring that House, workshops, debates on “I’ve met so many different Ranger Mine, and will be the informs this report. There was a climate change, discussions with people. We got the chance first members of their family to delay of some six weeks before guest speakers and an excursion to talk about why the land is graduate in Year 12. data was obtained that informs this to the Melbourne Zoo. important to Indigenous people. report. That needs to be assessed We explained it’s because it’s our The apprenticeships are part of a properly,” Mr O’Brien said. The siblings were keen to ancestors’ land,” Shierese said. successful education partnership articulate their perspective on a between West Arnhem College, The full report from the Supervising variety of issues to the 50 other Tristan thrived in this environment the Northern Territory Department Scientist will be completed and students from around the world and appreciated the warm of Education and ERA. released in August. who participated in the program. reception he received at Trinity. The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 4 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang STRETCH CLASSES FOR MUMS’N’ BUBS DUE to the success of the birthing, however all women meditation component. Participants will have first stretch and strengthening are encouraged to see their the opportunity to bond with their baby during class in March this year, the GP or obstetrician prior to class which will enhance emotional connection. Jabiru Community Primary participating.” “We look forward to seeing you there.” Health Care Centre are “We envisage that the classes continuing the classes for a will enable you to establish Participants should wear comfortable clothing, second term. a new foundation for better bring a towel, exercise mat (optional) and water. The classes will be run by fitness, leaving you feeling Healthy Lifestyle Educator energised from within,” Ms Contact Symone Lindsey at Jabiru Primary Brendan O’Brien with Lindsey said. Health Care Centre on 8979 2018 during Midwife Symone Lindsey in “The clases concentrate opening hours with any queries. attendance. on gentle preparative What: Stretching, strengthening and soothing exercises for “The exercises will concentrate on structural and restorative stretching antenatal and postnatal mothers and babies balance and core stability,” Mr O’Brien said. exercises focusing on the pelvic girdle and core abdomen muscles to increase When: Thursday 17 July - 21 August 2014 from 11am-12pm “The classes are suitable for women after muscle tone, followed by a relaxation and Where: Jabiru Community Hall DOZENS OF DOGS DESEXED ROAMING dogs in Kakadu’s outstations were targeted last month in an interagency project to reduce the impact of invasive species in Kakadu The West Arnhem Wire is the only regular source National Park. of news and information in the Kakadu and West The NT Environment Arnhem Land region. More than 600 copies Protection Authority and are distributed fortnightly to Jabiru, Warruwi, Gundjheimi Aboriginal Minjilang, Maningrida and Gunbalanya. Corporation funded three days of desexing of dogs Our electronic edition goes out to more than 650 and cats in Mudginberri, individual email addresses across West Arnhem East Alligator Ranger Station, Land and the Top End. Jabiru Town Camp and The Wire accepts advertising from businesses Whistle Duck in June. and government organisations. Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Placement of ads is subject to editorial and outcome had been “fantastic” without “the invaluable Communities (AMRRIC) Council policy. with 75 dogs and one cat assistance from Dustin Bear applied for the funding and desexed. – both in liaising, fixing taps Our competitive rates start from as little as $55 organised the program and repairing cars – and the “The management of (including GST). Call 08 8979 9465 today with in-kind support from veterinary help of The Ark domestic animal numbers in to discuss how we can help you spread your Parks Australia, Gundjheimi Animal Hospital, AMRRIC the outstations should assist messages around West Arnhem Land. and Warnbi Aboriginal staff, and three AMRRIC Corporation. in reducing their potential volunteers, including local Jess impact on the loss of small AMRRIC One Health Program Bartlett”. ADVERTISING DEADLINES mammals in the park and the Manager Jan Allen said the potential for domestic dogs to She said Kakadu National Bookings: 5pm Monday prior to publication dilute the genetic pool of the Park officer Anne O’Dea Artwork: 5pm Tuesday prior to publication dingo,” Ms Allen said. and visiting quoll researcher The Wire is published fortnightly on Thursdays Jonathon Webb had both She said the work would not expressed their enthusiasm for have been possible The Wire is published by West Arnhem the program. Regional Council. The views expressed here are not necessarily those held by the Council or Councillors.

The Wire acknowledges the traditional owners of country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders, past, present and future.

West Arnhem Regional Council PO Box 721 JABIRU NT 0886 www.westarnhem.nt.gov.au

Call (08) 8979 9465 or email [email protected]

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang 5 AWARD WINNERS STAND THEIR GROUND AKADU Traditional Owners Jeffrey Lee and Yvonne Margarula have been honoured Kwith the inaugural Ochre Green Territory Environmental Awards at a private ceremony at Koongarra Saddle on Saturday June 28. The Environment Centre NT awarded the Djok Traditional Owner Jeffrey Lee for offering his land for induction into Kakadu National Park. Mirarr Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula was given a lifetime achievement award for her long fight to protect country and culture from uranium mining. Stewart Gangale accepted the award on her behalf. Djok senior Traditional Owner Jeffrey Lee effectively ruled out uranium mining on his country when he lobbied for the Koongarra Project Area to be included within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Environment Centre NT Director Dr Stuart Blanch said the day of the awards marked three years since Jeffrey took his fight from Kakadu to Paris to address the UNESCO World Heritage committee. Jeffrey Lee and Stewart Gangale with the Ochre Green Environmental awards at the Blue Tongue dreaming “Jeffery’s victory saw Australia’s largest national site, Koongarra Saddle. PHOTO: DOMINIC O’BRIEN park get even bigger, a gift to all Australians,” Dr Blanch said. congratulating Jeffrey on his achievement, “This is an example of what sticking to your including messages from France, Japan and guns can achieve,” Ms Beaton said. Germany. Jeffery’s victory is a “Yvonne and the Mirarr put culture and Senior Mirarr traditional owner Yvonne community above all else and won. We gift to all Australians. Margarula received the Ochre Green Life Time recognise these achievements as nothing less achieving award for leading the fight against that extraordinary.” “It also closes an important door on unwanted the development of the Jabiluka uranium mine When Kakadu National Park was formed, uranium mining in the Kakadu region. We wish on her country. three areas were excluded from the Park Jeffrey all the best in building a home and living The NT Environment Centre’s Cat Beaton, to accommodate uranium mining interests his life on his land at Koongarra.” said Yvonne Margarula’s long-term efforts had – Koongarra, Ranger and Jabiluka. The He said the Environment Centre had received provided a light for people around the country Koongarra handover leaves only the Ranger more than a thousand messages and postcards and the world. and Jabiluka leases excluded from the park. BE WARY, BE CROCWISE WEST Arnhem Regional Council’s Remember, not all waterways in relief ESO at Warruwi, Gary West Arnhem can be signposted, Seimo, came across the critter so do not assume that without a shown at right basking in the sun sign there is no danger. whilst he was out doing his water bore run. Only swim in safe designated areas. If there is no safe swimming Gary got of a couple of shots sign, do not swim. before the croc saw him and took to the water. Crocodiles are dangerous and attacks can be fatal.

Crocs can be found in any waterway in the Top End. Only swim in designated swimming areas that have signs - no sign, no swim. BE CROCWISE Report problem crocodiles. Phone: 0419 822 859 www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 6 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang FIRST CIRCLES VOLUNTEERS GET READY FOR ACTION SEEKS NEW INDIGENOUS LEADERS THE Northern Territory Government is calling for expressions of interest from Indigenous Territorians who would like to contribute to Government decisions on Indigenous policy. The First Circles program is looking for 30 members from across the Territory. Attending the official launch of the First Circles program in Alice Springs, Minister for Community Services Bess Price said the government wanted all Territorians to be engaged in discussions and decisions about how they would like to see North Australia develop. “First Circles provides a pathway to Kate McMahon and Kath Patroni their first training session after joining the Jabiru Fire Station last week. Firefighting achieve this,” Mrs Price said. volunteers meet every Monday night at the station on Leichhardt Street for drills’n’skills. For more info call Mike Martin on 8972 3602. “We are looking for Indigenous Territorians who are keen to be actively involved in their region and community to nominate for the First Circles program. WARRUWI’S WEATHER WHEEL “First Circle members will put forward ideas they are passionate about and Thanks to the people of website as part of its develop projects which will be supported Warruwi, the Maung Indigenous Weather by departmental staff to make concepts Seasonal Calendar has Knowledge project,” Dr a reality. now been published Vertessy said. on the Bureau of “Moving away from traditional Meteorology (BOM) web “The incorporation of representative and elder consultation site. traditional weather models, the First Circles program will knowledge into our focus on future Indigenous leaders. The calendar shares the understanding of traditional knowledge weather and climate “Members will develop leadership skills of the Maung people has effectively provided while being actively involved in decision of Warruwi on South us with a history dating making around Indigenous issues. Goulburn Island in West back thousands of “They will have the opportunity to attend Arnhem. years, complementing more than a hundred one Cabinet meeting a year and work BOM acting Regional directly with Ministers, local authorities years of the Bureau’s Director Todd Smith own climate records. and government agencies to implement said the publication was projects they nominate. another great milestone “Through the Indigenous Mr Smith said the Bureau “The First Circles engagement program for the Bureau and the Warruwi Weather Knowledge project, community. hoped to continue to build on the Bureau is working with will increase participant’s knowledge the valuable relationship. and understanding of government Indigenous communities who “This addition is by far the most processes and build the confidence The Bureau of Meteorology have agreed to share their beautiful seasonal calendar of members to help them engage with recently marked National traditional knowledge passed on our Indigenous Weather community issues and improve the Reconciliation Week by down over many generations.” Knowledge site, and I wanted participation of the community in local launching the calendar. to extend a huge thank you and He said the Bureau was decision making. congratulations to everyone In a speech delivered thrilled to have Maung people “This program has been developed who was involved in the at the Institute of Public as the newest partners of through consultation with Indigenous calendar’s rejuvenation and Administration Australia’s the Indigenous Weather communities and the focus on emerging publication,” Mr Smith said. ‘Journey to Reconciliation’ Knowledge project, sharing leaders has widespread support. their valuable cultural “On a personal note, I’d seminar on Tuesday 27 May, Director of Meteorology Dr knowledge about our weather The term First Circles combines the like to thank you all for your and climate. acknowledgement of the ‘First Peoples’ generosity and support which Rob Vertessy made a special and ‘Circles’ which recognises the contributed to the success of the acknowledgement of the “This knowledge is an collaboration between people and Warruwi Radar installation and Maung people of Warruwi, important complement to communities as the main drive behind the Maung Seasonal Calendar. giving humble thanks to them modern scientific methods,” he providing results. for sharing such valuable said. “Each time Bureau staff visited knowledge with the Australian Emerging Indigenous leaders can the island they came back to public. To view the weather wheel, visit nominate for the First Circles program Darwin with glowing praise www.bom.gov.au/iwk/maung by completing an expression of interest for the people of Warruwi, “The Maung Seasonal Calendar or follow the link from the West form at www.communityservices.nt.gov. and how kind and helpful you is the tenth Seasonal Calendar Arnhem facebook page. au or by calling (08) 8999 8583. were.” to be hosted on the bureau’s

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang 7 ALIVE AND KICKING ININ MINJILANGMINJILANG

INJILANG came to life from 23-27 July, as Minjilang Healthy Lifestyle Week brought Mthe local community together to learn about the benefits of quitting smoking and a how to live a healthy lifestyle. As one young man said, “the community has not been this busy, active and fun for long time”. The week delivered heaps of healthy activities ranging from the Skinny Fish Movie Night to the Master Chef Community Cook Ups. “You should try that one at the end. My daughter made that one – it’s really good,” said the proud father of one of the cooks. Young and old participated in basketball competitions and skills and drills sessions. “I am so sore from playing basketball, it feels good, because its been so long since I have done anything,” said one competitor. Other activities to promote awareness about healthy lifestyles included the smoothie bike, a health information stand, and NT Police activities The Action Men performing at the Community Concert during Minjilang Healthy Week. with the zorb ball. The information on smoking got some participants thinking. “Its very hard and very depressing to hear the damage smoking has done,” said one. “It’s very hard but I am trying and when I am busy like fishing its easy not to smoke.” The Healthy Lifestyle Week wound up with an exciting and entertaining community concert from Minjilang Kennection. Throughout the week there were prizes, giveaways, and all adults had opportunity to win a chest freezer by completing the Healthy Lifestyle Passport at the health stands.

The community of Minjilang embraced the all of Hector gets a health check at the Healthy the activities commenting “What you all are doing Lifestyle Information Night. Activities included basketball and the Smoothie Bike. here is really good.” The Minjilang Healthy Lifestyle Week was made possible through partnerships between agencies including NT Department of Health, Minjilang Community Clinic, One Disease, NT Police, Skinny Fish, Life Without Barriers and sponsorship from the West Arnhem Regional Council, ALPA Community Stores and Toll Marine. The Heart Foundation would like to thank the people of Minjilang and the community organisations. When we work together, great things can be achieved. People wanting to continue a healthy lifestyle, can Team one cooking up a delicious recipe at the contact the clinic for the Biggest Loser competition Masterchef community cook up. Recipes and Watching a great showcase of local movies at details or to sign up for the quit smoking group. ingreditents are available at the shop. the Skinny Fish Movie Night. NO PUSSYFOOTING AROUND WITH ROAD SAFETY YOU don’t need nine lives when it on the road, and to watch out for cars comes to road safety. Just follow this and wait for an adult when crossing cat’s advice and stop, look, listen and roads. think before you walk straight across the road. And don’t run! “These skills will come in handy when they visit Darwin (as we have several Hector the Road Safety Cat visited excursions next semester) where the Gunbalanya School on 19 June, traffic is a little busier than here in speaking to all the primary-aged Gunbalanya,” Mr Denson said. students about the importance of being road safety aware. With the opening of the new Child and Family Centre, and with the Gunbalanya School teacher Philip senior school and early childhood Denson said the students learned the parts of Gunbalanya School located principles of bike safety, including across roads, students will be crossing Hector twith Transition to Year 6 students at Gunbalanya. correct helmet use and where to ride roads before, during and after school. The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 8 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang NAIDOC WEEK ACTIVITIES

These kids, who came to Jabiru from Gunbalanya with a larger group for one Kyra Lashmore, Zoe Lashmore, Kate Lyons and Jacob Nawia enjoying the of the council’s Youth, Sport & Rec junior AFL game, decided to have a go NAIDOC Week craft activities at Jabiru Public Library on Thursday 17 July. Jabiru at the boomerang-making activity at the Jabiru Library for NAIDOC Week. Foodland donated sandwiches, poppers and fruit for a healthy lunch.

Jacob Nawia with some of the boomerangs.

NAIDOC craft activities at the library were part of the West Arnhem Regional Council School Holiday Program.

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang 9 GET into the GROOVE Tracey Bunn interview 07.07.2014 What got you started in music? It’s something that you just know you will do, I think, when you are a kid. I grew up in a small timber town in the South West of WA, a place called Yarloop, and got my first guitar when I was eight years old. As a kid, I started out playing in talent competitions. The first song I learned on the guitar was Fernando by Abba (laughs). My mum had a decent record collection – Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Neil Diamond, and that 60s Brit pop – which has all influenced my music. How would you describe your songs? The music I write is about histories. It has to have a basis in truth, and is about people and places. I don’t do love songs so much! It’s always hard categorising music, but I probably fit into that country/folk category. I’ve been in the Northern Territory since 1987 Tracey Bunn some incredible places. I’m glad I did it, but I couldn’t do it again. and it’s pretty difficult being a musician in headlines Kakadu Because I travelled quite constantly with the band – just non-stop the Territory – you really have to ply your Groove on Saturday travelling – it takes its toll, not having social networks or a home life. trade. So when the Toe Sucking Cowgirls 19 July at Lake Jabiru Park. PHOTO: LEON I got panic anxiety disorder during the time I was playing with the got together in 2000 we just hit the road. We MORRIS Cowgirls. That’s what the song Shut Up and Let Me Breathe is about. were on the road for six years. People interpret this song differently, but it’s about not being able to It was an amazing time, and we got to see breathe – not about a particular bloke or something! The band split up in 2006, around the time I got divorced. A combination of a whole lot of stuff from that time made me just sit down and purge. I just wanted to have a normal life. I stopped playing music and it took me a couple of years before I could get back to it. How did the album By The Wayside come about? I met (acclaimed Australian alternative country singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer) Anne McCue in Darwin in 2008. I had not been playing, but had been writing, and initially wanted to record some songs just for myself – not for release or radio airplay. I listened to Anne’s East of Electric album and was very impressed with her work on the production, and approached her to see if she would produce my songs. I don’t think she took me seriously. But when I emailed her six months later, saying I had been successful in getting a grant and was ready to go, I think she had a mild heart attack! In 2009 we went to Nashville to record with some pretty legendary Australian musicians, including Bones Hillman, who played with Midnight Oil, and Mark Moffatt, who has produced the Divinyls and The Saints. So it sounds like an Australian album, even though it was produced in Nashville. I wanted to get away from the full-on country and western, swing, bluegrass style of the Cowgirls, get more of a rock feel to the album. Anne understood the sensitivities of the songs and arranged all the instruments. We ended up using a lot of different instruments, including the double bass and a string section. What does the future hold? I’m happy now just playing festivals and selling CDs, which is going well. As soon as you stop trying to really push an album, that’s when people want to pick it up! Independent musicians have the ability these days to take their music as far as they want. Tracey Bunn’s album By The Wayside is available on iTunes or online at www.traceybunn.com

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 10 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang AUCTION FUNDS WILDLIFE RESCUE FUNDRAISING charity and we have been able to raise auction at the Jabiru Golf enough money to build a new AClub on Friday 4 July has treatment room at the sanctuary. raised more than $10,000 to support the work of a Northern “All the funds will go to provide Territory wildlife sanctuary. new equipment.” Sue McWhirter and her “assistant Nina’s Ark Wildlife Sanctuary wallaby” Sandra Jaeschke hosted is a private piece of Australian the sixth annual Nina’s Ark Charity bushland, founded by resident Auction, which saw nearly 50 owner Nina Keener on her own auction items and 40 raffle items initiative. walk out the door on the night. Nina says the idea grew out of Sue, a wildlife carer in Kakadu her love for kangaroos and other for six-and-a-half years, said the native animals. money raised at the event would “On the Ark these animals are fed Nina Keener at her outback wildlife sanctuary near Litchfield National Park. go to assist Nina’s Ark Wildlife and nurtured with great care and Sanctuary, located near Litchfield dedication,” she said. National Park. “Consequently there is no financial “The Ark is a refuge for orphaned aid from outside sources.” Social tennis or injured native animals,” Sue said. Litchfield is the ideal place for rehabilitated kangaroos to be “The majority of the animals released back into the wild, she WEDNESDAYS we rescue here are released at said. mixed games from Litchfield. To find out how you can become 5.30pm at the JSSC “This fundraising event is the part of Nina’s Ark rescue work biggest fundraiser for the year, visit www.ninasarksanctuary.com. call Phil 0414 842 367 or Steve 0427 381 172 for details

GUNBALANYA SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB community club! ensed r lic You

• Bar hours Tues & Wed 4:30 - 7:30pm Fri & Sat 5:30 - 8:30pm • Closed Sun, Mon & Thurs • Snack food available all times • Hamburgers and steaks Fri & Sat • Mid-strength & light beers, soft drink juices & water • 9 clean & tidy self-contained units

ph 8979 0168 fax 8979 0134 e [email protected] e [email protected] Sue McWhirter and ‘assistant wallaby’ Sandra Jaeschke in their ‘onesies’ with

Hayley De Sair at the fundraising event on Friday 4 July. PHOTO: ASHLEY DE SAIR The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang 11

NAIDOC WEEK ACTIVITIES www.facebook.com/westarnhemregionalcouncil

Doug Hunter gives lessons to a Kakadu Goldie Blyth, Catherine Ralph and Jacqui Cahill at the NAIDOC Jenny Hunter explains some of visitor as part of the free NAIDOC Week activities. Week 2014 flag-raising ceremony at Bowali Visitor Centre. the many uses for local plants.

Some ‘mago’ or a Mick, Christopher and Duane enjoy the NAIDOC the NAIDOC celebrations. Week celebrations at Bowali.

David Cameron (right) leading the painting workshop.

Karen Beare, Kate McMahon and Tracey Diddams.

Visitors at the NAIDOC painting workshop at Bowali.

Goldie Blyth (left) at the traditional weaving workshop, one of the activities celebrating Bininj/Mungguy culture for NAIDOC Week.

Natasha Nadji, flanked by Tekiysha and Francis, receives a presentation on behalf of her grandfather Big Bill Neidjie from Kakadu’s Andy Ralph in honour of the Gagadju indigenous elder’s Patrick Weifenbach from role in the Second World War. Germany on the didgeridoo. Young artists getting stuck into he colouring-in competition. The West Arnhem Wire | 3 July - 16 July 2014 12 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang MANINGRIDA AUTHORITY FINDS ITS VOICE

<< FROM PAGE 3 Ryan said. in Bottom Camp in an effort to replaced no skips will be placed prevent further erosion of the around the community, he said. The Maningrida Local Authority “It’s very frustrating for me to see cliffs. members elected Baru Pascoe countrymen asking us to help New playgrounds installed by the as Chairperson and Bernadette and we can’t do anything. council have been vandalised, Yibarbuk as Deputy Chair. Dr Ted’s visit to deal with the cost of repair estimated “We’ve got to start pressuring to with roaming dogs has at $60,000. They will not be The members then spoke to a have this fixed.” repaired at this point in time. The number of concerns, including Other issues of concern included been a great success. vandalism occurred before they the community’s need for a were even finished. morgue. unsupervised children staying out late at night and missing school WARC Infrastructure Manager A “Clean Up Maningrida Day” Cr Ryan said it was costing the next day as a result, and the is being planned between the people in Maningrida around erosion of the cliffs at Bottom Gordon Smith presented the report, which also informed the Regional Council and Malabam, $6000 to take a body to Camp from tidal action. with help from RJCP, council Katherine. meeting of the council’s push According to a report prepared to employ locals through their works crew, community service “It’s around $2300 to get out, by WARC’s Maningrida work with Jobfind on the Remote workers and as many locals as $2300 to get back, and about Community Services Manager Jobs and Communities Program possible to help with the fixing up the same to hold a body, with Adam Cornell, an erosion control (RJCP). of the foreshore area behind the charges accruing each day,” Mr program will be undertaken soon sewer pond. “We started six new local men on Monday in the Works Mr Smith said he hoped to see Department,” Mr Smith said. Local Authority Members there to encourage other local people to “Council has completed the Road look after their own community. LIVE & WORK Reseal as part of the R2R (Roads to Recovery) program, and the He also said Dr Ted’s visit to deal ARNHEM LAND culverts on Airport Road will be with roaming dogs had been a completed soon. great success. “This will take place when “He stayed for three weeks and & KAKADU Pompey Brown is back in preformed surgery, general community.” check-ups, and vaccinations for well over a hundred dogs. • Information Technology Officer – Full Time – Jabiru or Darwin – In other news, the skip truck is still We hope to see him again next Accommodation available for Jabiru only – Close Friday 25 July out of action and until repaired or year,” Mr Smith said. 2014 • Childcare Officer – Part Time – Warruwi – No accommodation available – Close Friday 18 July 2014 • Works Officer – Full Time x 3 Positions – Minjilang – No accommodation available – Close Friday 18 July 2014 • Broadcasting Officer – Part Time – Maningrida – No Accommodation available – Applications now accepted! NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA • Community Care Officer – Part Time – Jabiru – No REMUNERATION TRIBUNAL Accommodation available – Applications now accepted! REVIEW OF ENTITLEMENTS OF • Community Care Officer – Part Time x 2 Positions – Gunbalanya MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY – No Accommodation available – Applications now accepted! Pursuant to the Assembly Members and Statutory • Community Care Senior Officer – Full Time x 2 Positions – Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Gunbalanya – No Accommodation available – Applications now Act, the Northern Territory Remuneration Tribunal is accepted! presently conducting a review to inquire into and determine the entitlements (other than the basic • Community Safety Officer – Full Time x 2 Positions – Gunbalanya – No Accommodation available – Applications now accepted! salary and additional salary of office) of Assembly Members, Parliamentary office holders, Ministers • Community Safety Senior Officer – Full Time – Gunbalanya – No and Members of the Executive Council. Accommodation available – Applications now accepted! The Tribunal extends an invitation to interested • Community Safety Team Leader – Full Time – Gunbalanya – No persons and organisations to submit in writing any Accommodation available – Applications now accepted! views they consider should be taken into account in • Pool Officer – Full Time – Maningrida – No Accommodation the review. Oral submissions may also be made by available – Applications now accepted! contacting the Tribunal Assistant to make an To view any of the vacancies listed above please visit the WARC appointment. website at http://westarnhem.nt.gov.au/employment/ Submissions should be received by the Remuneration Tribunal no later than To apply: Visit the website below Friday, 8 August 2014. or phone 08 8982 9522 www.westarnhem.nt.gov.au/employment Please direct submissions and enquiries to: Assistant to the Tribunal Email completed application to: Northern Territory Remuneration Tribunal vacancy @westarnhem.nt.gov.au GPO Box 4396 Indigenous people are encouraged to apply Darwin NT 0801 Telephone: 8999 6539

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014 The West Arnhem Wire | 3 July - 16 July 2014 SPORT

CLINTON’S WIN IS BANG ON TARGET

ABIRU’S Clinton Rasmussen The championships, which took has notched up a remarkable place over two days on 12-13 Jwin to bring the Jabiru Open July, feature a Practical Match, Pistol Championship title back to Barricade Match, Falling Plates Jabiru for the first time in more than and a Mover Range. a decade. “I was third place after the first day Clinton’s win at the recent Action of competition,” Clinton said. Pistol Open is the first time a Jabiru local has won the tournament “Then after a good match this since Allan Wade took out the title morning, I caught up on the in 2003. Moving Plates. The bloke in the lead, Marc Ravinet, dropped a “It’s an awesome feeling to bring plate on the Moving Plates range, the title back home to Jabiru,” so there were only two points Clinton said. between me and the leader going into the last match.” Competing against 10 other pistol shooters from Western Australia, The three top placegetters were Canberra, and the Darwin Pistol presented with trophies, after Club, the 14-year Jabiru resident which competitors enjoyed a came from two points down at the barbecue and a couple of locally start of the last event to take the title. caught barrumundi. Clinton Rasmussen (centre, with his twin boys) beat a strong field of interstate Not only that - he was competing “The thing I like about shooting and local competitors in the Jabiru Open Action Pistol Championship. with a revolver, compared with is you can come down here and, the majority of the other shooters because your focusing on what to play AFL and rugby and I like has regular practice shoots on who were using automatics. you are doing, you can clear your the idea that I can still be an elite Thursday nights, and has around Clinton, who has been shooting head not think about anything athlete at shooting pistols.” four or five members in Jabiru. competitively for around eight else,” Clinton said. In 2003, the Jabiru Pistol Club Anyone interested in joining the years, uses a red-dot sight 586 “It’s not a physical sport. I used went into hiatus before being club can contact Clinton on 0417 Smith and Wesson. resurrected in 2010. The club 890 826.

DATE SAVER

West Arnhem’s premier regional sports event will be held in Jabiru on the weekend of 5 - 6 SEPTEMBER MAROONS GOT THE BLUES

Teams from across our region, Darwin boarding schools and other Top End communities will compete in AFL and basketball, with a focus on young people aged 16-25. For more information contact: Warruwi Community Care’s Annie Luta was behind her team all the way Ian Douglass 8979 9466 or 0459 821 960 in the recent State of Origin rugby league series. Try as they might, the Maroons lost out to the Blues in the series, but managed to better NSW Jesse O`Keefe 8979 9444 or 0487 149 512 with a 32-8 consolation victory in the last game on 9 July.

The West Arnhem Wire | 17 July - 30 July 2014