Inaugural Annual Report 2008-09 EAST ARNHEM SHIRE IS THE FOCUS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT with seven Territory Growth Towns - of which six are also Federal priority communities - the Shire is set to play a pivotal role as the interface between & Federal Government initiatives and the priority needs of the people of the Shire.

EAST ARNHEM IS A CENTRE FOR ABORIGINAL ARTS & CULTURE recognised worldwide as the wellspring of and the iconic ýidaki or .

EAST ARNHEM IS A LEADER IN MINERAL RESOURCES centred upon Rio Tinto’s bauxite deposit at and the BHP Billiton GEMCO manganese mine on –one of the world’s largest - the Shire is highly prospective and as access infrastructure improves, so will the viability of new mining ventures and employment opportunities.

THE SHIRE’S CORE VALUES ARE RESPECT, PROFESSIONALISM, RESULTS, INTEGRITY, INNOVATION AND ENGAGEMENT

to achieve cohesive and community focussed outcomes through a strategic approach, articulating a range of policies and guidelines.

THE SHIRE’S OBJECTIVE IS A STRONG, RELIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE SHIRE COUNCIL that will support the people of East Arnhem, by providing high quality services that lead to community, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing.

Shire publications, including the Annual Report, are available on the Shire website www.eastarnhem.nt.gov.au

Front cover images of Twin Eagles Cape Arnhem by Chris Taplin (Walkabout Lodge,) etching by Barayuwa (2), Mununggur, Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre and Shire President Banambi Wunungmurra with Governor General Quentin Bryce (Photo: Eddie Misic, Eddison Photographics www.eddison.com.au).

The Shire logo was created by Sheridith Manggurra of Groote Courtesy of the custodians of the Milingimbi Collection and the Eylandt with the help of her grandmother Rosalind Lalara. Museum & Art Gallery of the NT It was the winning design in the Shire Council Logo Competition. CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - ABOUT THE COUNCIL Council Profile 2 Governance - Reporting and Public Disclosure

SECTION 2 - THE PAST Macassans, Missions, Military & Mines 31 Transition to New Shire

SECTION 3 - THE PRESENT Shire Profile 41 The Organization

The Communities

SECTION 4 - THE FUTURE A Working Future 90 NTER Future Directions

SECTION 5 - FINANCIAL & AUDIT STATEMENTS 96

SECTION 6 - SUPPORTING INFORMATION 140 Shire Contact Details

ACknowledgements

The Shire gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance of the following organizations:

Sprout Creative Northern Territory Library Australian War Museum Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Rio Tinto-Alcan BHP Billiton The Walkabout Lodge OneTalk Technology The SEP Consultancy Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 1 ABOUT THE COUNCIL

Courtesy of the custodians of the Milingimbi Collection and the Museum & Art Gallery of the NT MILINGIMBI GALIWIN’KU

GUNYANGARA

YIRRKALA RAMINGINING GAPUWIYAK ROAD ARNHEM

MILYAKBURRA Central Arnhem Road

UMBAKUMBA ANGURUGU

NUMBULWAR GUMURR GATTJIRRK WARD

GUMURR MIWATJ WARD

ANINDILYAKWA WARD

GUMURR MARTHAKAL WARD

HIGHLIGHTS SHIRE WIDE

»» Over 250 Indigenous jobs created.

»» 9 Community Advisory Boards established.

»» $38.7m in grant programs managed.

»» $14.2m for new plant & equipment.

»» $2.8m new Night Patrols in all communities & Nhulunbuy.

»» $1.1m extra for Aged and Disability Services.

COMMUNITIES

»» $500,000 Aged Care Facility & $600,000 upgrade of Community Hall at Milingimbi.

»» $293,000 for Multimedia Centre at Ramingining.

»» $600,000 to upgrade Ovals at Ramingining, Galiwin’ku and Umbakumba.

»» $204,000 Housing & Respite Care at Milyakburra.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 3 President’s Statement It gives me great pleasure to present this Annual Report to the Hon. Rob Knight MLA, Minister for Local Government. This is a record of our progress against the goals in the Strategic Plan and shows the efforts of Shire staff against great difficulties. I also want to recognise the many Federal and Northern Territory Government Departments and individuals that have supported us throughout the year.

Back in 1931 the Reserve was declared to provide a 50 years period to adjust to the modern world. Within 20 years Arnhem Land was at the frontline of the war and much of our infrastructure was created at that time. As the war moved northwards, Arnhem Land was again left behind. Despite the start of mining in the 1960’s and the endless parade of health, housing and other surveys that showed our priority need - we remained the poor relation until now. With the coming of the Intervention and the granting of Regional Local Government through the creation of the Shire - East Arnhem is at last on track - with six of our nine communities being Federal priority areas and seven being Territory Growth Towns.

All the old, familiar systems of the last thirty years have gone and we must make new partnerships with Government, at every level, to prevent waste and duplication through not knowing our local conditions. In the words of our Councillor Mavis Danganbarr - ‘we must find ways to help the balandas to help us’. We know that this is the new start and a chance to build a solid foundation for the future.

I am particularly pleased to see Government’s commitment to developing our major communities as ‘service centres’ for the homeland movement which started in 1936 at Gattji and was expanded through the fifties and sixties to meet the defining business essentials of ownership, stability and authority. Through modern communications technology, our isolation will become our major asset in art and tourism as well as providing the means for education and health services as happens overseas.

The challenges ahead are great but the opportunities are greater and I look forward to the positive relationship, with you and your Government, growing through the coming year.

Banambi Wunungmurra President

4 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 SHIRE TREE

EAST ARNHEM SHIRE COUNCIL PRESIDENT Banambi Wunungmurra

GUMURR GUMURR GUMURR ANINDILYAKWA CEO GATTJIRRK MIWATJ MARTHAKAL WARD Ian Bodill WARD WARD WARD

COUNCILLOR DIRECTOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR DEPUTY CORPORATE Ronnie Banambi Mavis PRESIDENT SERVICES Barramala Wunungmurra Danganbarr Keith Hansen Kerry Whiting

DIRECTOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR TECHNICAL Munyarirr Barayuwa Wininba LIONEL SERVICES Gurralpa Mununggurr Ganambarr Jaragba Ty Johnson

DIRECTOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COMMUNITY Daymirringu Yananymul Kaye Keith SERVICES Warraya Mununggurr Thurlow Mamarika Dale Keehne

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 5 COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARDS FINANCE COMMITTEE Council routinely meets bi-monthly, with special meetings convened as and when required. The finance administration workload is such as to require the establishment of a dedicated Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee was created at the first council Meeting on 12th November 2008 and met 4 times during the year. The committee is comprised Courtesy of OneTalk of the Chief Executive Officer, Ian Bodill and the three Directors Ty Johnson (Technical Services), Dale Keehne (Community Services) & Kerry Whiting (Corporate Services). This committee meets on alternate months to the Council, to ensure the presentation of a monthly finance report and to monitor the on-going financial position of Council.

ANIMAL WELFARE AND CONTROL SUB-COMMITTEE At the March meeting of Council, a resolution was passed agreeing to establish the Animal Welfare and Control Sub-committee. The committee is comprised of one Councillor per Ward - the representatives are Cr. Jack Gurralpa - Cr. Don Wininba - Cr. Lionel Jaragba - Cr. Barayuwa Mununggurr.

The primary role of this committee is to assess the by-laws and policies of other councils and in consultation with communities develop effective by- laws and policies for the Shire.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARDS

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT

EAST ARNHEM SHIRE COUNCIL

COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARDS

6 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 A primary responsibility of the Shire Council is to Except in particular circumstances, such as when ensure equitable representation throughout the meeting a delegation of volunteers. Shire. Each community is progressively developing its An imperative has been to validate resolutions and Advisory Board as the formal mechanism by which recommendations of the Boards by guaranteeing clan/ individual Shire members can raise their concerns and mala representation from throughout the service area. suggestions. Purely local issues are addressed to the Government and its agents must be confident that when Shire Services Manager, whilst broader concerns are consulting with a Community Board they are meeting with formulated into recommendations and put up to the representatives of every person within the service area. Shire Council. The Councillors from the relevant Ward are then in a position to speak with authority upon A range of information & communications technology the matter before Council, which may then resolve options is being explored to identify the best means of to either deal with the matter internally or make a supporting and developing the Boards, whilst remaining recommendation to the NT Government, which may within the improbable strictures of the Act. The Shire feels likewise refer the matter on to the Federal level. strongly that one validation test of Regional Government is to track initiatives from grassroots electors - through their Council is assisting each community and homelands Community Board to Shire Council; to NT Government and area to progressively develop a Board in response Federal Government for action. to specific local needs. Many people suffer meeting fatigue and are frustrated by the increasing number The introduction of dispersed training and conference of committees operating in their community. They are facilities will incorporate the development of web based seeking to develop their Board as the central, legally resources for a range of initiatives, including cross- recognised forum supported by single issue cultural training. With the ability to capture video, voice sub-committees. and data, from within an interactive environment, it will be possible to accumulate a significant body of The Community Advisory Boards are comprised of: invaluable training material. »» The Shire President, as an ex officio member Council recognises the crucial importance of the »» The Councillors for the Ward Community Advisory Boards and is allowing sufficient time for these structures to emerge from the »» At least one Traditional Owner communities and evolve within common boundaries, »» The Community Liaison Officer and representatives to meet the common need of all stakeholders. of each of the Clans or Mala that reside within the service area of the community, which includes the immediate fifty kilometres radius and other, more distant, satellite homelands.

Council has sourced funding from the NT Government to appoint a consultant to assist in the development of the Boards and to explore information technology options - to enhance the flow of information - to improve the decision making processes of the Boards and Council. A significant burden arises from the constant and rapidly increasing stream of visiting delegations wishing to consult with the community. The previous unregulated system was costly and irregular, whilst failing to adequately meet the needs of either party. Government is becoming sensitised to the imperative for a formal system of community consultation that guarantees representation and has a basis in law, upon which to make resolutions and recommendations to the Shire Council.

It is recognised that there is a significant cost in time and resources, such that Board members need to be adequately recompensed for their time and expertise.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 7 COUNCIL PROFILES

coached by the famous Polly Farmer, but a family SHIRE tragedy intervened back in his home community so PRESIDENT he returned to for good. Banambi has worked in the following positions: Cr Banambi »» Aboriginal Liaison Officer. Wunungmurra Chief Ministers Dept, NT Govt. »» Project Officer. Dept of Aboriginal Affairs Cr Banambi Wunungmurra was elected as a Councillor for the Gumurr Miwatj Ward. At the first Council Meeting, »» General Manager. Laynhapuy Homelands, held on the 12th November 2008, Banambi was elected Yirrkala NT unopposed to the position of Shire President. Banambi is »» General Manager. Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corp, currently the Shire representative on LGANT. Nhulunbuy NT

Banambi was born in Yirrkala and attended the »» Regional Council Chairman. ATSIC local mission school. He later attended the » Assistant General Manager. YBE , Nhulunbuy NT Theological College undertaking a 3 year Youth » Leadership Course with the goal of teaching and »» Cultural Liaison Officer. Rio Tinto, Nhulunbuy NT training younger people to excel in sport. Banambi »» Shire President. East Arnhem Shire Council moved on to Melbourne to follow his dream of playing in the then VFL and joined the Geelong Football Club. Banambi played part of the season in “B” Grade being

8 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Banambi has also held a number of Community Keith lives in Umbakumba and is a long term resident Board and Director positions: of Groote Eylandt, having had an association with Groote Eylandt going back to 1985. Keith has acquired an in-depth »» Executive Board of Directors . YBE, Nhulunbuy NT knowledge of indigenous issues and actively promotes »» Executive Board of Directors . Batchelor Institute, NT indigenous employment and training programs.

»» Chairman - Harmony Mawa Mala. Nhulunbuy, NT Keith has worked in the following positions:

»» Board of Directors. Laynhapuy Homelands . »» Community Co-ordinator Yirrkala, NT Umbakumba Comm. Govt. Council, »» Board of Directors . Aboriginal Legal Aid ( now known Groote Eylandt as NAAJA ) NT »» Current CEO. Aminjarrinja Enterprises, »» Chairman, Miwatj Legal Service - NT Groote Eylandt NT

»» Health Regionalisation Co-ordinator. AMSANT. Keith has also held a number of Community positions: NT Health »» Inaugural Committee Member Groote Eylandt Liquor Management Group CURRENT SHIRE » Inaugural Committee Member CHALLENGES AND VISION » Groote Eylandt and Banambi saw an outstanding opportunity to join this new Youth Development Unit organization and to fulfil his desire to be part of, and to »» Member. Groote Eylandt Network gain further experience within, a new Super Shire Council. – body created to promote enterprise and This term in office will give him 3 ½ years (October 2008 to employment. March 2012) to shape the regional future of the Shire. »» Current Vice President. Alyangula Golf Club He brings a wealth of cultural knowledge and community experience to the role of Shire President and is extremely »» Past President. NT Rugby League proud to have this unique opportunity to represent the people of the . CURRENT SHIRE CHALLENGES AND VISION Banambi’s community vision is to promote and represent the interests of the East Arnhem Region to all levels Keith brings an invaluable set of business skills, of government and to be continually encouraging and knowledge and experience to the role of Deputy mentoring the younger generation into future important Shire President and is aware of the logistical challenges positions and leadership roles. in providing services to remote indigenous communities.

A personal highlight of the year was when the Prime Keith is also aware of the enormous challenges currently Minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP visited facing indigenous people. He takes every opportunity to Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala in 2008 and Banambi was given promote indigenous culture and to provide employment the honour of accompanying the PM for the day. opportunities for the people of Groote Eylandt. Keith’s Community Vision: “is to continue to develop DEPUTY business and employment opportunities for Indigenous people, work closely with the Shire and SHIRE others to achieve this. Continue to mentor an Indigenous person to work beside me so that person will be able PRESIDENT to take over when I see the need to slow down. This will ensure the long term success of our Enterprise. See Cr Keith the Shire achieve what we have planned through our Hansen Community Engagement Meetings and Business Plan. Keep the pressure on all forms of Government to provide Cr Keith Hansen was elected as a Councillor for the adequate long term funding of programs to enable us Anindilyakwa Ward. At the first Council Meeting held as a Shire to provide better outcomes for people living on the 12th November 2008 Keith was elected to in remote communities”. the position of Deputy Shire President for an initial term of 2 years. Keith is currently the second Shire representative on LGANT.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 9 PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS Cr Barayuwa OF THE YEAR WERE: Mununggurr »» Developing Aminjarrinja, an Aboriginal Association from nothing to a very viable Enterprise, now Cr Barayuwa Mununggurr employing 19 full-time Indigenous workers. was born at Yirrkala and attended the Yirrkala »» Seeing the East Arnhem Shire evolve into the most Community School. recognised Shire in the NT. Barayuwa has close cultural »» Having strong Council representatives who do not and family ties to the hesitate to speak out on issues. Being elected to Yirrkala region and is a member of the Djapu Clan with Council, enabling me to speak out on the needs of his homeland area being Bukudal. Barayuwa has lived all of the residents of our communities. all his life in Yirrkala and the Bukudal community. Barayuwa attended the Biblical Training College from Cr Mavis 1970 to 1973 and then successfully completed health care training and commenced work with the local Danganbarr health clinic in 1974. In 2005 Barayuwa was elected as Garrawurra Chairperson of Laynhapuy Homelands, a position which he currently holds. Cr Mavis Danganbarr was born on ; attended Council has appointed Barayuwa to the Animal Welfare school at Milingimbi and then and Control Sub-Committee. post-primary at Elcho Island. Barayuwa’s extensive community interests cover Mavis is a member of the membership on the Board of Miwatj Health, the Yirrkala Liyagawumirr Clan and her homelands are Dhambala School Council, the Health Regionalisation Committee and and Yawurr Yawurr. involvement with the community program “Rapirri Rom.” Mavis has been employed in a number of interesting and Barayuwa’s vision is for “Everyone to work together varied positions on Elcho Island, originally starting in a to create a healthy and safe community to live in, with reception role with the Methodist Mission at Galiwin’ku, more sport and recreational activities for the younger then moving up to a Teacher’s Assistant role with generation”. He would also like to see ”a better facility for Shepherdson College. people with drug and alcohol problems.” Mavis has also worked as a supervisor with the Galiwin’ku Women’s Centre and was involved in the establishment of the Meals on Wheels Program as well Cr Don as assisting with the planning for the Child Care Centre. Wininba More recently Mavis has worked with the Marthakal Ganambarr Homelands Resource Centre and has just been appointed to the newly created position of Indigenous Cr Don Wininba was born Liaison Officer with FaHCSIA. on the Yirrkala homelands and moved to Elcho Island Mavis was closely involved with the local community in to attend the local the Local Government Reform process, in the lead up missionary school. to the formation of the new Shires. She was an active member of the East Arnhem Shire Transition Committee Don has lived most of his and was chairperson for four meetings. life on Elcho Island. He is a member of the Datiwuy Clan and his cultural Mavis’s other community interests include being a homeland is Rorruwuy. Don values his heritage and senior leader of the Galiwin’ku Uniting Church and culture and his main cultural interest lies in teaching representative at Synod Meetings. She is actively involved culture and traditions to the new generations. in church organization and leadership. She has also held He enjoys fishing and hunting and is a local expert at the Public Officer and Secretary roles for the Marthakal capturing painted crays. Mala Leaders Group.

10 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Don has extensive family ties and cultural associations Subsequently, Jack became an ATSIC regional across the region. His work experience is in the Housing councillor for the Miwatj Region (1994 to 2005) and Maintenance field, having worked on community his portfolios included Miwatj Legal Services. housing at Galiwin’ku for the last nine years. He Council has appointed Jack as the LGANT Member transferred from the previous Galiwin’ku Community (1st Proxy), and is also a member of the Animal Welfare Council to the new Shire on 1 July 2008, as the Housing and Control Sub-committee. Maintenance Officer. Don is widely respected within the large Galiwin’ku community and applied for and Jack’s interests include support for indigenous art and was recently successful in being appointed to the new craft, cultural heritage and community development. position of EASC Community Liaison Officer. Council has appointed Don as a member of the Animal Cr Kaye Welfare and Control Sub Committee. Thurlow Don’s community interests currently involve being a Cr Kaye Thurlow is a board member of the , Northern retired school Principal, Building Consultants, Miwatj Health, and Chairman of currently living at the Galiwin’ku Football Association. Galiwin’ku, on picturesque Looking into the future Don’s vision is to see Elcho Island. Kaye has had extensive teaching “Galiwin’ku develop - enabling young people to engage in experience across the active employment and education, as they are the future NT, punctuated by a couple of short teaching stints custodians of the community and Yolngu culture”. interstate. Kaye’s community interests of over 40 years, lie in supporting cross-cultural links between the Cr Jack people of Elcho Island and the broader East Arnhem Munyarirr Region. Kaye provides on-going voluntary assistance to individuals and families at Galiwin’ku, covering financial Gurralpa and business matters, as well as assisting older Yolngu Cr. Jack Gurralpa was women with transport to hunting, especially those born at Milingimbi and connected with Dharrwar Homelands. attended the local primary Kaye is also working on a new genealogy project school before completing (Elcho Island Family History) which involves collecting high school in Nhulunbuy. and progressively up-dating family histories into a Jack has close cultural database, that has yet to be made publicly available. ties to the Ramingining Kaye’s other community and cultural interests involve region and is a member of the Gurralpa Clan with his encouraging sport and recreation activities at local homeland being Nangalala (Rreng). schools, with a focus upon involving children from Jack was involved in an interesting project in the late outlying homeland areas. 1970’s - this was to participate in negotiations as part Kaye’s leadership skills have developed over many years of the sea rights discussions for coastal communities whilst undertaking the roles of Principal or Deputy with Aboriginal Land Commissioners (Justice Principal of community schools at Galiwin’ku, Milingimbi, Woodward, Justice Blackburn and Justice Toohey). Jack and Lajamanu. Kaye is also involved with the local then worked in a number of senior roles with the Rreng Christian community, having taken on the role of co- Homelands and Ramingining Community Incorporated, convenor of a major community celebration weekend in with the highlight being 5 years as Town Clerk from June 2008 for the New Testament dedication that included 1980 to 1984. a feast for over 1,000 people.

From 1991 to 1993, Jack was living at the Bagot Reserve Kaye has been nominated by Council as the back-up in Darwin where he was elected to the role of ATSIC LGANT member (2nd proxy). Yilli Reung Regional Councillor. His portfolios covered the Town Camp Advisory Committee and the interim Kaye is relishing the challenge of being a new councillor Chairperson for the Danila Dilba Medical Service. Jack representing the people of the Gumurr Marthakal Ward has also been a part-time member of the Northern and she is looking forward to the many new and exciting Land Council. challenges that lie ahead for the Shire.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 11 Cr Keith Cr Ronnie Mamarika Barramala Cr Keith Mamarika was Cr Ronnie Barramala was born at Umbakumba born at Milingimbi. He Community on Groote attended primary school at Eylandt and attended the Milingimbi and Maningrida, Umbakumba Community then completed his senior School. Keith has close schooling at Dhupuma cultural and family College and Nhulunbuy ties to the Southern High School. Ronnie has area of Groote Eylandt close cultural and family (Dalimba Bay) and is a member of the Mamarika Clan ties to the Ramingining region and is a member of the (Wanindilyakwa). Keith currently lives in the Angurugu Wurrkiganydjarr Clan with his homeland area being Community and often travels to Numbulwar on the Galadjapin. mainland to participate in ceremonies. Ronnie commenced his working career as an apprentice Keith commenced his working life in 1988 as a Building mechanic at Maningrida in 1978, followed by a two Trades Assistant. After 3 years he moved to the CDEP year traineeship in bookkeeping. Ronnie then moved to Program at Umbakumba Community Government Darwin in 1983 commencing with CES in their indigenous Council. In 1993 he relocated across Groote Eylandt employment section. Between 1984 and 1990 Ronnie took to Angurugu Community to commence as the Night on a different role in Darwin as a Legal Aid Officer. Patrol Warden with the Angurugu Community Ronnie’s Local Government experience commenced when Government Council. In 2004 Keith’s position with he was the Chairperson of the Ramingining Community Angurugu Community Government Council was the Council from 1991 to 1997. This provided Ronnie with Substance Misuse Officer and Keith transferred to the a good grounding in local issues and community East Arnhem Shire Council on formation of the new engagement. Ronnie currently works as the Liaison Shire on 1st July 2008. Officer / Tutor at the Ramingining School and also acts as Keith is well respected within the Angurugu Community an interpreter for Aboriginal Interpreter Services. He is and is currently a facilitator for Indigenous Family currently studying for a Diploma in Education. Violence and a Board Member of the Council for Ronnie has a range of community involvements, including Aboriginal Alcohol Program Services Inc. (CAAPS). He membership of the Ramingining School Council, also keenly supports youth sport and is often involved Chairperson of the Homelands Resource Centre and he is in travelling away with AFL sporting teams providing also on the Board of Miwatj Health. mentoring, behavioural management and guidance. Keith also supports local youth in court matters and Ronnie’s future vision is: “….to foster community in referral services to CAAPS. He provides youth development for the Ramingining community and for diversionary activities, when possible, such as taking all local service providers to continue to work together. small groups on day trips to local fishing areas. In doing this we can build a common understanding for Yolngu and Balanda for a better future.” In Keith’s new role as Councillor for the Anindilyakwa Ward he sees his primary focus as liaising with all community members across the Groote Eylandt archipelago, as well as providing advice and guidance on local government issues.

12 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Cr Lionel Cr Yananymul Jaragba Mununggurr Cr Lionel Jaragba was born Cr Yananymul Mununggurr at Angurugu Community was born at Yirrkala, on Groote Eylandt . He attended the Yirrkala attended the Angurugu Community School and Community School and then then attended Nhulunbuy completed senior schooling High School. Yananymul has in Perth at Christchurch close cultural and family Grammar. Lionel has close ties to the Yirrkala region cultural and family ties to and is a member of the the Northern part of Groote Eylandt, including Alyangula. Djapu Clan with her homeland area being Garrthalala. He is a member of the Jaragba Clan and he belongs to Yananymul has lived all her life in Yirrkala and the Moiety One in the Warnungwijarrakba sub-section. Lionel Garrthalala Community. has lived most of his life in Angurugu with 5 years at Alice Yananymul commenced her working career in 1987, Springs and a short stint at Dubbo in rural NSW. initially as an Administration Officer for Yirrkala Dhanbul, Lionel has had an interesting career, initially as a plant then moving on to the position of Bookkeeper, Payroll operator for GEMCO at Angurugu. He has held the Officer and CDEP Manager for Laynhapuy Homelands. positions of Deputy Town Clerk at Angurugu Community Yananymul has gained further qualifications in the areas Government Council and Vice Chairman of the of Business and Administration, Remote Area Local Anindilyakwa Land Council. He has also held positions Government and has recently completed a small business with the Aboriginal Benefits Trust, and Aboriginal Legal workshop. In 2008 Yananymul was appointed as CEO Aid. In 2006 Lionel was appointed as a member of the of Laynhapuy Homelands Association which is a large GEBIE Royalty Advisory Board and reluctantly decided to indigenous enterprise responsible for a range of services relinquish this position in October 2008 upon becoming a to 18 homeland areas in the Yirrkala Region. Yananymul Shire Councillor for the Anindilyakwa Ward. received a special award during March 2009, being a recipient of the “ 2009 - Tribute to Northern Council has appointed Lionel to the Animal Welfare Territory Women.” and Control Sub-committee and he is also Council’s representative on the Regional Partnership Agreement A highlight for Yananymul came in April 2008 when invited (RPA) which is comprised of the Anindilyakwa Land to the Prime Minister’s 2020 Summit in Canberra, where Council, Australian Government and the NT Government. 10 separate two day forums were held. Yananymul was one of 100 people asked to “turn their minds to Options for Lionel is a senior traditional owner for his clan. A the future of Indigenous .” recent highlight for Lionel was in December 2008, as a member of the Anindilyakwa Land Trust, in being Yananymul’s involvement in activities on behalf of her one of the co-signatories to the 40 year historic lease community extends to education, health, community agreement covering town areas on Groote Eylandt and wellbeing and cultural maintenance. She is a member of Bickerton Island. The lease partners were the Australian the Community for Children Committee for East Arnhem Government, Anindilyakwa Land Council and Anindilyakwa Region, the Health Regionalisation Committee and she Land Trust. is Co-Chairperson of the Enquiry into Customary Law. Yananymul continually strives for everyone to work Lionel has a strong interest in his heritage and is heavily together to create a healthy and safe community and involved in ceremonial business throughout the Groote would like to see more employment opportunities for Eylandt region, with a predominant focus on the education indigenous people within communities. of young indigenous men. A recent quote by Yananymul: “Being in our Homelands, Lionel has a strong community ethic and keenly supports means that the land owns us, our identity comes from this “everything Anindilyakwa”. He encourages all people to land, our Homelands have stories behind them which are work together in building better community ties for all told in bark paintings, sung in our song lines, danced in Australians. our dances; our language comes from this land and the history of our land had been handed down generation after generation.”

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 13 14 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 VISION A region whose people are healthy, happy and positive about their future.

OBJECTIVE A strong, reliable and responsible Shire Council that will support the people of East Arnhem by providing a range of high quality services that lead to community, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing.

CORE VALUES We have identified these key values and principles as integral to the achievement of our vision.

Respect Acknowledge and value individual community identity, indigenous culture and heritage, in an environment free of discrimination.

Professionalism Administration, planning, logistics, communications and governance of the highest standard.

Results Achievement of agreed service delivery standards.

Integrity Dealing honestly and fairly with all stakeholders.

Innovation Developing new ways of delivering services and solving implementation problems.

Engagement Listen effectively to residents and ratepayers and collaborate with Stakeholders.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 15 OUTCOME 1.3 PRO-ACTIVE GOAL 1 GOVERNANCE PARTNERSHIPS WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR STRONG LEADERSHIP, Key-note speakers have addressed Council meetings EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY and invitations extended to the Hon. Rob Knight Minister AND DEMOCRACY for Local Government, Mr. Bob Beadman Co-ordinator General for Remote Service Delivery with Dept. Chief OUTCOME 1.1 INCREASED COMMUNITY Minister and FaHCSIA Town Leasing Section. Cordial CAPACITY AND EMPOWERMENT relations have been established with all the stakeholders including the Northern and Anindilyakwa Land Councils; The Shire has sought to increase community capacity Homelands service providers & independent community through developing understanding of the roles and organizations as well as the major entities Rio Tinto responsibilities of Shire representatives in the general Alcan and BHP-Billiton. community through public information sessions. Specific training has been conducted and resources Council is engaged in productive relationships with provided to the 12 Councillors, members of the Government and private interests to target the Community Advisory Boards (Local Boards) and the development of local businesses. Community Liaison Officers. Council is determined to progressively develop a strong, Through the establishment of the nine Community authoritative voice in advocacy for the Shire’s interests Advisory Boards, the Shire has sought to overcome the by emphasising local knowledge and a successful track situation whereby two major communities, Gapuwiyak record of producing negotiated outcomes. Council is & Milingimbi, do not have resident Councillors. The conscious of the need to have a seat at the table when perception of diminished representation and increased decisions are made for resource delivery within the travel costs for Councillors has highlighted the need to Shire. It is anticipated that the appropriateness of provide quality, on-going support to the Boards. decision making and pace of delivery, can be enhanced through an informed and more collegiate approach that The Shire recognises that the development of mutual takes best advantage of the capacity of Council and its understanding, through respect and reciprocation, network of representative Community Advisory Boards. remains the benchmark of a productive relationship. To this end, a key responsibility of all Councillors A Public Relations Strategy is to be formulated and Board Members is the education and cultural to maximise advocacy and representation of the orientation of balanda staff. The application of new Shire’s interests. technologies will be critical to opening interactive OUTCOME 1.4 HIGH STANDARDS OF channels of two-way information for mutual education COMMUNICATION, TRANSPARENCY and training. AND OPENNESS OUTCOME 1.2 CONTINUAL The principles of inclusiveness and probity are IMPROVEMENT IN THE GOVERNANCE advanced by regular interaction with all nine CAPACITY OF ELECTED MEMBERS communities through Community Board meetings, The Shire has identified an on-going program of training including representatives from key service providers for Councillors, members of Community Advisory Boards e.g. Health, Education, GBM’s, Police, Homelands and Liaison Officers. Associations and Land Councils. Informal relationships are being fostered with all stakeholder groups, The progressive improvement in members’ governance governments, businesses and members of the public. capacity is being achieved through refinement of the Council’s governance processes, dedicated administrative A strategy to continually improve communication as support staff and other support initiatives, including part of a sound working relationship between Council interaction between Community Boards. Leadership and Executive, has seen the addition of Best practice Governance Processes and Procedures a second day to Council sittings to allow for informal are being developed to refine and inform the decision briefings and invited speakers. The success of this making of Boards and Council. The roll-out of information initiative and the impending escalation in workload, technologies will enhance communication between is prompting consideration of a three day, bi-monthly elected members and Shire management. meeting program.

16 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 The development of a Shire website is the centrepiece of a linked-array of media initiatives designed to communicate Council policies, procedures, minutes, financial reports and other relevant information. Council is considering options to develop a community information package to orientate new staff, potential visitors and funding providers.

Council recognises that the tenets of communication, transparency and openness apply equally to planning as to financial and operational concerns. Inclusiveness in the town planning process, being undertaken by NT Government in Territory Growth Towns, is the subject of a Council briefing being sought from the Department of Primary Industry, Town Planning Branch. Opportunities are being explored to maximise community engagement and in-put through visual data display technology and well resourced Community Boards.

Implicit to frank communication and transparency, is the management of complaints and other community GOAL 2 feedback on service delivery concerns. The Shire has commenced design and implementation of complaints Organization policy and procedures, as well as a public relations strategy to overcome confusion in some communities as to the actual service provider responsible for a EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE particular activity. USE OF COUNCIL RESOURCES OUTCOME 2.1 PROCESSES AND PLANS IN PLACE FOR THE ON-GOING MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF ALL SHIRE BUSINESS

After an exhaustive round of community consultations, Council has reviewed, updated and published the Shire Strategic Plan, Operational Plan, a range of Policy and Procedures documents, a Customer Service Charter and a Code of Conduct. The Shire is working with other agencies on the preparation of Community Development and Regional Development Plans.

Through the bi-monthly Executive reporting process, the Shire assesses projects and programs in regard to the quadruple determinants of social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts.

A program of continuing analysis of financial planning, processes and control mechanisms, has identified the Shire as a predominantly grant funded service delivery organization. A range of training and information resources has been developed to maximise the level of external funding available to support service delivery. Council recognises that the potential need exists to create a dedicated grants unit within the structure and

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 17 will continue to explore this option whilst supporting times the number of any other Shire. Management of the tenet that sourcing of appropriate grants, is a core change is crucial, as is a business configuration able to responsibility of all operational staff. maximise the benefits for the people of the Shire.

The targeting of grants funding will be prioritised OUTCOME 2.3 A PROFESSIONAL, in accordance with the Shire’s strategic documents, SKILLED AND STABLE SHIRE Community Development Plans and Regional WORKFORCE Planning processes. Despite the extraordinarily difficult task of OUTCOME 2.2 EFFECTIVE & EFFICIENT amalgamating nine remote community workforces with MANAGEMENT OF SHIRE COUNCIL a new Shire administration, complying with Government BUSINESS AND SERVICE DELIVERY stipulations and systemic IT dysfunction - the Shire has striven to achieve high standards of professionalism Recruitment policy and internal reporting structures and support for Shire staff through appropriate human have been designed to ensure high levels of expertise resource policies, plans and procedures. and accountability of the CEO and staff. Performance and project review analysis has been implemented Remote areas are critically exposed to risk in the to secure the efficient and effective implementation continuity of service delivery and recruitment of policies, processes and control systems for expenditure. To manage this identified risk, the administration and finance. Design of a Risk Shire is progressively implementing a multi-faceted Management & Assessment Strategy has commenced recruitment, orientation, skills development and and will be completed in the new financial year. retention program, with emphasis on local employment.

Council recognises that a high proportion of the inherited furniture and equipment is not conducive to GOAL 3 the delivery of high quality services and has embarked upon a rolling program to manage, maintain, up-grade BUILT & NATURAL and replace office furniture and equipment. ENVIRONMENT The Shire has progressively up-graded information & communications technology to improve service delivery APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL and also as a means by which to continuously evaluate appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency, during INFRASTRUCTURE the re-design of service delivery requirements and AND A SUSTAINABLE arrangements - that are evolving. Council appreciates ENVIRONMENT that a priority risk factor is differential service delivery between Communities. Parity has been targeted by OUTCOME 3.1 IMPROVED STANDARD OF developing a process for implementing and enforcing ROADS AND FOOTPATHS local by laws. Whilst in its early stages, the process has begun with the development of consistent policy, Council is responsible for over 1,200 km of roads that encompassing standards to trammel community are the veins and arteries of the Shire. A regional expectation within evidence based standards, that are road construction and re-sheeting program has achievable and have quantifiable outcomes. been instigated that minimises future maintenance requirements. The program is a major asset in securing In an effort to streamline Shire operations and external funding for road construction, stormwater maximise the benefits of scale, the Shire has developed drainage and scheduled maintenance. Council also shared services arrangements with the other Shires in has responsibility for pedestrian services and has the Top End. Whilst many structural benefits accrued established standards for the programmed creation and to the Shire during the difficult establishment year, it is maintenance of footpaths and cycle ways. apparent further refinements and process are required. Council is cognisant of the unique status of the Shire, Council has identified a priority risk in road safety and afforded by the physical and cultural determinants has sought to identify funding for Community Safety of East Arnhem Land and the fundamental changes Plans that encompass risk audits to document such pending with the Territory Growth Towns and Federal aspects as appropriate signage, traffic calming devices priority communities, of which the Shire has three and adequate street lighting.

18 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Council is critically aware of the costs and OUTCOME 3.3 IMPROVED COMMUNITY inconvenience created by Wet season isolation of LANDSCAPES communities and is therefore a strong advocate for Parks and Gardens is a core Council responsibility that year-round road access to remote communities and has important social benefits for general wellbeing, this critical infrastructure is quintessential to social and impressions created upon visitors, a positive self economic development. and community image, as well as the reduction of OUTCOME 3.2 EFFECTIVE safety hazards and prevention of respiratory distress MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF by controlling dust through the maintenance and INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, PLANT enhancement of parks, gardens and open spaces. AND EQUIPMENT In response to community concerns, Council has instigated a project to assess the options to prevent the Council, as a key service provider, appreciates the need to defining ‘local’ propensity to take short-cuts across any co-ordinate the creation, maintenance, and replacement open ground. of infrastructure assets for the provision of essential services, whilst monitoring the opposing trajectories OUTCOME 3.4 IMPROVED COMMUNITY of appreciating service demand and depreciating HOUSING REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE infrastructure. Council has taken a lead role in the information system A rolling program has been initiated to manage, based assessment of housing maintenance need and maintain, up-grade and replace Council housing, the quantifying of remedial action in accordance with buildings and facilities, as key assets in the Territory and Australian Government contracts. performance and retention of staff - which is in Council shares the deep community concern felt for turn a key determinant of effective service delivery. the exponential increase in the number of individuals To complement the extensive plant and equipment and their families suffering distress from the effects of acquisition program throughout the year, Council Machado-Joseph Disease (formally known as Groote maintains mechanical workshop facilities for its own Eylandt Syndrome). Whilst the condition is currently purposes and as a commercial service to community clustered predominantly at Angurugu, Yirrkala and and homeland members. Galiwin’ku, Council is sensitised to the broader issues Finally, Council is aware of the sometimes informal of respite, accessibility and adaptable housing suitable interment arrangements on some communities and for senior citizens and other people with disabilities. is working to normalise these activities, through the maintenance and up-grading of community cemeteries.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 19 OUTCOME 3.5 INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE NATURAL GOAL 4 ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY & The largely pristine Shire environment is a current social asset, invaluable cultural heritage and a source ECONOMY of significant economic potential. Council is in the early stages of implementing a planned approach to noxious A SAFE, HEALTHY weeds, fire hazard reduction through smart burning, management of pests and feral animal control. Implicit COMMUNITY AND CULTURE, in this approach is a commitment to the utilisation of WITH A GROWING ECONOMY alternative energy technologies for more efficient use of energy and water resources. OUTCOME 4.1 CELEBRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF HISTORICAL AND In partnership with other agencies, Council is in a CONTEMPORARY INDIGENOUS AND unique position to value add to the deliberations of WESTERN CULTURE AND HERITAGE Government agencies in the provision of new facilities and to work with these stakeholders on climate A core function of Council is the promotion, support change matters, notably the increasing intensity of and staging of cultural, civic and sporting events that weather systems and rising sea levels, as exemplified include such occasions as the Milingimbi Gattjirrk & by Milingimbi which is a Territory Growth Town and a Ramingining Bak’bididi community festivals. Federal priority community.

OUTCOME 3.6 INNOVATIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES THAT EMPHASISE WASTE REDUCTION, REUSE AND RECYCLING

Council recognises that there are substantial confounding factors in the design of waste management strategies. In the development of a regional strategy, isolation is identified as a key determinant in the viability of cost neutral recycling when calculations include the carbon emissions of barge and road freight facilities. Council is committed to the protection and promotion of culturally significant heritage sites, items of art and Analysis has further identified potential groundwater material culture. It is recognised that art and cultural hazards as all communities are adjacent to heritage is intimately entwined with the landscape, as watercourses which predominantly feed into ‘lens’ primary social resources and determinants of wellbeing. water supplies. Five of the nine communities are Furthermore, they characterise East Arnhem Land and on islands and four have beach frontage on primary are amongst the principal opportunities for economic dunes. International experience and legislation in other development. jurisdictions, clearly enumerates the challenges for The registration and protection of records, materials waste disposal in the tropics. and buildings from the Macassan, Mission, Mining and Evaluation of risk in the above-mentioned Wartime periods is an important part of the maintenance of shared heritage and the built environment. These environments, prioritises oils and acids and the artefacts are social and economic assets that need to be Shire is progressively establishing repository and preserved now, in order to meet the interests of future recycling systems throughout the communities. The visitors - especially as World War II generates rapidly potential recovery, crushing and removal of car bodies increasing interest as it fades from living memory. is a related activity that is advanced by the Shire’s economies of scale. Council sees considerable potential in the sensible articulation of arts and cultural programs - heritage research & preservation and to maximise the existing expertise within the Shire’s library services.

20 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 OUTCOME 4.2 COMMUNITY SERVICES THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE AND SUPPORT THE WELLBEING OF THE COMMUNITY The Shire has identified information and communications technologies as central to the objectives of promoting community engagement - especially through the Community Advisory Boards - as well as through training - planning and performance analysis. The same suite of technologies is central to Council’s vision for enhanced delivery of library and cultural heritage services.

In the context of the Shire, it is the wellbeing of the family that holds primacy. In the familial context, it is the provision of services for women & children that Council has targeted with a diverse range of initiatives, including facilitating the delivery of financial management & domestic budgeting programs.

OUTCOME 4.3 A POSITIVE FUTURE FOR OUR YOUTH Council is progressively implementing a future leaders program that includes support for attendance at future leaders’ workshops and encouragement of future leaders through integration of traditional mentoring practices with current initiatives. To this end, there is no minimum age for membership of Community Advisory Boards and there is exploration of options, including Board Membership being of constituent Clan/Mala groups - rather than the conventional individual system, to encourage the mentoring potential.

Council has recognised that sporting activities have declined in recent years and that Sports & Recreation programs have seldom fostered Recreational pursuits. Priority has therefore been given to the development of programs for the enjoyment and participation of youth.

Council is developing harm minimisation strategies within a broad intervention that supports prevention initiatives to minimise drug, alcohol and volatile substance misuse. Council is seeking to articulate the diverse community safety programs, into a mutually complementary service - with coherent roles and objectives - that target resources upon identified’ at risk’ individuals and their families.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 21 OUTCOME 4.4 INCREASED of the Laynhapuy Homelands and others, during the OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPORT AND nineteen-eighties and nineties. It was subsequently RECREATION found that many of these outstations were vacant and derelict, frequently through the absence of a supportive Council has established and facilitated the delivery of association and dissipated cultural identity with the sport and recreation programs throughout the Shire country. The reality in the Shire is that homelands have with dedicated regional program staff supporting been a constant theme since Harold Shepherdson community based project managers. established Gattji in 1936 and there is a considerable Funding to construct, up-grade and maintain sporting evidence basis to support claims of improved health facilities has been sourced and significant works have and social outcomes. been completed to community ovals, basketball courts Council therefore strongly supports the development and other sports assets. of communities as resource and service hubs for OUTCOME 4.5 IMPROVED WELLBEING OF their homelands and to this end facilitates delivery THE AGED AND DISABLED of Centrelink services - reticulated power, water and sewerage services - local emergency and Post Office Council provides support services for the aged and services. disabled through dedicated, community-based programs including Meals-on-Wheels and Aged Care Hostels. OUTCOME 4.8 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES Council is a strong advocate for greater funding to meet the needs of the aged and disabled in recognition of the Council has developed a strong position from which special needs of those living in remote areas and the to facilitate and advocate for community safety, in the increasing needs of Machado-Joseph Disease sufferers. broad context of physical and emotion determinants of wellbeing, improved health and other related services. OUTCOME 4.6 ENHANCED Extensive research in East Arnhem Land, over the last OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL quarter of a century, clearly identifies the potential EMPLOYMENT benefits to be accrued through management of companion animals, their welfare and control. Council has embraced Government initiatives that have created new positions and the normalisation of many Council continues to advocate for new and improved CDEP positions. Council supports the development of community housing to improve social stability, provide local Indigenous business enterprises and is reviewing rest and security for school children and the elderly - options to support local businesses when tendering remove vectors for parasites and germs within a broad for Shire work by allowing a margin percentage over strategy of Environmental Health programs and audits. external providers. Council further recognises the opportunities in skills development and employment in construction and Council further seeks to support Indigenous maintenance trades. employment opportunities, through maximising the opportunities created - on a Shire-wide basis - through the more effective use of training and employment schemes. Scale is a key factor in vocational training and apprenticeships through the ability to offer a range of experiences and continuity of construction programs throughout the apprenticeship.

OUTCOME 4.7 APPROPRIATE SERVICES FOR REMOTE COMMUNITIES Council has consistently advocated on behalf of homeland centres which it recognises as the wellspring of positive identity, respected authority - art, cultural and family business potential. Council recognises that Government adopted a ‘one size fits all’ approach to the proliferation of outstations, following the success

22 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Local Government Core Services

Laloc Infrastructure Community Engagement in Local Government »» Maintenance and Upgrade of Parks, Reserves and Open Spaces »» Training and Employment of local people in council operations »» Maintenance and Upgrade of Buildings, Facilities and Fixed Assets »» Administration of Local Laws

»» Management of Cemeteries »» Public and Corporate Relations

»» Lighting for Public Safety, including »» Customer Relationship Management, Street Lighting including complaints and responses

»» Local Road Upgrading and Construction »» Governance: including administration of council meetings, elections and elected member support »» Local Road Maintenance »» Administration of Local Boards, Advisory Bodies and »» Traffic Management on Local Roads Management Committees »» Fleet, Plant and Equipment Maintenance »» Advocacy and Representation on local Laloc Environment Health and regional issues »» Waste Management (including Laloc Civic Services litter reduction) »» Library and Cultural Heritage Services »» Weeds Control and Fire Hazard Reduction »» Civic Events in and around community areas »» Local Emergency Services »» Companion Animal Welfare and Control

Local Government (Administration) Internal Core Services

»» Financial Management »» Risk Management

»» Revenue Growth »» Council Planning and Reporting: Strategic, Financial and Service »» Human Resources Delivery Planning and Reporting »» Asset Management »» IT and Communications »» Records Management

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 23 Where a conflict in fact exists, the member must CODE OF CONDUCT comply with the member’s statutory obligations of disclosure. source: NT Local Govt Act 01/07/08 7 Respect for Confidences 1 HONESTY AND INTEGRITY A member must respect the confidentiality of information obtained in confidence in the member’s A member must act honestly and with integrity in official capacity. performing official functions. A member must not make improper use of confidential 2 CARE AND DILIGENCE information obtained in an official capacity to gain a private benefit or to cause harm to another. A member must act with reasonable care and diligence in performing official functions. 8 Gifts 3 COURTESY A member must not solicit or encourage gifts or private benefits from any person who might have an interest in A member must act with courtesy towards other obtaining a benefit from the council. members, council staff, electors and members of the public. 9 Accountability 4 Conduct Towards Council Staff A member must be prepared at all times to account for the member’s performance as a member and the A member must not direct, reprimand, or interfere member’s use of council resources. in the management of, council staff. 10 Interests of Shire to be 5 Respect for Cultural Diversity Paramount A member must respect cultural diversity and must not A member must act in what the member genuinely therefore discriminate against others, or the opinions of believes to be the best interests of the Shire. others, on the ground of their cultural background. In particular, a member must seek to ensure that 6 Conflict of Interest the member’s decisions and actions are based on an honest, reasonable, and properly informed judgment A member must, if possible, avoid conflict of interest about what will best advance the interests of the Shire. between the member’s private interests and official functions and responsibilities.

24 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Division 2 Role of members (1) The role of a member of council is:

(a) to represent the interests of all residents and ratepayers of the council area;

(b) to provide leadership and guidance;

(c) to facilitate communication between the members of the council’s constituency and the council;

(d) to participate in the deliberations of the council and its community activities; and Coi unc llor Training (e) to ensure, as far as practicable, that the council acts honestly, efficiently and and Professional appropriately in carrying out its statutory Development responsibilities. Council came together for their first full meeting on the (2) However, a member of the council has no power 12th November 2008 and it was agreed at that meeting for to direct or control staff, or to interfere with the the Shire Governance staff to source and prepare some management of staff. appropriate training for the new Council members. (3) A member of the council has a duty to act, at all A full day Elected Members Workshop was jointly times, in what the member genuinely believes to be prepared by LGANT and Governance staff and this was the best interests of the council’s constituency. delivered to the new Councillors on Tuesday 13th January 2009 (day before the January 2009 Ordinary Meeting). This workshop was well received by all attendees and provided a good starting point for all concerned.

The main topics covered were:

»» Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Members

»» Roles and Responsibilities of Shire Staff

»» Understanding the 3 tiers of Government

»» Legal Framework

»» Code of Conduct

»» Conflict of Interest

Additional Elected Member training was identified and a suitable overall training program is in development. An individual computer skills assessment has also been undertaken with each Councillor and this will be used to map their future training needs to available courses.

The planning for a second Elected Members training workshop ( Meeting Procedures ) was well underway with Mr Tony Tapsell CEO of LGANT agreeing to deliver a ½ day workshop session on the day following the Courtesy of BHP Billiton July 2009 Ordinary Meeting on Groote Eylandt.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 25 Council meeting attendance

ap - apology, na –non-attendance

12 14 11 13 09 12 14 23 Nov Jan Mar May Feb Mar May Jun 08 09 09 09 SP SP SP SP Banambi Gumurr Miwatj 1 1 ap 1 1 ap 1 1 Wunungmurra Barayuwa Gumurr Miwatj 1 1 ap na 1 ap ap 1 Mununggurr Yananymul Gumurr Miwatj 1 ap ap na ap ap ap ap Mununggurr

Lionel Jaragba Anindilyakwa 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Keith Anindilyakwa 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Mamarika

Keith Hansen Anindilyakwa 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Ronnie Gumurr Gattjirrk 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ap Barramala Jack Munyarirr Gumurr Gattjirrk 1 ap 1 1 1 1 1 ap Gurralpa David Daymirringu Gumurr Gattjirrk 1 ap 1 ap 1 1 ap 1 Warraya Mavis Danganbarr Gumurr Marthakal 1 ap 1 1 1 1 ap 1 Garrawurra Don Wininba Gumurr Marthakal 1 1 1 na 1 1 1 1 Ganambarr

Kaye Thurlow Gumurr Marthakal 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ap

Finance Committee 09 Dec 08 2 Feb 09 21 Apr 09 09 Jun 09

Ian Bodill ap 1 1 1

Dale Keehne 1 1 1 1

Ty Johnson 1 1 ap 1

Kerry Whiting 1 1 1 1

Richard Humphries 1

26 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Wunungmurra Banambi Mununggurr Barayuwa Mununggurr Yananymul inlJrgaAidlaw 4/4 Anindilyakwa Lionel Jaragba et aaiaAidlaw 4/4 Anindilyakwa Keith Mamarika et asnAidlaw 4/4 Anindilyakwa Keith Hansen Barramala Ronnie Gurralpa Jack Munyarirr Warraya Daymirringu David Garrawurra Danganbarr Mavis Ganambarr Don Wininba Kaye Thurlow C ouncillor Miwatj Gumurr Miwatj Gumurr Miwatj Gumurr Gattjirrk Gumurr Gattjirrk Gumurr Gattjirrk Gumurr Marthakal Gumurr Marthakal Gumurr Marthakal Gumurr W ard (OCM/SCM) t M o eetings A 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 ttend

(OCM/SCM) A ttended 3/3 2/2 1/0 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/3 3/3 2/3 3/4 3/4 4/3

a ttendance (OCM/SCM) N 0/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0 0/0 on -

A pology (OCM/SCM) 1/1 1/2 2/4 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/1 1/1 2/1 1/0 0/0 0/1 /LOA (OCM&SCM) t M o eetings A 4/4 ttend 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(OCM&SCM) A ttended 4/3 6 4 1 8 8 8 7 6 5 7 7

a (OCM&SCM) ttendance N 0/0 on 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -

(OCM&SCM) A pology LOA 0/1 2 3 6 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 0 /

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 27 28 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 This project is being rolled out in 2 phases and leveraging off existing NT Government ICT contracts. councilBIZ Major service providers are: »» Desktop & Helpdesk OVERVIEW Fujitsu + Connected Solutions Group (CSG) and CouncilBIZ is a local government subsidiary, created as regional sub-contractors part of the Northern Territory Local Government Reform. »» Telecommunications The subsidiary’s members are Barkly Shire, Central Telstra Desert Shire, East Arnhem Shire, MacDonnell Shire, »» Messaging Roper Gulf Shire, Shire, Victoria Daly Connected Solutions Group (CSG) Shire, West Arnhem Shire and the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory. Phase 1 of the ShiresNet project is completed with the production server environment installed and operating CouncilBIZ commenced operations on the 1st July 2008 in the 8 headquarters and CouncilBIZ. providing administrative, ICT and Business Systems support services to the 8 member Shires. Implementation of Phase 2 of the project is underway and will see the network rolled out to the 63 Community CouncilBIZ is governed by its Constitution and is subject Service Delivery Centres by early 2010. Significant to the Local Government Act 2008 and its regulations. delays with Telstra have pushed the project completion The Board of CouncilBIZ consists of 9 Nominated date out by more than 10 months from its original Representatives from each of its members and meets completion date of 30th June 2009. at least every two months. ShiresBiz - will deliver a single standardised local As part of the establishment of the new Shires, government business system for the 8 Shires and the Department of Local Government and Housing CouncilBIZ: successfully negotiated funding for the rollout of new Key functions include: ICT infrastructure and Business Systems to the 8 Shire headquarters, CouncilBIZ and a further 63 Community »» Financials Service Delivery Centres.. »» Works and Assets

On completion of the rollout of these projects, »» HR & Payroll CouncilBIZ will be responsible for the on-going »» Property & Rating management of the contracts, the provision of ‘business as usual’ support services and system administration »» Electronic document management functions for all of the business systems. »» Council Minutes and Agendas The two projects are ShiresNet and ShiresBiz. The key supplier is TechnologyOne Limited and sub- ShiresNet - will deliver a single ICT infrastructure for contractors: all Shires »» InfoXpert - InfoXpert electronic document and »» 8 headquarter locations records management system; and

»» 1 finance and administration centre (CouncilBIZ) »» Infosphere - Infocouncil Electronic Business Papers product »» 63 community service delivery centres All key business system modules are in production with »» 1 data centre a number of remaining modules to be implemented »» 400 desktop devices for Shire staff and public access over the next six months. devices for community members.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 29 Professional Services With funding of $355,000 provided by the Department of Local Government and Housing, CouncilBIZ established a Professional Services Business Unit to support the Shires in the on-going use and implementation of their business systems and associated processes.

Services provided by Professional Services include:

»» Business Systems Help Desk Shared Records »» Co-ordination of the Annual Training Plan for the Management Service Shires in the Business Systems » Delivery of Training in all aspects of the Business CouncilBIZ provides a shared records management » Systems service on behalf of the Tiwi Islands, East and West Arnhem Shires. This service includes the receiving, »» Consulting Support Services to assist Shires scanning and registration of incoming mail, on behalf of »» Development of training materials the Shires. »» Implementation of procedure manuals In addition, CouncilBIZ is providing system administration support for all 8 Shires in the InfoXpert »» Implementation of new systems and InfoCouncil systems and providing compliance These services were previously outsourced to a advice in relation to the implementation of record- Technology One contractor Resolute IT located in keeping practices. Brisbane Queensland however the CouncilBIZ Board Shared Finance Centre felt that services of this nature were more effective and sustainable if they were provided by a locally CouncilBIZ operates a Shared Finance Centre on behalf based team of business consultants who had a of the 3 Northern Shires and CouncilBIZ. Financial greater understanding of NT local government and the processing in the areas of Accounts Payable, Accounts environment that the Shires operate in. Receivable, Payroll, Bank Reconciliation and Reporting are undertaken by a team of 15 professional financial Special Projects services staff. At the direction of the Board, CouncilBIZ undertook two Adhoc financial services have been provided out of this special projects in 2008/09: centre to the Southern and Central Shires including »» Joint Tender for the Appointment of Insurance processing of data entry backlog, loading of financial Brokerage Services for the 8 Shires and CouncilBIZ assets and budgets. »» Joint Tender for the Appointment of Auditors for all Accounting Services Agreements with defined service Shires (except West Arnhem) and CouncilBIZ levels are in place with each of the 3 Shires and the centre has been instrumental in assisting those Shires to prepare Entered into a Master Policy for comprehensive their annual financial statements for 2008/09 for audit. insurance coverage for the 8 Shires and CouncilBIZ with effect 30th June 2009.

30 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Courtesy of the Keith Hart Collection

PAST

Courtesy of the Keith Hart Collection

PH0004/0003 Hudson pilot F/L Keith Edmund Daniel (Service Number - 402852) of 2 Squadron, confers with his crew before setting out on a ‘bash’ from Batchelor (NT) early in 1943. Daniels and crew and F/L Keith Mills and crew were wiped out when their Hudsons collided just after they had taken off from Milingimbi on their very last mission before posting. L-R: William Westall Daniels, Capt.; Sgt. William Gove (Service Number - 401636), observer; P/O Les Jope. gunnery leader; P/O Jack Laws Courtesy of the Australian (Service Number - 412979)(WAG); Sgt. Bill Wilson, wireless operator. Geographic Society Tom Gunn - Courtesy of the Northern Territory Library & Australian War Museum East Arnhem Land is characterised geographically by the Arnhem Land Plateau - a vast, largely unexplored sandstone structure known as the Kombolgie Formation that was laid down 1,700m years ago and overlays the 2,000 million year old Cahill Formation of metamorphic rocks including schists & gneiss containing uranium & algae resulting from the oxygen pour air. This formation was named after Paddy Cahill, buffalo shooter, agriculturalist and amateur geologist who took up leases at Oenpelli exactly a century ago - in November 1909, the oldest settlement in Arnhem Land. The Cahill formation sits upon a granite bedrock that was formed 2,500 million years ago.

Human habitation of the escarpment country is dated to 40,000 years ago by research at sites including those inside the Jabiluka lease. Many of the physical features of Arnhem Land Aboriginal people of today have been retained from their African ancestry, as they 1605-6 Duifken(Duyfken) under command of Willem Jansz(oon) and Jan Rosingeyn discovered east-coast of (named for are believed to have left Africa 160,000 years ago via the Governor Carpentaria of Batavia [Jakarta]). Straits of Hormuz and taken the coastal route to South East Asia, which today is populated by people whose ancestors left Africa by the inland route and after many thousands of years, in what is now north central China, developed the cold climate physical features that are seen today, including straight hair.

The first records of European mariners sailing into ‘North Australian’ waters date to around 1606, and includes their observations of the land known as Terra Australis Incognita (unknown southern land). The first ship and crew to chart the Australian coast and meet with Aboriginal people was the Duyfken captained by Dutchman, Willem Janszoon.

Between 1606 and 1770, an estimated 54 European ships from a range of nations made contact. Many of these were merchant ships from the Dutch East Indies Company and included the ships of Abel Tasman. Tasman charted parts of the north, west and south coasts of Australia which was by then known as .

Arnhem Land takes its name from the yacht Arnhem which in 1623, in company with the yacht Pera, from which she became separated, encountered land which was referred to as the large island of Arnhem in instructions to Tasman in 1644. The discovery is inferred from the log of the Pera as that of the Arnhem is lost, as is the chart of the “coasts made A. D. 1623 by the Yachts Pera and Arnhem” referred to in Governor General Antonio Van Diemen’s letter of 19th February 1636 (Heeres).

32 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 down in the 1906/7 season, when the trade became unviable under taxation pressure from the South Australian Government, that controlled the Northern Territory of South Australia from 1863-1911, which sought to take-over the already ailing trade. Chinese merchants valued trepang as an aphrodisiac delicacy, although the Australian variety was of ‘average quality’ described by Alfred Wallace as being “like sausages which have been rolled in mud and then thrown up the chimney”. The Macassans are believed to have achieved a higher price from the Chinese merchants by dying the grey fish through boiling with red mangrove root.

The Macassans have had a most profound impact upon the lives, language and culture of Arnhem Landers. That they brought glass as a cutting edge to replace rat teeth is everywhere evidenced by the bunts of the Dutch black gin bottles and the earlier unglazed ceramics. Along with alcohol and metal, they brought tobacco and The Arnhem Land and South East Asian peoples were disease - most catastrophically smallpox (variola major) not to meet again until a loose assemblage of Muslim is now generally accepted as being responsible for the trepang (sea cucumber) fishermen began visiting decimation of the Australian Aboriginal population in the the North coast of Australia (Marege - a derivation of decades immediately prior to the arrival of the British Pamarege - a trepang fisher - that in turn derives from settlers in 1788. Other diseases including schizophrenia ‘land of wild men’[P. Spillett]). The home port for the and Machado Joseph disease have been traced to trepang trade was Macassar (Ujung Pandang) on the Macassan heritage and concentrated by the preferred Indonesian Island of Sulawesi in the southern Celebes marriage system. Islands. The area was home to the Bugis people and older Samu Baju, sea people who pioneered contact and are believed to have had considerable pre-history contact with the people of Yirrkala.

Significant aspects of material culture, including dugout canoes (lippa lippa), woven mats and funereal flags are abundant, as is the influence upon language as Macassarese was the lingua franca of Northern Australia prior to the advent of English. Parap Parap was their name for the Broome area, ‘Rupiah’ remains the common word for money and many names have Commencement of the Wet seasonal Macassan Macassarese derivations in the sort of colourful trepang trade is thought to have occurred in the nicknames of which sailors are universally fond. mid-Seventeenth century, although the archaeological coin evidence from Elcho Island and Pobassoo’s In 1644 the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, on his second estimate point to the 1780’s with 1746 as a possible date voyage south, made a brief excursion into the Gulf of from a single corroded specimen. The last fleet came Carpentaria. Flinders had access to Tasman’s chart of the Gulf, to which he referred as a ‘map of faeryland’.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 33 Finders passed 105 days meticulously charting the Gulf of Carpentaria, including Groote Eylandt and the East Arnhem Land coast. On 17th February 1803 he encountered a Macassan trepang fleet of 60 praus and over 1000 men under the command of Pobassoo after whom he named an island and called the area Malay Road. Pobassoo told Flinders that their discovery of the Australian coast had been accidental and there are many early accounts, such as Eredia’s tale of Chiaymasiouro who left Java in 1601 and sailed 500 miles south to a fabulous land, until the south-west monsoon set in and he was able to return in precisely the same fashion as the Macassan prau fleets.

It is fondly held that the Macassans and aboriginal peoples enjoyed an idyllic and universally harmonious relationship - however, the deliberately defensible positioning of trepang treatment sites and a hilltop camp at Nhulunbuy, supports the frequent references to massacres and retaliations by the Macassans. These likely arise through gin and jealousy, as in later times, to which the pervasive evidence of Macassan ancestry is ample testament.

Perhaps driven by the ravages of the marine Toledo worm, that accounts for the absence of natural coconut palms in East Arnhem Land or perhaps concerned at the presence of such a large fleet of Macassans, Flinders curtailed his mapping of the Australian coast and headed directly for Batavia (Jakarta- meaning ‘the great prize’). Flinders’ charts remained in general use until the advent of GPS satellite supported mapping by the Australian Navy in the 1990’s.

The balance of the north coast of east Arnhem Land was mapped by Capt. Phillip Parker King in 1818, as Flinders was imprisoned by the French at Mauritius and unable to complete the fifth part of his instructions being to map the north-west coast.

CHRONOLOGY 21.01.1803 Whitewood speared 4 times on . Thomas Morgan caught sun-stroke and dies that night. Whitewood died next day. One possibly two ‘Indians’ killed 1874 Walker Expedition 1883 David Lindsay Exploration of Arnhem Land including the Roper and Koolatong rivers.

34 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 1885 1920 Florida Station set up by J.A. McCartney. Groote Eylandt gazetted as Aboriginal Reserve. Background map ntlis historic maps 1920 A massacre was perpetrated when Yolngu were fed West Arnhem Land Reserve proclaimed 2,000 sq miles poisoned horsemeat after they killed and ate some including Oenpelli station contiguous upon the Arnhem cattle. Another incident took place around 1895 when Land Reserve of 37,167 sq. miles. some Yolngu took a small amount of barbed wire from a coil to build fishing spears. In retaliation, men, 1920 women and children were reportedly chased and shot Half-caste Aboriginal institutions started in Alice by mounted police and men on horseback from the Springs and Darwin. Eastern and African Cold Storage Company. 1921 1889 Australian Aboriginal population 60,000 - Groote Chinese population of NT 4000, Eylandt population 300. European population 1,009. 01/08/1921 1903-1908 Emerald River Mission begun by Rev. H.E. Warren for Arafura Station - East & African cold Storage company h/cast children from mission (Euralians). hold lease of all of East Arnhem Land 50,000 sq kms. 01/05/1922 1908 Rev. Jennison and wife land at Elcho Island to start Victorian Anglican Missionary society (CMS) start Roper mission. mission approx. 50 km from current location at Ngukurr. 1923 1911/1912 Naphtha Petroleum Co, starts on Elcho. Sir Baldwin Spenser, Special Commissioner for 1923 Aboriginals & Chief Protector made first detailed study Elcho Mission closes & moves to Milingimbi Is. under of Aboriginal people in Arnhem Land. Rev. Watson. 1912 1923 Interdenominational committee formed to divide the 2nd Emerald River Mission begun - lasted until 1943. NT into areas of responsibility between the Churches - e.g. NE Arnhem, Goulburn & Croker Is’s Methodist, 27/02/1926 Groote & Numbulwar, Ngukurr & Oenpelli Anglican, Milingimbi - 350 Aboriginals at Church. Tiwi Catholic. 1926-1929 04/1916 W. Lloyd Warner, American anthropologist, made Rev. Warren, Joynt, Burke, h/caste and 2 Aboriginals visit two field trips to EAL - stayed with Shepherdsons at Rose River on way to Groote in the Evangel. Milingimbi. His sentinel work - A Black Civilisation - 23/06/1916 began the Murngin Controversy - descendants of which clan live at Mirrinatja homeland of Gapuwiyak. Rev Watson & Lawrence start Goulburn Island Mission. Watson wrote “Darwin the Dammed, leprosy spreading 03/1926 and VD rife.” Elcho Naphtha mine closes - only found water. 28/09/1916 1926 Avis Party left Roper mission, police punitive expedition Christmas at Milingimbi 260 Aboriginals - normal after h/caste deaths at Rose River. population 520. 1917 1928 Arnhem Land tertian malaria epidemic. Harold & Ella Shepherdson arrive at Milingimbi. 18/07/1918 1929 CMS Bishop Newton of Carpentaria visits Groote & First nurse at Milingimbi, Sr. Lambert proposes Arnhem Land Reserve as 50 year buffer for assimilation. Supported by Baldwin Spenser.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 35 30/08/1929 26/10/1933 Milingimbi station diary for one week - 2 murders Board of Missions resolved to seek Govt. assistance to & 1 dead child. start a mission at Yirrkala. 1930 10/1933 Whooping Cough epidemic followed by Measles Spearing of Fagan & Traynor at Caledon Bay & Sandy Blight - 6 children die at Milingimbi. 1933-34 1933 Police Party comprised of Ted Morey, Albert McColl, Aboriginals granted minimum wage 5 shillings per Jack Mahoney and Vic Hall seeking the perpetrators week + food, tobacco & clothes. travelled to Woodah Island where McColl was speared by Tuckiar (Dagiar). The Arnhem Land Peace Expedition 14.04.1931 was raised by missionaries after murders at Caledon East Arnhem Land Reserve proclaimed Bay and Constable McColl. With help of Fred Grey 37,167 sq. m. - Aboriginal population 3,000. brought Tuckiar to Darwin for trial that began in 1934 1932 - condemned to death then pardoned after a public Australian Government assumes responsibility for outcry - he left prison and was never seen again. half castes. Reputedly killed by Police in Darwin harbour - never admitted publicly. 09/1932 Caledon Bay Yolngu kill 5 Japanese trepangers - their 1934 lugger washed up at Bickerton’s Island. Minister for Interior sends Dr. C.C. Fenton to inspect Milingimbi Mission “Condition good”. 1933 H/castes transferred from Emerald River to 11/1934 Roper Mission. Yirrkala Mission started by Rev. Chaseling. After one year, population from 50 to 100.

36 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 1935 1957 Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella) sighted by Shepherdson from air. Welfare Ordinance begun - Register of Wards last accurate Aboriginal population survey. 1938 Qantas flying boat base opened at Port Langdon on Groote 17/02/1958 Eylandt. Fred Grey hands Umbakumba over to CMS control. 1939/40 1959 Half-castes evacuated to Mulgoa NSW. Last Yolngu ‘king’ Wonggu dies in flu epidemic. 03/07/1942 1959 Shepherdson leave Milingimbi to start Elcho Is. Mission as Social Security Benefits paid to Aboriginals. temporary wartime measure. 1960 1943 Commonwealth Bureau of Mineral Resources indicates Death of Flt. Lt. Gove in mid-air collision off Milingimbi. manganese of Groote. 09/05/1943 1962 Bombing of Milingimbi CMS on behalf of Aboriginal people take out a mining & prospecting authority on 200sq.m mission lease on Gove Airstrip held three operational units: 42 Squadron Groote. flying Catalinas, 83 Squadron flying Boomerangs, and 13 Squadron flying Venturas and a flying boat base at 1963 Drimmie Head. BHP commences mining on Groote. 1943 1963 Angurugu mission begun. Bark Petition sent to Fed. Govt re Nabalco bauxite 1947 mining at Yirrkala. Prof. Elkin begins Assimilation Policy. 1965 1948 Town/community councils begun to formalise old mission village councils. American - Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land under J.P. Mountford. 01/02/1966 1950 Umbakumba transferred from CMS to Welfare Branch. Measles/Whooping cough epidemic 29 dead at Groote - 1967 9 of dysentery. Mass hookworm treatment at Elcho. Referendum 895 constitution Alteration (Aboriginals) 12/1950 Act gives Federal Govt. power to legislate for Aboriginal people everywhere. Govt. order missions to issue tobacco as part of rations - no tobacco no grants in attempt to stop prostitution for 1968 tobacco. 3 CMS Missions refuse - 6 missionaries resign. Nabalco & Aust. Govt. mining lease excised from 1952 Arnhem Land Reserve. First systematic geographical survey of East Arnhem Land. 1968 14/08/1952 Typhoid epidemic at Elcho & Yirrkala. Numbulwar Mission commenced with the Curtis & 1969 Arabia sailing from Roper. Gapuwiyak started by Mr & Mrs Geoff Davey. 1953 1972 End of Welfare era beginning of Assimilation Era that Nabalco mine & Gove township official opening. lasted until 1972. Name later changed to Nhulunbuy at request of 30/06/1954 Aboriginal people. Govt signs Service Agreements for funding of Missions.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 37 10/1972 End Assimilation Era - start of Self-Determination Mining Era - land rights - National Aboriginal Consultative Bauxite was first found in Arnhem Land during 1949 Committee (NACC) - bilingual education, incorporation (Geoffrey Blainey) & in 1950 Captain Fred Wells and of communities and modern era homelands movement. Fred Waulkes found bauxite on Marchinbah Island Aboriginals enumeration included in Census - ending in the group. Drilling revealed a accurate data by Aboriginality. 10 million ton ore body but the isolated locating made commercialisation unprofitable. 1972 Gove District Hospital opened - 64 beds - all filled until In 1963 the Commonwealth Government authorised boycott by Yolngu over deaths and rough treatment. prospecting by a French company, Pechiney. In the same year, Yolngu at Yirrkala sent a petition on bark 1973 to the Australian House of Representatives. The bark First official bilingual education Yirrkala - Mandahuwuy. petition attracted national and international attention 1977 and now hangs in Parliament House, Canberra as a testament to the Yolngu role in the birth of the land Shepherdson’s leave Arnhem Land after 50 years. rights movement.

01/08/80 In 1966 the mining lease was transferred to a Aboriginal Development Commission formed from old consortium of Swiss and Australian companies Ab. Land Fund Commission, Ab. Loans Commission & operating as Nabalco. In 1968, as a last resort, DAA grants programs. the Yolngu of Yirrkala took the Commonwealth 1981 and Nabalco to court, in the first land rights case Gapuwiyak population reaches 100. in Australian history: Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd and the Commonwealth of Australia. From 1969 to 02/1989 1971 the case was heard, the Yolngu challenging the First homelands health service in EAL started by mining company and seeking legal recognition of their Laynhapuy Homelands Assn. Funded jointly by NT ownership of the land. The case failed but paved the Health & ATSIC. First RN Karen Dempsey - credited with way for later land rights legislation, the Aboriginal Land identification of Groote Eylandt Syndrome as an hereditary Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, and the Mabo ataxia during creation of a patient database and the decision, recognising the pre-existence of Native Title formation of a research team that positively identified for the first time in 1992. Machado Joseph Disease when Dr. Tim Burt attended Azores conference with funding from Miwatj Health. Rio Tinto Gove 1990 Alcan joined the Rio Tinto group on 25 October 2007 Commencement of ATSIC following the successful offer for Alcan by a subsidiary of Rio Tinto. The expanded aluminium product group, 1991 formed by the combination of Alcan and Rio Tinto’s First EAL community resident doctor at Elcho Is. existing aluminium assets is today the global leader in Dr. Harvey Graham - clinic equipped with ultrasound aluminium and is now known as Rio Tinto Alcan. and x-ray. Resident doctors first proposed by Donald Thompson in 1936. Groote 16/03/2005 GEMCO is jointly owned by BHP Billiton (60 per cent) ATSIC abolished. and Anglo American Corporation (40 per cent) and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of manganese 30/06/2008 ore. Employing approximately 250 people, plus a large End of Local Community Government era. number of permanent and temporary contractors. GEMCO is a major contributor to the Northern 01/07/2008 Territory economy. Start of Regional Local Government under the Shires.

38 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Elections The inaugural elections for new Shire Councils were held on Saturday, 25 October 2008. Two years after the announcement of local government reforms designed to overturn what the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Rob Knight, described in the NT Legislative Assembly on the 29th October 2008 as “the inherently unstable mix of small, isolated and financially unstable local government bodies.”

The Shires were created to herald a new era of consistent service delivery for Territorians living in the bush and a revised Local Government Act.

Promotional work began in July 2008 with community visits and an enrolment drive by Department of Local Government and Housing regional staff, in co-operation with Shire staff, as well as television commercials on regional stations; extensive radio advertising including in local Indigenous language, posters, audio information in local Indigenous language, information flyers, presentations and the Local Government Reform website.

The Northern Territory Electoral Commission was engaged by the Shires to conduct the 31 elections across the Territory, to select two Shire Presidents (Barkly Shire & Litchfield Council) as well as councillors to represent the 29 local government wards.

A total of 211 candidates contested 117 positions for elected members in the new Shires, as well as Councils for Coomalie, Litchfield, and Wagait. Successful candidates were announced on 3rd November 2008 as the elected councillors.

Council meetings were to be held within 14 days of the declaration of the results and the inaugural East Courtesy of Rio Tinto Alcan Arnhem Shire Council meeting was held at Nhulunbuy on 12th November 2008.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 39 This draft business plan has been prepared following p vrospecti e Council a number of meetings with the Transition Committee, Following the announcement of the creation of the Shires, residents and other stakeholders, where it has been clearly a Prospective East Arnhem Shire Council was convened articulated that the way forward for the Shire lies with high and held its first meeting on Friday 19th October 2007 in level representation on Council and strong community the Candour Room, 1st Floor RCG Building, Darwin. representation through local boards, coupled with a business plan which focuses on core service delivery with The Prospective Council was active throughout the a view toward increasing the level and range of services period up to the cessation of the pre-cursor Community where and when prudently possible. Government Councils on 30th June 2008 and the election of Shire Councils in November 2008 under the direction of The issue of representation has been addressed in the David Willing as Shire Manager. business plan, with the ward model proposed by the The proposed East Arnhem Shire Council comprised Shire Transition Committee ensuring that each key the existing local government areas of Milingimbi, community group’s interests are represented while meeting Ramingining, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala, Marngarr, established principles of ‘one vote-one value’. These Umbakumba, and Angurugu, in addition to a large area qualities will hold the key to its future success. This success of currently unincorporated land. The townships of will be developed through advances in tourism, agriculture, Nhulunbuy and Alyangula were not included in the aquaculture, sustainable use and management of natural Shire Council area and continue to be serviced by the resources, and through successes in creativity and self existing Nhulunbuy and Alyangula Town Corporations sufficiency brought about by physical isolation. under the mining companies Rio Tinto Alcan and My gratitude is also extended to the Chief Executive BHP-Billiton respectively. Officers and Community Co-ordinators in the East Arnhem The Department of Local Government, Housing and Region for their contribution to the development of the Sport, convened a Transition Committee comprised of draft business plan and indeed, the development of the Community Council nominees, together with nominated East Arnhem Shire. representatives of the Ramingining, Milingimbi, Laynhapuy and Marthakal Homeland Resource Centres, to assist in the preparation of a draft business plan for the proposed Shire.

This first draft Business Plan was developed utilising David Willing information obtained through consultation with key Manager stakeholders that included Transition Committee East Arnhem Shire Council and Council staff workshops, meetings with funding agencies and engagement with community members. Participants in the workshops and meetings were asked to identify their perceptions of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the new Shire Council.

40 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 THE PRESENT 42 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 SHIRE Cultural Profile Languages OF the Shire The languages listed below are present in the East- Arnhem region. However, there may be many different Aboriginal languages evident in a given area.

Yolngu languages:

»» Dhay’yi - Djarrwark, Dhalwangu

»» Dhangu - Golumala, Rirratjinu, Galpu, Wangurri

»» - Gupapuyngu, Gumatj, Manggalili, Wubulkarra, Mandarrpa, Guyamirrilil

»» Liyalanmirr

»» - Djambarrpuyngu, Liyagalawumirr, Datiwuy, Marrangu, Djapu

»» Djangu - Warramirri, Mandatja

»» Djinang - Murrungur, Mildjingi, Wulagi

»» Alawa

»» Anindilyakwa

»» Nha u - Golpa, Malarra, Gunbirryi, Gamalanga, Gurryindi

»» Nunggubuyu

»» Yitharr u

The Yolngu (or Yol u), which literally translates to ‘person’, are the of northeast of Arnhem Land. Yolngu people are linked by language and a rich and complex culture. The social structure is based on clans and moieties. Clans are extended family groups and they are the foundation of Yolngu social organization. Each clan has its own traditional land or country (wanga), their own dialect or version of the Yolngu language (Yolngu Matha), and their own songs and ceremonies (bunggul). Clan membership is patrilineal.

Moieties are the system of law governing social interaction. Yolngu groups are connected by a complex kinship system. This system governs fundamental aspects of life, including responsibilities for ceremony and marriage rules. Yolngu life is divided into moieties: Dhuwa and Yirritja. Each of these is represented by people of a number of different groups, each of which have their own lands, languages, totems and philosophies.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 43 T aBLE 1: moieties Clan Groups

Gumatj, Gupapuy u, Estimated Resident Wangurri, , Population by locality Mangalili, Munyuku, (ABS Census 2006) Yirritja Mangarrpa, Warramiri, L ocALITY Population Dhalwa u, Liyalanmirri, Golpa, Wolkarra. Galiwin’ku 1,870

Rirratji u, Gälpu, Gapuwiyak 977 Djambarrpuy u, Golumala, Marrakulu, Gunyangara (Marngarr) 324 Marra u, Djapu, Datiwuy, Dhuwa Milingimbi 989 aymil, Djarrwark, Mälarra, Gamala ga, Ramingining 719 Gorryindi, Bararr u, Yirrkala 758 Bararrpararr. Umbakumba 379 A Yirritja person must always marry a Dhuwa person and vice versa. If a man or woman is Dhuwa, their mother will Angurugu 971 be Yirritja. Yolngu learn from a very young age to which Miliyakburra 119 category they and all their kin belong. They also start to learn which features of their environment belong to Dhuwa Other Communities within 2,014 and Yirritja. Knowing this is the basis for social relations Shire among Yolngu that also structures the ownership of T oTAL 9,120 knowledge, participation in ceremonial performance as well as responsibilities and obligations towards close relatives. The last accurate count of Aboriginal persons was the Register of Wards in 1957. In 1972, after a referendum, Avoidance relationships exist in Yolngu culture between the Census was changed so that Aboriginal people were certain relations. The two main avoidance relationships are: no longer enumerated separately. The resultant loss of »» son-in-law - mother-in-law a viable population denominator continues to confound research and resource allocation by need. The dilemma »» brother - sister is evidenced by the Ngalkanbuy Clinic stats which show In avoidance relationships, people don’t speak directly a service need of 3,758 individuals versus a census/ or look at one another, and try to avoid being in too service population of 1,698 and an Estimated Resident close proximity with each other. People are avoided, Population of 1,870. but respected.

Numerous clans, each with MALE FEMALE their own estate and laws, 85+ comprise the Yolngu culture. 80-84 75-79 Yolngu dreaming teaches that 70–74 in ancestral times, powerful 65–69 Wangarr or Beings bestowed 60–64 55–59 each clan with its own land, 50–54 law and language; these 45–49 40–44 Wangarr instituted social 35–39 relations and behaviour 30–34 25–29 amongst the Yolngu, and in 20–24 Yolngu ceremonial life, the 15–19 great acts of these ancestral 10–14 5–9 beings are re-enacted and 0–4 re-told through song, dance 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 and painting. Source Ngalkanbuy Health Centre 2008/09

44 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 CEO Statement At once challenging - Regional Local Government has come to East Arnhem Land with the promise of a single voice that will be heard by Government - a chance to meet the expectations raised by the Intervention and Future Directions initiatives of Government.

The Shire of East Arnhem has experienced moments of pain and elation as it moves forward with its foremost objective; to service its nine communities in a way that will leave no doubt that the reform programme has and will continue to be a success.

Success, however, will be based on partnerships and the recognition by all that by working together strategically, and implementing three to five-year funding outcomes, much more will be achieved. Structural foundations such as these will allow funds to be spent more effectively and enable the agency and the communities they serve to have security, belief and trust in the intended outcomes. We are an organization born out of a partnership by the Federal and Territory governments and we therefore remain a dependent of theirs until we eventually mature and are capable of letting go their apron strings. It is incumbent upon us to do this in a manner that is thoughtful and responsive to community expectation and need. Much of what we have already achieved is due largely to the tireless efforts of an extraordinary staff throughout the The audit, bound herein, details many outstanding tasks Shire. I cannot thank them enough and the written word that will be addressed during the coming year, when we will not do my appreciation any justice. To each and every break free of the systemic constraints that we inherited one of you…know this: you are appreciated to the extreme. on the first of July last year. The challenge of piloting East Arnhem Land in the This Report documents the extraordinary workload mainstream has arrived - overdue perhaps - but generated by amalgamating nine communities - each here now. The Shire will earn its place in a tri-lateral with its own payroll and staff entitlements - houses - partnership, with the Northern Territory and Federal roads - dozens of bank accounts to reconcile and often Governments, as the principal source of information, woeful infrastructure, in some instances with not a consultation and facilitation, for the great developments single registered or registrable vehicle. All this, against that will fill the coming years. I look forward to our next an unprecedented tide of Government activity, with twelve months together. policy scrambling to keep apace and community members bewildered and overwhelmed by the unprecedented change.

In addition, it reflects a multi-million dollar business that is by far the largest employer in the Shire and one of the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the nation. It is viable, has dynamic-stability and is transparent Ian Bodill in achieving the goals of Council. Importantly, it is an Chief Executive Officer organization able to analyse its performance, to meet its commitments to Government and the electorate, whilst compiling the data to inform Council decisions in an evidence based and professional fashion.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 45 financial management, information technology & Kerry Whiting communications, governance and human resource management. The vast majority of these processes D iRECTOR of are now performed in Darwin, whilst a few remain in Nhulunbuy, alleviating the back-office processing for Corporate Services many communities. This has been challenging in such Before I introduce my directorate, please let me a remote environment - unfortunately, too often simple introduce myself. My name is Kerry Whiting, I have communication norms such as telephone, email and been employed by the new Shire since January 2008 daily postal delivery are unreliable or do not exist and (in fact, I was the first staff member). I have worked in thus the efficiency and effectiveness of services is government for the past 25 years, in the electricity & continually compromised. water, local government and port authority spheres, These challenges are what makes it exciting, rewarding both in the Territory and in New South Wales. I and daunting. The new regional Shire offers great hope have lived in the Territory nearly 13 years and have for local government reform in the Northern Territory. qualifications in business, accounting and human However, it will not happen overnight and will take resource management. My previous local government many years of continued support from all levels of experience is in a municipality (Palmerston) and government, to increase service delivery standards country NSW (Cowra and Tumut). I feel honoured to for local government operations and the extended have been given the opportunity to lead the Corporate community requirements. Services Division and to be involved in such a mammoth undertaking as Local Government Reform. I look forward to serving the Council for many years to come, as we close the gap in service delivery to the remote communities of the Northern Territory.

The first year of operations for the Corporate Services Directorate has been rewarding, exciting, extremely busy and at times very challenging. The directorate evolved during the year from 2 staff members on 1st July 08 to 13 at 30th June 09. Initial efforts concentrated on the delivery of core services, such as financial management, information technology & communications, governance and human resource management - this effort is now extending into other service areas, as increased resources become available. Some services have not yet commenced in earnest and may not do so until determined by need.

Staffing issues prevented some services from commencing on 1st July 2008 and many processes had to be re-engineered with local content from the respective communities. One of the challenges has been to accommodate the individual needs of all nine communities whilst delivering an equitable, effective and efficient service. This re-engineering will continue during the ensuing years, as the new Council matures.

The opportunity to start from scratch, has enabled Council to challenge traditional modes of service delivery. Substantial changes have occurred in

46 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Service Delivery The following table depicts the services provided by the directorate; the responsible manager; expenditure and key outcomes for 2008/09.

Responsible Expenditure Service Key Outcomes Manager ($M)

Created 11 new directorate roles Corporate Director 0.361 Facilitated new office accommodation and shared Management services centre

Administration of Local Boards, Facilitated the creation of 9 new Community Advisory Governance Advisory Boards 0.036 Boards - Established Finance Committee and Animal Manager and Management Welfare Control Committee Committees Administration of Director 0.000 Not commenced as yet Local Laws Director / Council Planning and Governance 0.001 Completion of 09/10 Shire Plan Reporting Manager Customer Employee Relations Relationship 0.014 A Tech-One module is under evaluation. Officer Management

Senior Finance Paid 17,538 supplier invoices Financial Manager / Contracts 0.895 Paid 44,824 payments to staff for pay Management and Procurement Officer Receipted 3,434 revenue transactions Governance Facilitated Local Government Elections Governance 0.752 Manager Facilitated 8 Council agendas, meetings and minutes Human Resource Human Resource Recruited 1,724 (1504 ATSI) staff 0.281 Management Manager Established new Collective Agreement for staff Information Director / Contracts Provided 86 new IT devices for staff Technology and and Procurement 0.380 Provided 77 new phones for staff Communications Officer Public and Corporate Governance Draft policy and procedures under development 0.036 Relations Manager Needs analysis scheduled for 09/10 Employee Relations Created 39,301 documents and 4,846 folders in Records Management 0.112 Officer InfoExpert electronic records management system Director / Grants Facilitated 08/09 previous community council accounts and Revenue Growth 0.009 Manager audit. Managed $39 million of grant revenue for the year Governance Insurance brokerage appointed. Risk Management 0.138 Manager Asset review & insurance reinstatement due 09/10 Post Office Agency Analysis of options for development or divestment in Director 0.015 (Commercial) 09/10 Visitor Accommodation and Council to seek expressions of interest for supply of these Director 0.070 Tourist Information services in 09/10. (Commercial) Community Stores Continued to support Angurugu store through Outback Director 1.000 (Commercial) Stores operation TOTAL 4.1

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 47 Major Highlights Challenges for Future Service Delivery 1. A major benefit for all the staff during the year was the establishment of the new collective agreement. This The major challenges for future service delivery for the agreement has many firsts for the staff in the region; directorate include;

»» remote locality allowances for all staff 1. Sustainability and alternative revenue generation. The council has a 75% reliance on grant funding for »» equity in pay for staff undertaking the same role revenue, and thus is reliant upon both tiers of higher »» regular pay increases on an annual basis government for appropriate funding - the traditional »» extra public holidays for all staff forms of revenue for local government, rates and charges make up less than 2% of revenue. »» training and development opportunities for all staff 2. Improving communication networks across the dispersed communities. 2. Established and developed a Shared Services Centre With distances so great and normal communication with West Arnhem Shire and Tiwi Islands Shire methods inconsistent - quality electronic Council in Darwin. communications are imperative if council is to be 3. Council Elections facilitated and 8 Council meetings successful. held during the year. 3. Increasing staff retention and employment 4. Shire Plan created for 2009/10, following community opportunities. engagement sessions in each community. Whilst staff retention has been very good to date, challenges exist in achieving the balance of staff enjoying cultural time whilst the Council continues to provide a service for the community.

4. Improving grant funding relationships. Council will strive to become the ‘service provider of choice’ for other tiers of government, in return for an acceptable return on revenue.

5. Introducing Local Laws into communities. Many communities have never had local laws on dog control, noise control, litter control and the like. These new laws will take some time to develop within each community. The first year of the new Regional Council has been extremely rewarding. I would like to thank my colleagues, staff in the directorate, Council Members and the multitude of stakeholders who have worked with us during this challenging 12 months. Reform is happening and will continue to happen for many years to come - it has been a torrid time, particularly for staff with so much change occurring, and I sincerely thank all staff for their high levels of patience and dedication to a cause that is providing results. The 2009/10 year will bring further challenges, but with a positive outlook, open mind and happy disposition - many great things will again be accomplished.

48 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Ty Johnson director TECHNICAL SERVICES TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

Internal Roads On 1st July 2008 the East Arnhem Shire Council took over responsibility for maintenance of approximately 1,237.4 km of roads in remote Arnhem Land made up of:

»» 22.2 km Curbed & Sealed

»» 49.9 km Sealed

»» 171.3 km Gravel

»» 215.5 km Formed Freight Services »» 778.5 km Flat Bladed Track The Shire is geographically isolated, with five remote Council received a Federal Assistance Grant of $880,929 community service delivery centres located on islands and an additional $237,085 from the Commonwealth and the remaining four only accessible in the dry Government’s Roads To Recovery program (R2R) for season, by gravel roads that are generally closed to maintenance of the road network. Despite considerable trucking. Council is heavily dependent upon barge time expended in attempting to re-construct the freight to ensure the delivery of services. records of pre-cursor Councils, the Shire was unable to account for all the R2R funding provided to those Barge freight services are inherently expensive, with Councils dating back several years and as a result little competition historically throughout East Arnhem was obliged to return $91,986 to the Commonwealth Land. The individual pre-cursor Councils found it Government. Council’s final budget for internal roads impossible to negotiate better terms with barge was $1,026,028. service providers.

As well as basic pothole repair and sign maintenance However, the Shire represents an entire region with a across the Shire, significant road and/or drainage work significant volume of barge freight and has therefore was carried out at Gapuwiyak, Ramingining and Elcho been able to secure better terms than previously Island. Due to the time required to finalise acquittals for achieved, including: pre-cursor Councils’ R2R funding, only planning was »» Insurance of all freight by the carrier carried out this year for expenditure of these funds. The »» Daytime deliveries only R2R funding is programmed to fund significant work on the ‘V’ and table drains around Milingimbi early next »» Improved tracking and expenditure year. This work that has been neglected for a number of coding procedures years and is now causing the loss of sealed road surface »» Approximately 4% reduction in cost and localised flooding in the wet season. »» Established inter-community rates It was recognised that the available funding was insufficient to address the massive deficiencies with the Council is now working with its barge freight service aged and ill-maintained road infrastructure inherited provider to further enhance and improve services to by the Shire. In order to better understand the level remote East Arnhem communities. of need, a road hierarchy and standards evaluation was commenced. This will be completed in 2009/10 and will provide valuable information to Council when prioritising allocation of the limited funds available.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 49 Aerodrome Operations Maintain open and public spaces Council crews have worked consistently to ensure Aerodrome operations are not a core service of the open and public spaces are adequately maintained. Shire and are not funded by any other Government Grant funding was secured through a range of sources agency. There are four licensed and security controlled to enable basic up-grades to the oval surfaces aerodromes in the Shire, located at Milingimbi, and reticulation at Galiwin’ku, Ramingining and Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak and Ramingining. Umbakumba. Due to difficulties procuring suitable Council provided aerodrome reporting and basic contractors, this work is programmed for security functions to these aerodromes for the year at completion next year. a significant cost to Council. Towards the end of the year Council was able to negotiate with an alternative service provider to become the licensed aerodrome BUILDING operator at Galiwin’ku. However, Council continued INFRASTRUCTURE to advocate strongly for other tiers of Government to take responsibility for remote aerodromes, in order Council Controlled Buildings to ensure their long term viability. On 1st July 2008 the Shire inherited building infrastructure from pre-cursor Councils that was, for Municipal Services the most part, aged, ill-maintained and insufficient Council’s Municipal Services functions include waste to support the services that the Shire was expected management and maintaining open and public spaces. to deliver. The short term nature of land and building tenure within six of Council’s remote service delivery Waste management - Council adopted its Sanitation & centres (5 year leases under the NTER Act 2007) has Garbage Service Policy in January 2009 and proceeded weighed heavily on Council when determining its level with implementation throughout the remainder of the of investment in Council controlled buildings. year. 670 new wheelie bins were purchased to replace smaller bins, damaged bins and 44 gallon drums. A new Despite the tenure issues, the following activities were rubbish truck was purchased for Umbakumba. There is carried out to Council controlled building infrastructure still a great deal of room for improvement in licensing during the year: and effectively managing tip sites as well as adequately »» Completed renovation and fit-out of Council’s equipping waste management crews and this work will headquarters in Nhulunbuy. be a focus of next year’s endeavour. »» Council staff house on lot 279 Galiwin’ku was handed over to a family that lost their dwelling and child in the fire at lot 359 next door. The Commonwealth Government committed to construct a replacement dwelling for Council next year.

50 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 »» Completed construction of the Art Centre in Indigenous Housing Management Gapuwiyak. and Maintenance Programs »» Commenced up-grade of the Gapuwiyak recreation Council agreed to deliver community housing hall, scheduled for completion next year. management and maintenance as a commercial service »» Commenced planning and production of for the Department of Local Government & Housing. construction documentation for up-grade of the The value of funding available for these programs Milingimbi community hall, to provide sport & was significantly increased from previous years which recreation, training and play group services. necessitated the recruitment of many new tradesmen, trades assistants and administrative staff. Contractors »» Commenced construction of a new Multi-media were also brought into several communities to assist Centre in Ramingining. with the backlog of work.

»» The Ramingining Council office was renovated and It was identified that Council needed to become far the old derelict Council building was removed. more efficient in its delivery of community housing »» Renovations were carried out to establish a night management and maintenance and so began patrol base in Ramingining. development of the Facility Intelligence and Control System or FICS. FICS includes streamlined processes »» Renovations were carried out to establish a night for collection, processing and reporting of maintenance patrol base in Umbakumba. information, as well as extensive protocols, training »» The Council office in Umbakumba was painted. material and visual aids. The FICS system is planned to be rolled out to communities next year. »» Repairs were carried out to the mechanical workshop in Umbakumba to render the facility It is recognised that the shortfall in Indigenous housing useful again. and the backlog of maintenance is so great that it will never be met through the repairs and maintenance »» A shade structure, jointly funded by the Territory program managed by Council. Council is pleased to Government and Council, was erected be able to report that it has fully expended repairs and over the Umbakumba school basketball court. maintenance funds carried forward from pre-cursor »» Up-graded/reconstructed the recreation hall Councils, as well as funds provided this year for general at Yirrkala. repairs and maintenance.

»» Commenced planning for up-grade of the Landcare Additional funds were provided late in the year for a office at Yirrkala, to be the new Council offices. This mass stove replacement project. Council successfully work is programmed for completion next year. negotiated with a manufacturer to produce a stove to specifications better suited to the remote environment in which they are being used. The new stove is due to go into production early next year. Grant funds allocated to this project were carried forward and are planned to be expended next year.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 51 FLEET INFRASTRUCTURE Dale Keehne There is a consistent theme with the status of infrastructure that Council inherited from pre-cursor D CiRECTOR ommunity Councils and the fleet of motor plant and vehicles is no exception. In one community there was not a Services single registered vehicle upon hand-over whilst other communities had very few registered many beyond Overview economical repair. In 2008/09 the Shire received Federal and NT Government Community Services funding at the This issue caused considerable difficulties for Council, level that had previously been channelled through as it attempted to balance risk, logistics, budgets, the individual Community Government Councils. service delivery expectations and statutory regulations. This has meant an initial continuation of the well Council has undertaken the systematic renewal and documented gaps and disparity in service delivery standardisation of its fleet throughout the year. Supply that in many instances will continue to be reflected in contracts were established for motor plant and vehicles funding contracts offered for 2009-10. The Community in order to aid with standardisation and streamlining of Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program purchasing schedules. and the new Community (Night) Patrol service are This year Council purchased 9 items of motor plant, the only community services which the Australian 4 heavy vehicles and 18 light/medium vehicles. Many Government has effectively funded to all communities. of the purchases went towards replacement of existing The Shire will actively contribute to the development of derelict infrastructure. Despite these purchases, the the National Partnership Agreement in Remote Service shortfall within the fleet is estimated to be $6m. Delivery and ‘Growth Towns’ reforms, to address the inherited gaps and shortfalls in service delivery, across the region. This will be essential to ensure the equitable provision of community and other services across the Shire communities and foster real social and economic development.

The Shire has recruited a number of Regional Managers and Co-ordinators across the range of community services. This has been done to support the development of quality services, apply for additional funding and help to develop the case for major reforms in service delivery funding models.

52 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Community Service Highlights Despite a range of efforts made by Centrelink, significant issues remain. The delivery of this service The 11 community services provided in 2008-09 were: via planned Remote Government Service Delivery »» Aged and Disability Care Centres, may offer more lasting improvements in Centrelink services. »» Centrelink

»» CDEP CDEP and Training

»» Community Events The Shire had a significant challenge in establishing a single, Shire-wide CDEP Program. Key changes »» Community Media introduced by the Shire include a limit to the maximum »» Community Patrols and Safer Communities number of hours CDEP participants can work; the removal of top-up and clear enforcement of a ‘no work, »» Companion Animal Welfare and Control no pay’ policy. These changes have assisted the Shire to »» Library and Knowledge Centres recruit people into proper paid jobs and for CDEP to be »» Money Management a true training ‘stepping stone’ to these jobs.

»» Women and Children’s Services The number of CDEP participants funded by FAHCSIA has been reduced from 759 to 483. From 1st July 2009, »» Youth, Sport and Recreation the Shire no longer has responsibility for CDEP at Gunyangara and can only host places at Ramingining Aged and Disability Care through the Ramingining Homelands Association. The The Shire has been successful in gaining funding Shire has the challenge of developing Work Readiness to deliver 16 more Community Aged Care Packages and Community Development activities for participants (CACP) for Milingimbi and Ramingining. This is a in the other seven communities. 41% increase on the previous allocation. The Indigenous Workforce Development Manager $1,080,000 extra funding has been received in had oversight of CDEP as well as the development of 2008-09 for buildings, equipment and vehicles, to training in 2008-09. The outcome of this work has been improve Aged and Disability Services. This includes the development of a Training Audit and Evaluation funds for the creation of a facility for aged and disabled tool. This tool will be used in the coming year to assess people at Milingimbi and the upgrade of the Ramingining previous training and learning and the training needs of facility. The most notable other need for a major upgrade each Shire worker, for their development. A designated of facilities at both the Shire’s largest community of Training Officer is being recruited to help support and Galiwin’ku and the smallest community of Milyakburra co-ordinate the provision of training to all Shire staff on Bickerton Island which has no facility at all. and CDEP participants.

The Shire has participated in a consultation process Community Events to develop a flexible Aged and Disabled Care respite facility in Nhulunbuy. The Council has given ‘in principle’ The Shire has hosted a number of community events support for the facility and is willing to become actively including Australia Day Celebrations, NAIDOC week involved in its creation and operation, subject to the fair festivities and local festivals in the communities. The allocation of resources to other communities Shire has successfully hosted the Milingimbi Gattjirrk in the region. Cultural Festival; Ramingining Bak Bididi Music, Dance, Art and Sport Festival; Gapuwiyak Art Festival and Centrelink supported a Healthy Lifestyle festival at Galiwin’ku.

During the past year, Council has expressed its A Community Events Co-ordinator has been appointed profound concerns over the quality of the Centrelink to provide greater support to a wider range of Agency services provided to community members community events and to develop a Community Events through current arrangements. The Shire developed Schedule and Strategy. a major proposal for improvements to the standard of service delivery. The proposal includes increasing the size and improving the layout of agency facilities - as well as providing dedicated Centrelink staff, to better support and develop Indigenous staff.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 53 Community Media Companion Animal Welfare and Control The Shire has had great difficulty recruiting and supporting Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Service Katherine Vet Care Centre has been engaged to (RIBS) Operators of community radio broadcasting provide a veterinary service to the region. ARK Animal services in the four funded communities of Hospital has continued to provide the veterinary service Ramingining, Milingimbi, Galiwin’ku and Umbakumba. at Galiwin’ku. Community members and staff have reported that the visiting services have been useful $293,000 has been secured by the Shire to establish and effective. a Multi-Media Centre at Ramingining. This Centre will be used as the base for a new Community Media The Council has developed and endorsed an Animal Co-ordinator to ensure the effective delivery of Welfare and Control Policy. improved radio, television and multi-media services A Social Housing & Environmental Programs Manager throughout the region. The Shire will contribute over has been recruited and will have a key role in improving $100,000 of its discretionary NT Local Government the quality and co-ordination of the Shire’s Companion operational funding to the $337,080 agency funding Animal Welfare and Control service. The Manager provided for the coming year. will brief Council on his work and propose further The Shire has also agreed in principle with Aboriginal developments to the Animal Welfare and Control Policy Resource and Development Services (ARDS) to develop for Council to consider. a partnership to provide community radio services to all nine communities in the region. The Shire will provide Library and Knowledge Centres locally produced radio material for ARDS to broadcast The Shire has provided Library and Knowledge Centre across its existing network, with the provision for services to the five communities funded by Northern particular local broadcasts also. Territory Libraries (NTL). The provision of extra funding from the Australian Government, to match Community Patrol funding used to employ Indigenous Library Officers, and Safer Communities has allowed the Shire to hire two Library Officers in The Shire has been commended by the Attorney each of these communities. General’s Department for the establishment of effective The Shire has negotiated a Partnership Agreement Community (formally ‘Night’) Patrols in all nine with NTL to release their Nhulunbuy Library Manager communities. The NT Government also engaged the to work as the Shire Library and Knowledge Centre Shire to operate a patrol for the Nhulunbuy township, Manager across all communities. The major objectives which works in collaboration with the patrols of the of the Regional Manager’s role are to develop an two neighbouring Indigenous communities of Yirrkala implementation plan for the co-ordination of Shire-wide and Gunyangara. services and to develop library projects and programs, The Shire has had concerns with the level of funding including an outreach early childhood literacy service. to provide the Community Patrol service and received There are no library facilities at Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala, approval to draw $379,592.78 from unexpended 2007-08 Gunyangara or Milyakburra and only a makeshift facility carry-over funding, to meet the shortfall. The service at Galiwin’ku. This is despite the consideration of library has been made sustainable for 2009-10 through the services as a core service of Councils in the Northern provision of additional funds, the replacement of some Territory and other jurisdictions. This is a significant positions with designated relief staff in each community gap in service delivery which the Shire will advocate to and a joint review with the Department of Employment have addressed. on overhead costs and administrative expenses.

The Shire has raised concerns that the Sobering-Up Money Management Shelter (SUS) in Nhulunbuy has not been operating at a The Shire provided a Money Management advisory level that can adequately meet the needs of community service at Galiwin’ku during 2008-09. This is a valuable members. Following the withdrawal of the previous service for community members. operator, the Shire will now submit a tender to operate this service itself, subject to approval from Council. The Shire has secured $520,000 to expand the service at Galiwin’ku and establish new services at Gapuwiyak and Milingimbi.

54 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Women and Children Services Women’s Services were supported by the Aged, Disability and Women Services Manager in the first year of the Shire. Extra support was provided to Women’s Centres in the region to support local women in art, craft, small business and children & family support activities.

A new Women’s and Children’s Services Manager position has been created to continue this work, in conjunction with much needed support of children’s services.

The Yirrkala and Galiwin’ku Childcare Centres and Gapuwiyak and Umbakumba Crèches are now receiving professional support to expand and further improve the quality of these services and to meet higher regulatory standards that are due to be introduced.

The Shire is working with all nine communities to find ways of providing and supporting early childhood development services through Women’s Centres and any other practical avenues. The Shire will continue to pursue appropriate funding to this end.

Youth, Sport and Recreation The Shire has combined the small amount of Northern Territory Government funding it receives for Sport and Recreation with Federal funding of Outside School Hours Care, and a range of other small grants, to provide a co-ordinated Youth, Sport and Recreation (YSR) service.

This has involved the establishment of YSR teams in six communities with the recruitment and development of over 20 Indigenous YSR Officers. This has been greatly aided by the provision of ‘matching funds’ for all Indigenous staff recruited.

The Shire will continue to advocate for much higher and more co-ordinated funding of this critical service that supports the health and positive development of Indigenous youth and others throughout the Shire.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 55 The majority of the costs for the year were employee Finance Discussion costs $21M, which made up 46% of the total “normal” and Analysis expenditure. The financial statements for the year 30th June 2009 Assets, Liabilities and Equity are appended at Section 5. The following analysis of We have a healthy current ratio of 3.191 for 2008/09. This the results for the year is provided as a summary of means that for every dollar that we own (assets), we owe challenges and achievements. (liability) 31c. Overview The total assets of $28.4M, includes cash of $20.6M being 72.5% of our assets. Of this cash we have restricted $9.4M The 2008/09 year saw the successful amalgamation for unexpended grants and precursor Council funds. of the finances of nine communities into one Shire. This transition was helped by the shared services The total liabilities of $7.9M, includes creditors of $4.3M of CouncilBiz, the positive attitude of the precursor being 56% of the liabilities. Of these creditors nearly a Councils and the dedication of a good finance team. third is an accrual for GST Payable. As noted previously we have written off fixed assets Revenue and expenditure to the written down value of $41M. The assets that remain Due to East Arnhem Shire Council not maintaining have a value of $3.8M taking into account depreciation. ownership of buildings and infrastructure, a large The asset registers have not been actively sighted and write-off was made in the accounts of $41M. This was valued which is a priority task to be completed in 2009/10. offset by compliance of the accounting standard AAS Our provisions (current and non-current) are made 27 requiring a record of the “gain on restructure of up of bad debts and leave entitlements of $2.7M. local government” as a revenue which was a positive The provisions are based on estimates derived from $62M. Taking both of those abnormal items out of the our accounting system. The accounting system’s equation, gives us the following “normal” performance: reporting has delivered inconsistencies which we are working to rectify. EASC REVENUE BREAK-UP 2008/09 EASC EXPENSE BREAK-UP 2008/09

Rates Cash at bank User charges Investments Interest Recievables Grants Inventories Other Revenue Other Assets Profit from disposal Property, Plant and Equipment Creditors Other Liabilities Equity The funding of Council’s activities came from grants, rates, fees and charges, and investment revenues. The $38M generated by grants was the main source of The Future revenue being 75% of total “normal” revenue . Area’s of focus for Finance in 2009/10 are:

EASC BALANCE SHEET 2008/09 »» the verification and valuation of our fixed assets »» getting back to basics and refining our administration processes

Employee costs »» completing the remediation project to restructure Material and contracts our chart of accounts and grants accounting Depreciation Other expenses »» streamline budgeting process »» implement internal controls and audit points

56 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2008/09 Strategic Human Resource Management

Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 1. Regulatory - Transition across to EASC ECA 2009-2012 all employees including new contracts or letter of appointment for all employees. Transition shall include the development and distribution of documentation and processes to support EASC ECA. Provide training Payroll to management staff in compliant procedures. Eg recruitment/ Dec 09 2 persons HR selection, performance/salary review, reclassification, training & professional development, workplace health & safety, discrimination, harassment, bullying, grievance, code of conduct and employee and organization responsibilities. 2. Regulatory - Payroll - Finalise correction and auditing of payroll 3 persons anomalies including salaries, allowances, accruals, deductions, 6 months Payroll Feb 2010 housing rentals, processes, reporting and training. The final result ongoing 1.5 HR ongoing must validate all data in payroll both for employee confidence and persons regulatory requirements. ongoing 3. Records Management - Audit of records in InfoXpert including 1 person establishment of new file structure, retrieval of missing records and Mar 2010 6 months HR training for personnel. ongoing .25 person ongoing 4. Regulatory - Working with Children Criminal History check - photo ID June 2010 5 persons 1 HR for all staff working with children and vunerable persons. ongoing ongoing 5. Management - Development and training in Human Resource and Industrial Relations procedures and documentation to support EASC organizational and employee needs eg Management and Employee .5 person HR June 2010 Handbooks to be produced with electronic links to appropriate forms .25 ongoing and information. This is to be available in hard copy, electronically and on the EASC Intranet. 6. Management - Provision to all Managers of their organizational structures both in database and visual (flowcharts) formats. Additionally Managers will be provided with reports on probation Payroll Dec 09 .25 ongoing and fixed term contract end dates, appraisal and review, employee HR ongoing accruals and payroll costing data to assist with budgeting and employee management and planning.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 57 Recruitment, Selection, Induction & Separation

Resources A cTIONS WhoMTimelines Req 1. Recruitment - Development and training in Community and June2010 .5 person HR External Recruitment Processes. Ongoing ongoing 2. Plan and Deliver Panel & Recruitment Training where appropriate. June 2010 .10 person HR ongoing ongoing 3. Develop & implement a formal induction and separation process Mar 2010 .10 person HR for employees. ingoing ongoing 4. Ensure adequate management of labour based contractual .05 person HR ongoing arrangements. ongoing

Position Descriptions

Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 1. Develop approved Role Descriptions for all positions within .25 person HR Feb 2010 organizational structure. Develop an annual review process ongoing

Performance Reviews

Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 1. Further develop appraisal and performance review process - obtain .10 person HR Mar 2010 stakeholders input to ensure effective outcome of process. ongoing 2. Develop appraisal and performance review reminder process 10 person to ensure timely completion of performance reviews ensuring HR Mar 2010 ongoing feedback to employee

Training & Development

Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 1. Training - Develop skills, qualification and training data collection Mar 09 1 person .25 and analysis for all EASC employees inc database development for HR ongoing ongoing storage and retrieval. 2. Training - Identify culturally appropriate, cost effective and flexible Commence .25 person RTO’s and trainers to deliver regulatory and registered training. HR Feb 210 ongoing ongoing 3. Training - Identify and train employees and community leaders to support training programs at community level. Build relationships at community level which will begin to establish a positive attitude Commence HR & .5 person and culture towards training. Identify strategies to facilitate training Feb 2010 WH&S ongoing eg supplying food with training, recognition and reward systems. ongoing Identify methods to provide ongoing support to trainees. Establish links with what has worked in similar situations eg WAVE.

58 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 4. Training - Implementation of training for EASC employees with an initial and urgent focus on Cultural Training to be delivered Commence HR & .5 person by East Arnhem Community Leaders wherever possible. Drivers Feb 2010 WH&S ongoing Licence, Senior First Aid, WH&S, Panel Training, Traineeships and ongoing Apprenticeships. 5. Training - Explore funding options with DEWAR or similar to Commence obtain funding for training facilities and training. Facilities .5 person HR Feb 2010 need to include provision of media for distance training and ongoing ongoing accommodation for trainers. 6. Develop Training budget for 1 to 5 years. Mar 09 .05 person HR ongoing ongoing

Stakeholder Information Planning

Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 1. Develop strategies to facilitate effective two way communication between management, employees and HR to allow for employee HR June 2010 .10 person input into their organizational planning e.g employee satisfaction survey, report on results & adoption of outcomes. 2. Develop a process to gather feedback on EASC ECA for .05 person HR June 2010 next round. ongoing 3. Facilitate the development of HR & WH&S information distribution .10 person HR Mar 09 and feedback on the EASC Intranet. ongoing

Remuneration

Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 1. Review Locality Allowance remuneration for 2010. HR June 2010 .10 person 2. Review 3% step increase and allowances for all employees for HR June 2010 .25 person 2010. 3. Review LAFHA record keeping for ATO and facilitate employee HR Mar 2010 .05 person declarations for 2010 FBT financial year. 4. Monitor employee salary reviews in conjunction with the annual HR July 2010 .10 person employee performance reviews. 5. Complete a review of relevant policies and procedures. HR July 2010 .10 person

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 59 Asset, Training and Information Management

Resources A cTIONS Whom Timeline Req 1. Develop modules within HR\Payroll Tech-One employee database to facilitate the capture, storage and retrieval of data by employee, field, location for eg

Assets

»» Motor Vehicles

»» Technology

»» PPE Equipment HR .25 person »» Uniforms Dec 09 TechOne ongoing Training

»» Skills

»» Qualifications

»» Licences

»» Planning

Access will be provided for SSM’s, Dir, Snr Admin, WH&S, Procurements, Finance without access to the payroll data.

As we move forward into our next year of operation, we Rhonda Parker will be focussing on employee training with a spotlight on cultural training, obtaining drivers licences, H RuMAN eSOURCES first-aid, traineeships and apprenticeships for our employees. We will be exploring funding and Manager different modes of delivering training to our remote I believe the EASC employees can be extremely proud communities, where isolation has previously made of their achievements as being the first and still only training extremely difficult. Shire in the NT that has successfully developed its I feel fortunate to work with a great team of people who own Employee Collective Agreement. This agreement individually and collectively are committed to delivering was the result of much consultation and thus many results that we care about. employees are proud to be acknowledged for their input into their employee agreement. As a result of this consultation, we are proud to say that the agreement was voted in with an 82% majority. The feedback to date has been extremely positive and all EASC employees are enjoying the benefits of receiving the annual salary increase structure as well as new allowances and additional leave.

In recognition of our 87% Indigenous workforce, Cultural Leave has been formally adopted at ten days per year to allow employees to practice cultural and traditional beliefs. We are proud to acknowledge our 43% (average) female participants in our workforce. Our new agreement allows for flexible working hours which assists women to participate in the workforce.

60 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 The CEO and Shire Manager developed an ‘East Arnhem Te Yh fIRST ear Shire Staff Job Matching Process’ (9 April 2008) on the Abstract at 1st July 2008 basis of the ‘Employee Relations Principles in Respect of Employment with the New Shires (August 2007) »» No super paid for any employee agreed between LGANT and the DLGHS. »» No documentation for most employees DLGHS, the Shire CEO and Director Corporate Services »» No pay rate structure met with staff on all nine communities to explain and »» No recruitment or termination process discuss the East Arnhem Shire Job Matching Process.

»» No payroll audit for either ghost employees Individual staff were sent letters in May 2008 to formally or pay rates offer them a position with the Shire. The letters varied depending up whether or not the employee was »» No employment conditions considered to be providing a core or agency service; »» No relevant structure between pay rate and position was to be placed in a Staff Pool or had applied and - In many cases employees were either being gained another position. People in CDEP dependant under-paid or conversely receiving substantially positions continued to be managed by CDEP. higher salary than the position duties required. All previous staff were offered roles with the Shire The transition process commenced in October 2007 Council at the same or greater salary and conditions with workshops, involving community employees and of employment. This commitment has been given to 30 their representatives, to explain the reform process June 2009, in line with the Employment Principles. and how it would affect them, as well as sharing and In line with the Employee Principles, the Shire gathering preliminary information. This process was committed to employ all employees engaged in the known “The Journey to new Local Government - what delivery of each agency service (e.g. Aged Care, Sport it means to you”. Information was gathered and an and Recreation), if an agreement was made with the attendance register kept. agency to provide that service. This occurred for all Information on remuneration, conditions, entitlements agency services. and contractual agreements was received by the Shire. Staff who left employment with the previous Council Angurugu, Bickerton and Galiwin’ku Community payrolls or the Shire have done so purely on their own will, were being processed by LGANT, therefore their payroll by resignation. records were readily available. Umbakumba and Yirrkala Community payroll records were also provided through All previous contracts of employment have been their payroll officers. However, the records for the honoured, even in cases where they have expired before remainder of the communities came in varying formats, 30 June 2009, based on the principle that these were some verbal, some as payslips. The goal of the Shire was the employment conditions as of 30 June 2008. This will to adhere to Principal One, ‘to ensure transference of continue to be the case until 30 June 2009. employment conditions’. The ‘Job Matching Charts’ were sent to the DLGHS in A ‘Job Matching Chart’ was produced for each of the June 2008 to inform work of the Department on the communities, by Department of Local Government, details of all staff, as the basis of transferring the Housing and Sport (DLGHS) staff, in the months payroll to the Shire. Shire administration and DLGHS leading up to 30 June 2008. Each previous Council staff liaised with each other and each community office administration was consulted on numerous occasions to address any remaining gaps or inconsistencies in the directly by phone, email and at meetings to ensure employee data. Deloitte’s Chartered Accountants were the information on each staff member was correct contracted by the Shire to correctly load and process and complete. the Shire payroll data, prior to 1 July 2008.

A key part of the information recorded was the salary The Shire Administration/Finance Centre amended and any other special employee conditions of each and corrected the records of the salary and conditions individual employee, to ensure the Shire was fully aware of staff, as identified by staff, in previous contracts, or of what conditions the employee worked under. advice from staff/previous management. The DLGHS collected the individual employment contracts where available, of previous Council staff in

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 61 the months leading up to 30 June 08, and provided what they collected to the Shire administration. As previously F uTURE stated some employment contracts are still held by Objectives Individual staff members. »» Training for all employees specifically targeting The Shire Human Resources management and staff indigenous have ensured that the particular employment conditions of each employee are honoured. »» Cultural training provided by community leaders

In terms of the salary and conditions the Shire has »» Drivers licence training in the community offered new and previous staff who have been recruited »» First-Aid training in the community to other positions, these have been higher than the previous community councils. »» Traineeships and apprenticeships

At the conclusion of the matching process, there were »» Development of employee handbook to be accessed 105 employees without a position or funding. In the electronically spirit of inclusion and the Employee Relation Principals, the Shire provided jobs for these 105 employees. Shire employee Statistics

It is our sincere belief that any employee who left M 378 F 274 T 652 employment with the previous Council or the Shire, did Ab 512 Non-Ab 140 so of their own will by resignation. F x AB 205 F x Non-Ab 69 M x Ab 307 M x Non-Ab 71 P rESENT Unallocated T 105 Achievements 34 x Casual Temp 47 x FT Perm »» Full audit of employees - removed 320 inactive 23 x PT Perm 1 x PT Temp employees from payroll

»» Recruitment process ensuring appropriate pay rate for role

»» All employees without fixed term contracts are now in pay structure with appropriate conditions.

»» Removal of most FBT expenses relating to FOIL’s, which had been open to misuse, including claiming against a quote for higher airfare and then booking a cheap fare.

»» Removal of all FBT salary sacrifice payments

»» Introduced appraisals and performance reviews

»» Live time sheet to ensure ongoing integrity of payroll

»» 105 unallocated people all have real jobs

»» 87% stats of indigenous

»» 43% stats of female recruitment

»» Community recruitment involving community leaders in process

62 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 CEO Ives, John Ives, Tupou, Tevita Tupou, Shire Services Services Shire Services Shire Shire Services Services Shire Hogan-Reid, Taryn Manager - Yirrkala Humphreys, Richard Humphreys, Executive Assistant - Assistant Executive M Manager - Galiwin’ku Manager - Gunyangara Manager - Gunyangara A TE

E IV T CU Director of Director Waugh, Peter Waugh, Shire Services Services Shire Whiting, Kerry E Corporate Services Services Corporate Manager - Gapuwiyak Manager - Gapuwiyak X E

L CI N U O C Bodill, Ian Director of Director Keehne, Dale Shire Services Services Shire Pillion, Russell Community Services Community Services RE Chief Executive Officer Officer Chief Executive Manager - Ramingining HI S

EM H Koch, Troy RN Johnson, Ty Shire Services Services Shire A Manager - Milingimbi Director of Technical Services Services of Technical Director ST A E Pini, Paul Shire Services Services Shire Shire Services Services Shire Shire Services Services Shire Walsh, Gordon Walsh, Wilson, Kamahl Manager - Angurugu Manager - Milyakburra Manager - Milyakburra Manager - Umbakumba

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 63 Community PROFILES Meanwhile Lirreba, the Tide, was growing big. Sawfish Angurugu reached Groote, came out of the sea, and started to cut his way through the land, using his teeth and nose as he Community went. So he made the Angurugu River, cutting out the land and throwing the earth aside, opening a way for G ErOOTE yLANDT himself. As the water came in, the dirt was stirred up, and Lirreba, the Tide, grew bigger and bigger, following Anindilyakwa Ward close behind Sawfish. Then came all the stingray, still following behind Sawfish as he led the way. Statistics Est. Pop; 1100 (Taken from Totems and Tamarinds - Keith Cole - Published 1981) Barge Landing in Alyangula Airstrip at Angurugu Airport Current T/O Clans Lalara, Maminyamanja, Wurrawilya Shire Services Manager - Gordon Walsh Community Liaison Officer - Jabani Lalara T oTEM Story Government Business Manager - Jenny Goolagong In creation times, Stingray (Yumaduwaya), and Swordfish (Yugwurrirrindangwa), began their journey with Central Hill (Yandarrnga) from the eastern coast of Arhnem Land. On their way to Groote Eylandt they stopped at Bickerton Island, transforming themselves from human beings to sea creatures. Then they journeyed on to Groote. On the way they agreed to go on to the centre of the island. Central Hill, however decided to enter from the north, but Sawfish said “I’ll take a short cut.”

After Stingray had left him, Sawfish set off with a crowd of many different stingrays, all travelling together, and followed on after him. Sawfish led the way, probably because he was the biggest.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 65 C oMMUNITY Profile Latitude: -13 Deg -58.93 Min Longitude: 136 Deg 27.63 Min

Source Male Female Ab Non- Total Ab 1947 178 187 365 365 Actual

Cdata 06 373 407 780 23 813

ABS ERP 971

NT Grants 1,220 Com.

Angurugu is situated on the banks of the Angurugu River, on the mid-west coast of Groote Eylandt - 50km off the Arnhem Land coast in the Gulf of Carpentaria - approximately 640kms east-south-east of Darwin and a half-hour flight south of Nhulunbuy on the Gove peninsular.

Angurugu is located close to the mining town of Alyangula, which was established in 1965 by Groote Eylandt Mining Company Pty Ltd (GEMCO). Alyangula is the main service centre for the people who live on Groote Eylandt. GEMCO maintain the all-weather airstrip for the community and the mining operations.

The 7 homeland centres associated with Angurugu - Bartalumba - 20km from Angurugu and consists of three houses; Little Paradise - 20km distant with three houses; Malkala - 15km away with four houses; Emerald River with two houses; Yenbakwa - 40km and six houses; Leske Pools 25km away with two houses and Ananja which is not occupied. The dominant language is Anindilyakwa and most residents in the community speak English as a second language.

Current Shire Services Manager - Gordon Walsh Community Liaison Officer - Jabani Lalara Government Business Manager - Jenny Goolagong

Mathew Flinders chart

66 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 MA ILY KBURRA I PsLAND rOFILE: Latitude (Deg): -13 Latitude (Min): -47.03 Traditional Owners Longitude (Deg): 136 Longitude (Min): 11.75 Wurramara clan Milyakburra community is situated on the central Clans eastern section Bickerton Island, in the Anindilyakwa Ward approximately 620kms east-south-east of Darwin, Wurramara, Bara, Mamarika, Lalara, Wurrawilya, and 8 km east of the mainland, between Groote Eylandt Yantarrnga, Wurramarrba and Durilla. and , north of Numbulwar - 13 km west Some of the totems are Hawk, Barramundi, Frill Neck of Groote Eylandt and the mining town of Alyangula, Lizard and Seagull. which was established in 1965 by Groote Eylandt Mining Company Pty Ltd (GEMCO).

Milyakburra is approximately one hour by boat from PAST Alyangula on Groote Eylandt. However, apart from The island was named by Matthew Flinders in 1803 the fortnightly Perkins Shipping freight barge service for Sir Richard Bickerton 1759-1832. Baron of Upwood from Darwin to South Bay, Milyakburra is generally in Huntington County. Rear-Admiral to Nelson. accessed by air. A sealed airstrip is located within Commanded the squadron off Cadiz in 1800. 5 minutes walk of the community and can accommodate The Wurramara clan established an outstation on twin engine light aircraft. Travel time to Alyangula the island in the 1970’s to escape the violence and 15 minutes, Nhulunbuy 30-40 minutes. Milyakburra has alcohol on Groote Eylandt. The Army is responsible for no sealed roads. construction of most of the existing infrastructure of Population is currently around 135 permanent residents. power, roads, sewerage, airstrip, barge landing.

Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Resident The Milyakburra Community Council was population (119) - NT grants Commission (157). incorporated in 1983.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 67 P rESENT SSM - Paul Pini

»» night patrol

»» full time operational clinic

»» store

»» council office

»» Centrelink agency

2008 - 2009 has seen the sealing of the airstrip so as to enable the community access to all outside facilities during the wet season. There is a well established primary school and resident nurse.

Structure UMBAKUMBA SSM at Groote Eyland Alyarrmandumanja Lagoon - Umbakumba Lagoon Homelands - (Occupied) Angwura ADMIN and Four Mile Homelands - (Unoccupied) Alyingberrma, Thompson Bay, Makmuntja, Marble Point, Amirraba. CentreLink Statistics Sports Aged Housing CDEP Established. 1938 & Rec Care Population - 320 Barge - Port Langdon Contractors Airstrip - Unsealed Roads - Unsealed 65kms from Alyangula

FUTURE Social Profile - Clans Wanindilyakwa - Traditional Finalisation of current projects. Owner Lorraine Mamarika, Elder’s Andy Mamarika, Wesley Mamarika, Louis Mamarika and Donald »» SIHIP Program with new houses and refurbishments Mamarika.Wanindilyakwa Clan then invited other »» Hopeful of a Women’s Centre Clans to live in Umbakumba being: Bara, Wurrawilya, »» Anticipation of ongoing employment for community Maminyamanja, Barabara, Jaragba, Yantarranga. members Donald Mamarika says - ‘a Tiger shark, who was already »» Establishment of small industries to lead to injured, lived in the Lagoon first before another Tiger self-determination. shark came from the mainland through the Channel and into the Lagoon where they both fought and where the injured Tiger shark jumped and created Four Mile Billabong and is said to be still living there to this day. He found himself a new home. The shark from the mainland

travelled in a circle making the whole lagoon, after eating went into 3rd Creek and regurgitated to produce a special plant that was very rare until the 1980’s. To this day it is gone… And that’s how the Lagoon was created’.

68 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Nutrition Program at the school, Jet Crèche and HACC P aST working alongside the Umbakumba School, Women’s Port Langdon on the east coast of Groote Eylandt Centre, Age & Disability - Meals on Wheels. Library (Australia’s third largest island), meaning Big or Large open 5 days a week, Sport & Rec shed available for Island in Dutch, was named by the navigator Abel after-school care. Garbage Truck - better waste Tasman in 1644. Umbakumba, in the early days, was Management, Bobcat, Tipper purchased for the often spelt Umba Cumba. Donald Mamarika says it Community. Municipal Services and CDEP Cleaning a was called Alyarrmandumanja until the Macassans majority of the Community, overall the Community is came and called it Umbakumba. Fred Gray settled thriving. here in 1938 and in Keith Cole’s book, Fred Grey Kamahl Wilson - SSM of Umbakumba, it is recorded that Fred said the Macassans used to fish for trepang and evidently gave East Arnhem Shire Council and the People of the name Umbakumba to the place. Other aborigines Umbakumba Community: say the word is Macassarese meaning “little waves” WE ARE HERE TO WALK BESIDE EACH OTHER. - “ombak ombak” - the little waves that lap the shore of little lagoon. The Dept of Civil Aviation established the Flying Boat Base on the shores of little lagoon in FUTURE May 1938, initially used by seaplanes of Qantas Empire Airways Ltd. Local Government established 01/11/1982. SIHIP new renovations and 6 new houses (1 already underway P rESENT and 4 renovated houses handed over) Upgrade of Sports Oval, Community Gym, Upgrade of Beach Esplanade, Kamahl Wilson SSM Footpaths throughout the Community, Market Events (Produce from the Market Garden), New Roads in New GBM Royston Prasad - New Community Advisory Community, Parks and Gardens, playgrounds. Board - Municipal Services Supervisor Aaron Wilson - Police Station is now in the community - Night Patrol 6 days a week - Housing upgraded (4 renovated disabled SSM houses being handed to the people of Umbakumba) - 2 nurses at the clinic are community living - AFL program CLO SSM

Umbakumba Lions and Roo’s, Lions were in finals, CentreLink EASC presented teams with trophies at presentation - NT Basketball Australia Girls teams are now in Housing Municipal Sports Childcare Women’s Library CDEP Services & Rec training - Entered in Keep Australia Beautiful - Market Jet Creche Meals on Wheels Garden - Working Closely with GEBIE Job Shop - CDEP HACC participants working alongside Aminjarrinja and Earth Connect for SIHIP project.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 69 The MACHADO- JOSEPH DISEASE FOUNDATION The MJD Foundation was launched in August 2008 on Groote Eylandt with the help of a $1.7 million grant from the Aboriginal Benefits Account, to offer hope and support for those with the hereditary sickness that is prevalent in the East Arnhem Shire communities of Galiwin’ku and Yirrkala as well as at Groote Eylandt.

On Groote Eylandt, the MJD Foundation estimates 300 Aboriginal people to be at risk of the disease, which can be fatal. Until confirmed as MJD in 1994, at Yirrkala the condition was believed to have been caused by exposure to manganese and had been known as ‘Groote Eylandt Syndrome’. The name Machado-Joseph refers to two Portuguese men, William Machado and Antone Joseph, who were the leaders of the families in which were diagnosed the index cases in the Azores in 1972.

MJD is thought to have been brought to Australia through the trading relationships between the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land and the Macassan people who were Muslim trepang fishermen. Their main centre was Macassar (Ujung Pandang) on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi where Chinese traders were based to purchase the trepang for use as an additive in cooking. The Macassans stained the common grey trepang by boiling it down with red mangrove root to increase the value. The seasonal trade was in critical decline by the end of the 1890’s and taxing by the S.A. Government saw its cessation in the 1906/07 season.

MJD occurs because of a fault in the ATXN3 gene on chromosome 14q that produces abnormal protein called Ataxin3. This in turn causes nerve cells in the brain to die prematurely. This damage, to the part of the brain called the cerebellum, firstly causes muscular weakness which progresses slowly and painfully over time to a total lack of voluntary control. Sufferers become dependant on care within ten years of the first symptoms appearing. Children of those with the disease have a fifty percent chance of inheriting it and for every generation it passes to on Groote Eylandt, the sufferers are younger.

For more information go to www.mjd.org.au

70 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 71 GALIWIN’KU COMMUNITY Elcho Island Latitude: -12° 01’ S (Decimal degrees -12.0235)Longitude: 135° 33’ E (Decimal degrees 135.5664)

Gumurr Marthakal Ward - 3 resident Shire Councillors

Including 19 homelands under Marthakal Homelands Association.

Statistics

Community Source Male female Ab Non-Ab Total

Galiwin’ku 1957 Actual 311 348 659 659

Elcho Is Mission

Census 2006 758 797 1568 130 1,698

ABS ERP 1,870

NT Grants Commission 1,965

GBM Survey (25/05/09) 2,197

Homelands July 09 550 550

Ngalkanbuy Health Centre 08/09* 1895 1863 3758 3758

* Number of aboriginal patients attending the health centre, on one or more occasions, during 12 months 08/09. The calculation of a service population figure is recognised as critical to adequate planning and service provision.

72 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Barge - Perkins Shipping and Shorebarge service Monday 1st May 1922 Rev. Jennison & wife, after a the community once a week at the barge landing in rough night riding at anchor, land at Elcho to start Cadell Straight. Marthakal Barge Services provides, 1st Methodist Mission in East Arnhem Land. upon request, a smaller local service to the 1923 After receiving a glowing report from their Marthakal Homelands. prospector Eugene P. Zakharov the syndicate formed Airstrip - The Galiwin’ku airstrip is sealed, Airnorth the Elcho Island Naphtha Petroleum Company services run Monday to Saturday from Darwin. Charter Limited, raised a £200,000 loan, obtained a mineral operators MAF and Air Frontier are based at Galiwin’ku. lease and began drilling a sixty-foot bore “within sight of the Mission house” (M. McKenzie Mission Roads - The Community of Galiwin’ku has a to Arnhem Land pp 25). combination of sealed roads that require major repairs and maintenance and gravel roads that are 1923 Commission winds up Elcho Mission & relocates yet to be sealed. buildings to Milingimbi under Rev Watson who left Milingimbi 1926 & died in 1946 Clinic: Ngalkanbuy Health Centre is run under Miwatj Health with permanent health staff on duty and regular March 1926 drilling ceases at Elcho. Company liquidated visits from Doctors who stay 1-2 months at a time. and licence cancelled in November of that year. Medevac patients are flown out to Gove or Darwin, Monday 3rd August 1942 mission lugger Larrpan depending upon the seriousness of the condition. (Morning Star)& punt carrying tractor loaded at Other agencies on the island include; ALPA Store, Milingimbi for move to Elcho Is. Takerina Take Away, Marthakal Homelands Association, Aged and Disability Services, Police, a very well Saturday 8th August 1942 lugger evacuated Ella equipped school, Shepherdson College, to year 12, Shepherdson, equipment and people from temporary Art Centre and Money Management program. war hideout camp Wurralnura up Woolen River - 10 miles from Milingimbi. Social Profile End August RAAF Gannet crashed on Gurrumurru Galiwin’ku encompasses 17 clans, each with its own floodplain and began 33 Days raft by crew to Elcho language, that have come together from all over where rescued by aboriginals. Arnhem Land as a result of a Methodist mission that was set up under Mr. Harold Shepherdson in 1942. This 22nd January 1943 HMAS Patricia Cam attacked by has left a strong Christian belief system with many Japanese flying boat which landed and picked up people involved in church activities. Djambarrpuyngu Missionary Rev. Len Kentish who became the only is the language spoken by all people in the community. Australian captured in Australian waters during the Many people speak several languages, with English war. He was beheaded on 4th May 1943 on the Aru being a latecomer as the lingua franca supplanting Islands. August 1948 the responsible Japanese officer Macassarese. North East Arnhem Land has a very strong cultural heritage, with Yolngu ceremonies being practiced on a regular basis. Stories, songs and tradition that are centuries old are being passed on to future generations in the traditional form.

PAST 1921 During reconnaissance for a mission site, Rev. Jennison is given pieces of ashphaltum by local aboriginals who found them on the beach. Jennison showed specimens to crew of Govt. auxiliary Lugger the John Alice and they reported the find to Darwin.

1921 Methodist Missionary Society obtained lease of 200 sq. miles of Elcho Island.

24th October 1921 Dr. S.E. Hill (dentist) formed a syndicate and lodged an application for a Mineral Oil and Coal Licence over Elcho Is.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 73 Lieutenant Sagejima Mangan was hanged in Stanley Gaol, Hong Kong.

Galiwin’ku operated as a mission settlement until January 1976 when the Village Council was formalised as Galiwin’ku Community Incorporated and was subsequently recognised as a Community Government Council under Northern Territory Government legislation. During the mission era Yolngu people managed a thriving fishing industry, a saw mill, vegetable and fruit growing enterprise, a mechanical workshop, brickworks and a bakery. People in Galiwin’ku look back to this time with great pride and ask when “can this happen again”. Over the years these industries have slowly closed as welfare has taken away the incentive to produce. Galiwin’ku has suffered from a lack of funding for basic infrastructure needs which has left roads and services in poor order.

PRESENT There are three Councillors for Marthakal Ward based at Galiwin’ku; Don Wininba, Kaye Thurlow and Mavis Danganbarr. These people have a strong commitment to the community and its people. Both Don and Mavis have lived in the Shire all of their lives and Kaye has lived here for approximately 30 years. Don Wininba is the Community Liaison Officer for EASC and Mavis Danganbarr is the Liaison Officer for FaHCSIA under the Federal Government.

John Ives is the Shire Services Manager (SSM) of Galiwin’ku Community, John has a long association with Elcho Island, its residents and culture dating back to 1995, having worked with Marthakal Homelands for 3 years before joining East Arnhem Shire. The Shire has a team of 70 employees at Galiwin’ku with the vast majority (60) being local indigenous residents of the community. The Government Business Manager for the community is David Shoobridge.

The Shire has recently completed upgrades to the Childcare Centre and Aged and Disability Services buildings, bringing the facilities up to standard with new floor coverings, kitchen equipment and structural changes. Other projects that the Shire has commenced are the upgrade and resurfacing of the oval, re-design of the basketball court area incorporating a stage, musical shed and public toilets. Other new developments in the past 12 months include the construction of a new police station, which has a fulltime staff of 4 police.

The purchasing of a second-hand fire fighting vehicle, and

74 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 the formation, training and development of an emergency response team, is a great asset to the community.

East Arnhem Shire Council has purchased a new Tip Truck and has ordered a new 4X4 loader and a Bobcat. All of this new machinery will be used to improve services in the community.

A training project has been taking place under our CDEP Manager Steve Rogers. Several young men have built a fence around the market garden and will progress from this project to the erection of fences around some community houses.

Disaster Brings Goodwill In June this year a terrible house fire claimed the life of a young boy and left a large family homeless. This gave various N.T., Australian Government and Shire departments the opportunity to work together to solve the problem. It was suggested by the SSM that a staff house that was available at the time be handed over to FUTURE Territory Housing as a replacement for the burnt house. Galiwin’ku has been identified both as a Territory In a matter of 40 minutes this was agreed and after a Growth Town under the NT Government’s Working handover ceremony the family moved in. This was a Future Framework and as a Priority Community under great outcome in this tragic situation. the Federal Government’s $187 million Remote Service Delivery Strategy. This has coincided with Australia Day 2008 the release of a commitment of 90 new homes to Australia Day 2008 saw an initiative of the local people be constructed in the town over the next 4 years as come to fruition. Mr David Yunupingu and Shire councillor well as renovations to many existing houses. A new Don Wininba approached John Ives (SSM) about having sub-division will be constructed to accommodate the a re-enactment, at Galiwin’ku, of Captain James Cook’s extra housing. All of this has been in consultation with landing at Botany Bay on Sunday 29th April 1770. This was local Traditional Owners and Clan leaders. This news organised with costumes brought in from Darwin. John has been welcomed by the community members and Ives was asked to get in a boat and approach the shores building is to commence by May 2010. The people of the of Elcho dressed as Cook. John was asked to get out of community are looking forward to the job opportunities the boat carrying a bible instead of a gun and to approach that will arise as a result of this input. the people with a different attitude to the first landing The local Community Advisory Board has been ratified which Cook recorded “as we approached the shore they all by Council. This board is made up of leaders from each made off except two Men who seemed resolved to oppose clan and the board has been closely involved in the our landing. As soon as I saw this I ordered the boats to lay formulation of the community five year plan. upon their oars in order to speake to them but this was to The board has just met to determine the location for little purpose for neither us nor Tupia could understand one a new cemetery and this was a very positive meeting word they said. We then threw some nails beeds (etc) ashore over an extremely sensitive issue. The new cemetery which they took up and seemed not ill pleased in so much is to be located on the Eastern side of the community that I thought that they beckoned to us to come ashore; but adjacent to the new sub-division. This is just one of the in this we were mistaken, for as soon as we put the boat in issues that has not been addressed for many years and they again came to oppose us upon which I fired a musket has now been sorted out. This is a small indicator of the between the two which had no effect other than to make new era of co-operation that is already bearing fruit. them retire…” . On the day of the re-enactment almost the whole community gathered on the headland to welcome We at Galiwin’ku, realise that we still have a long way the ship and landing party. This was a very positive event to go. However, the Shire staff and the people of the for the community and it was suggested by the people that community are committed to walk side-by-side into the this should happen right across Australia. future, with positive ‘can do’ attitude.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 75 Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre Inc. www.marthakal.org Established in 1986, Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre (MHRC) is situated on Elcho Island and is responsible for the provision of services and the economic and social development of twenty-nine homelands - including Gawa, Mata Mata, Mapuru, and Gariyak - for five hundred and fifty residents spread across an area of over 15,000 square kilometres - collectively known as the Marthakal homelands.

MHRC services for the homelands include Health; Housing; Aged Care; Municipal Services; Infrastructure, Gumurr Rangers Natural Resource Management, CDEP, Employment Services, Transport and Business Development.

Marthakal Health Service is a mobile Aboriginal Medical Service that began operation in 2001 and today has a staff of five full time nurses; one registered aboriginal health worker and five trainee aboriginal health workers. A ‘fly in - fly out’ staff of GP’s (one per month) dentists, dental assistant, dermatologist and podiatrists. Regional specialists deliver short sessions of specific service (practical and educational) and collaborate with Queensland and Northern Territory Universities to conduct medical research relevant to Homeland people.

MHRC runs a Business Enterprise Division which includes:

»» Marthakal Badurru Workshop

»» Marthakal Hire Car Services

»» Marthakal Barge Services

»» Land & Sea Freight Management

»» Marthakal Yolngu Airlines

»» Marthakal Arts Hub, Elcho Island Arts

»» Marthakal Concrete Supply Services

»» Marthakal Construction

»» Marthakal Hire & Hardware Shop

»» Marthakal Accommodation Services

»» Dudupu Resort (visitor accommodation)

»» 20 Room Motel

76 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Dhudupu Resort Dhudupu Resort is located approximately 3kms North of Galiwin’ku township, Elcho Island. Nestled on the cliff top overlooking the beach, this sets an idyllic spot for a restful stay.

Owned and operated by the traditional owners of Dhudupu Homeland, in conjunction with the Marthakal Homeland Resource Centre, the resort has bunk style cabins consisting of four twin share rooms. Each room has two single beds, a bar fridge, desk & chair, ceiling fans, and is equipped with plates, cups and cutlery. All linen is provided. Outside each room is a table setting for two on the veranda that overlooks the beach. For bookings or general enquiries please call GAPUWIYAK the accommodation Manager on (08) 89 705 500 or 0417 086 864 at Lake Evella Marthakal Yolngu Airlines (MYA) G MuMURR iwatj Ward Open Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm; Saturday 8am - 12noon Ngadunggay Homelands are serviced by Laynhapuy Homelands Association »» MYA is the airport operator and provides the following services: Statistics »» Booking service for Airnorth Pop - Grants Com1,154 - ABS Cdata 885 - ERP 977 »» Booking Service for Mission Aviation Fellowship, Barge service via Buckingham River MAF Flights Sealed Airstrip - Clinic - Doctor - Store - School »» Terminal waiting area and toilets Social Profile »» Fuel service including Avgas and Jet A1 Creation myth - Daisy Marrawunga says the creators of »» Inbound and outbound freight the region decided to have a ceremony. Honey Bee -

»» In addition to these services we also “They thought about cutting down a hollow coffin made provide maintenance of the runway and out of a tree, so that they can do the paintings and have airport security. a ceremony where they crush all the bones and make a proper burial for the deceased. When they dug the hole in MYA’s airstrip facility is run by Yolngu Staff and provides the ground, the water started to rise and that’s how the a great place for people to greet visitors to Elcho Island. fresh water lake was born..” Contact: 08 8987 9040 PAST Gapuwiyak lies close to the ancient track that crosses the Arfura swamp to Ramingining & Milingimbi. The lake was first seen by Harold Shepherdson from his aeroplane the Miles Hawk in 1935 - he named it Lake Evella after his wife Ella and Evelyn the wife of a fellow missionary Rev. T.T. Webb. The community was established in 1969 by Mr & Mrs Geoff Davey as an outstation of Galiwin’ku as centre for Cyprus timber - Gapuwiyak means place of brackish water (Gapu water - Wiyak salty). Resident Doctor since 1997.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 77 PRESENT Peter Waugh SSM New things Police Station – on-going research into increasing dissolved oxygen levels in Lake Evella - The Community Advisory Board was established as a local initiative in recognition of the recurrent need following the cessation of community Government at 30th June 2008. Community Liaison Officer, Bobby Wunungmurra - GBM, Helen Westbury - Liaison Officer, Mickey Wunungmurra.

FUTURE Territory Growth Town - COAG Priority Community - SIHIP

SSM

CLO ADMIN

CentreLink

Housing ESO Sports & Rec Chidcare Aged Care CDEP Mechanic

Plumber Carpenter Power Water Women Meals on Wheels

Electrician Build Team Airport

78 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Ramingining Latitude -12 Deg -19.67 Min Longitude 134 Deg 55.8 Min

Source Male Female Ab Total

Cdata 06 321 331 652 652 The main language spoken is Djambarrpuyngu with another two main languages spoken, Dhuwala and ERP 719 Dhay’yi. In total there are 14 languages spoken across thirteen clan groups including English. NT Grants 731 Com. Bak’bididi Festival at Ramingining is a cultural event showcasing the artistic, musical and sporting talent of Ramingining is a mainland community located to the Yolngu people in communities in East Arnhem Land. west of the Glyde River about 30 kms south east of The community is widely known through the recent Rolf , 580 km east of Darwin, 435 km by de Heer film Ten Canoes starring David Gulpilil as the road west of Nhulunbuy and 30 km inland. Maningrida storyteller. is 85kms by road to the West. The main Nhulunbuy- Katherine road is 100 kms to the south. Both roads Through consultation between the GBM, EASC & Sport linking Ramingining are dry season, four-wheel drive & Recreation, we have been able to secure funding to use only. the value of $175,000 to upgrade the Community Oval.

The community is located on the edge of the heritage East Arnhem Shire has: listed Arafura Wetlands in Central Arnhem Land. There are 11 outstations belonging to Ramingining; »» Offered Yolngu real jobs in Civil Works / Parks & Yatalamarra, Wulkarimirra, Ngangalala, Mulgurram, Gardens, Office Reception, BRACS, Library, Meals Garanydjirr, Galadjapin, Gattji, Gelirri, Manbbirri, On Wheels, Housing, Centrelink & Night Patrol. Bundatharri and Gurulul. Population at these »» Established a regular slashing program in the outstations is very much dependent on season and community. rainfall with occupancy ranging from 6 to 100. These outstations are managed by Ramingining Homelands »» Created good clean Park areas that are now being Resource Centre (RHRC). used by the Young people for sporting activities.

»» From our slashing program - people are now looking after their own yard - a sense of Pride.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 79 Milingimbi Community Milingimbi means ‘Rainbow Snake’ It was established in 1923 Population: Around 1,500 people

P aST The Walamangu people were the first inhabitants followed by the Wangurri & Gapupuyngu people. Many Future projects of the East other tribes followed afterwards. Arnhem Shire Council at Milingimbi is one of the located Ramingining are between the Blyth and the Glyde Rivers and is »» Multi Media Centre - Funded - $300,000 separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. It is approximately 500km east of Darwin and 250 km »» Proposal put forward to upgrade stage area - Oval west of Nhulunbuy. The Island has a land area of 70km/ »» Irrigation to Park areas to maintain lawn in dry sq although two thirds of the island is below high tide season. with the highest point on the island only a few metres above sea level. Milingimbi was chosen as a mission »» Fencing of parks, through hosting Work for Dole site in 1916 by Rev. James Watson of the Methodist Programs. Overseas Mission. Building commenced in 1923. In 1940 »» Establishing vibrant Sport & Recreation the mission undertook a contract to build a landing & After School Care programs. strip for the RAAF on Milingimbi. As a consequence the mission was bombed by the Japanese on the 9th and »» Expansion of Meals On Wheels / Aged Care facilities. 10th of May 1943. One Aboriginal man was killed in the »» Establishing a BRACS / RIBS network throughout church, and others were wounded. The raids caused the EASC. substantial damage. Milingimbi has a long history of »» Establishing a Website network for the EASC. contact and trade with the Macassans who came each season to collect trepang. Tamarind trees on the beach In summary the East Arnhem Shire and surrounding an old Macassan well are an obvious Council has achieved legacy of this period. Traditionally the name Milingimbi belongs only to a small section of land surrounding »» A level of stability & consistency within the this well, now known as Bush Camp. Two of the main Community. languages are Gupapungu and Djambarrpuyngu. »» We have been able to establish better relationships However, there are several other languages & dialects between other agencies which has in turn impacted spoken in Milingimbi. English is a second language for in a positive way on the community members. most Aboriginal residents.

»» The Shire is now seen as a part of the community structure & the benefits are now starting to flow. P rESENT The visual impact & improvements are evident. East Arnhem Shire Council - Milingimbi Service Delivery Centre was amalgamated by the Super Russell Pillion Shires in 2008. Shire Services Manager Shire Service Manager: Troy Koch East Arnhem Shire Council Ramingining Community Advisory Board

Other Businesses & service providers within the community: There are no permanent police stationed on the island, they either come from Ramingining or Maningrida.

80 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Shire Service Manager

Admin Comm. Manager Services officer

CentreLink

Housing Comm. Workshop Youth Aged Care CDEP CentreLink Airport & Mechanic Department Housing Sport & Rec Guest Services Officer House

Milingimbi Community Education Centre The Yurrwi (Milingimbi) Community Milingimbi Health Clinic Education Centre Council Inc ALPA Store & Takeaway Private Bag 54, Milingimbi, NT 0822 P: 08 89879902 Milingimbi Art & Culture Centre The Milingimbi Festival draws people together to celebrate and strengthen cultural expression and F uTURE promote the spiritual and physical well being of the Re-vamp of old Sports & Rec Hall community. It offers opportunities for older people to Renovating old Youth Centre into an Aged Care Centre encourage the young towards a healthy lifestyle and to Road Works take more responsibility for their own lives. On-going CDEP Training (Up Skilling Community) The Festival encompasses a combination of events, SIHIP - New/Reno/Refurb Community Houses including traditional dance, music workshops, some (Subject to Head Lease Agreement) great bands, and an art and craft display, with the Township Plan (Subject to Head Lease Agreement) opportunity to purchase the art directly from the artists Gattjirrk Milingimbi Cultural Festival in September. and the art centre. A celebration of Indigenous culture and community.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 81 Governance Council was dissolved by legislation from 1st July 2008 & now forms part of the new East Arnhem Shire.

There are six established outstations that are serviced separately by the Mooronga Milingimbi Outstation Progress Resource Association (MOPRA) Homelands - Bayagida - Gumuruguru - Dhipirrinjura -Langarra

The combined populations of the homelands and Milingimbi community are approximately 1000 residents with about 50 non-Indigenous residents. The residents are spread through 13 clan groups.

Milingimbi is a traditional Aboriginal community with restricted access. Permission to visit is required by law.

Next G mobile phone service provides excellent coverage for most of the island with Next G Internet connection.

Milingimbi Logo Barramundi and Tamarind Tree

GUNYANGARA The community of Gunyangara (Marngarr, Ski Beach) is located on the Drimmie Peninsula which forms part of Melville Bay on the . Ski Beach is 13 km west of Nhulunbuy CBD. The Community of Gunyangara is on Gumatj land belonging to the Yunupingu, Burarrwanga and Munungirritj clan groups of north east Arnhem Land. The small island is joined to the mainland by a causeway at Drimmie Peninsula west of Nhulunbuy.

The causeway was built during World War 2 by the Australian Military who used this island as a landing base for seaplanes and naval vessels. The bay to the southwest of the Island is now called Catalina Bay named after the seaplanes that landed there. The wharf and boat ramp which the Military built during that time still exist today and is now known as Gawupu Marine.

Gunyangara community was established in the late 70s and early 80s by Galarrwuy Yunupingu and his family, who at that time lived in Yirrkala, 15km east of Nhulunbuy.

82 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 The family decided that it was time for the Gumatj people to move out of Yirrkala and occupy their traditional tribal lands, in and around the Gove Peninsula, so that the children would be taught the songs, dreaming, history and stories of the Gumatj people.

The people living in Gunyangara make up twelve different clan groups from within the Miwatj region. According to the 2006 ABS Census, approximately 230 people live in Gunyangara, with the predominant languages being Gumatj (37.7%) and Galpu (29.4%), both dialects of the Indigenous language Yolngu Matha. The close proximity to the mining township of Nhulunbuy means access to health, education and work is available if sought after.

There is no education facility within the community and all students are taken by bus. No alcohol restrictions exist in this community.

There are two employers within the township: the Shire Council and the Gumatj Association. YIRRKALA The Gumatj Association runs the CDEP. The Association has undertaken many economic development COMMUNITY opportunities in the past ranging from running Population: 850 Residents cattle and crocodile farms to harvesting pet meat Clans: Gumatj, Rirratjingu, Djapu, Madarrpa and assisting with cultural festivals. Some of these and Dhalwangu operations have since scaled down. Organizations within Yirrkala: The East Arnhem Shire is responsible for delivering the »» East Arnhem Shire Council following Commonwealth Government services to the Gunyangara community. »» Laynhapuy Homelands / School

FAHCSIA Programs: »» Yirrkala Clinic

»» CDEP Community Development »» Yirrkala CEC School Employment Projects »» Bunuwal Industrial

»» CCP Community Capability Funding »» MAF

»» ICSI Indigenous Communities Strategic »» Yirrkala Preschool Initiatives Funds »» Community Store - IGA »» IWP Indigenous Women Programme »» Buku Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre »» Night Patrol »» Training Centre »» Youth Initiatives »» Uniting Church »» Health and Ageing »» Sport & Recreation Programs P aST »» HACC Yirrkala is a well-known Aboriginal community in East Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory of Australia, 18 km south-east of the large mining town of Nhulunbuy. It has a population of about 850 people, of whom nearly all are Yolngu, and also acts as a regional centre for a

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 83 further 1200 people living in surrounding indigenous 3) Yirrkala played a pivotal role in the development homelands. There has been an indigenous community at of the relationship between indigenous and non- Yirrkala throughout recorded history, but the community when a bark petition was increased enormously in size when Yirrkala Mission was created at Yirrkala in 1963 and sent to the Federal founded in 1935 by the Rev. Chaseling as a consequence Government to protest at the Prime Minister’s of a series of events that began with 5 Japanese announcement that a parcel of their land was to trepangers being speared at Caledon Bay on 17 Sept be sold to a bauxite mining company. Although 1932. One man, Kinju, survived and walked to Milingimbi the petition itself was unsuccessful in the sense from where he was taken to Darwin on the mission boat. that the bauxite mining at Nhulunbuy went ahead The Mission Board asked Revs TT Webb & W. Chaseling as planned, it alerted non-indigenous Australians to select a site for a new mission. In the interim a Police to the need for indigenous representation in Party comprised of Ted Morey, Albert McColl, Jack such decisions and prompted a government Mahoney and Vic Hall seeking the perpetrators travelled report recommending payment of compensation, to Woodah Island where McColl was speared by Tuckiar protection of sacred sites, creation of a permanent (Dhakiyara). On 26 Oct 1933 Board of Missions resolved parliamentary standing committee to scrutinise to seek Government assistance to start a mission. F.J. developments at Yirrkala and also acknowledged Cato (Methodist benefactor) pledged £1,000 and a further the indigenous people’s moral right to their lands. £500 if similar amount could be raised by donations. In The Bark Petition is on display in the Parliament 1936 the Shepherdsons flew in the Miles Hawk with 2 House in Canberra. aboriginal carpenters to build the first house. The mine, refinery and township of Nhulunbuy are P rESENT located on the Gove Peninsula on lease-hold land within The East Arnhem Shire Council took over from the the boundaries of Aboriginal freehold land. This means Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Association on the 1st the Aboriginal Traditional Owners are our landlords. July 2008, and provides services such as Aged and Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans are the Traditional Owners Disability, Childcare, HACC, Youth Sport and Recreation, of the land in the area of leases. Aboriginal owned land Centrelink and Municipal Services. Yirrkala electricity is private land. While you are free to move about the is supplied by Rio Tinto (Mine) generator power house town and industrial leases at will, if you wish to leave via PAWA. Our water supply is pumped from a Bore to the leases for recreation purposes you must obtain a a Tank and then gravity fed to the houses. The town is recreation permit. Unauthorized entry can result in a also on a reticulated Sewerage System and the roads are fine. A permit can be obtained from the Northern Land all bitumen. Construction of the Yirrkala Multi-Purpose Council Office in Nhulunbuy. Hall was completed this year and is now used for Youth Yirrkala is one of the best-known indigenous Activities, Movie Nights and the community band. communities in Australia:

1) It is home to a number of leading indigenous artists, whose traditional art, particularly bark painting, can be found in art galleries around the world. Their work is available to the public from the YBE art centre and the renowned Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Museum home of the famous Yirrkala Church Panels. The art centre is open 8 am - 4.30 pm Monday - Friday and 9 am - noon on Saturday.

2) It is a traditional home of the Yidaki (didgeridoo) and some of the world’s finest are still made at Yirrkala. The traditional Yirrkala art form of String Figures was given prominence by Frederick D. McCarthy who documented and collected many such figures (Australian Museum collection) between July and September 1948 during the American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land (Vol. 2 Anthropology and Nutrition pp. 415-511).

84 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 F uTURE The East Arnhem Shire Council’s new administration office is currently under construction and we expect the completion by mid-December 2009. The Council would like to improve the Yirrkala Rika Park for more activities for young people and would also like to upgrade the Community Oval, for example: Install a new irrigation system and construct a stage for various events that occur within the community.

Shire Service Manager Shire Service Manager HALA TUPOU Shire Administration

Department Managers Administration Manager RUSSELL BURNS Department Workers

Housing Officer Municipal Works Aged Care Sport & Rec HACC ANALYN HUGHES MIKE FOURIE BEN LOTU RHIAN DAVIES ANA KUPU

CIVIL WORKERS Aged Care Workers Sport & Rec Assistants HACC Workers -Timmy Burarrwanga - Ana Kupu -Sharon Gurruwiwi -Lini Tuipolotu -Mickey Marika - Matthew -Tuliana Saukuru -Johnny

Childcare Manager CDEP Manager Women’s Centre Centrelink LISITA TAULANI Jonathan Polke DJAPIRRI -Mere Wainiqolo -Tamaa Tupou

Childcare Workers CDEP Workers -Kristina Taulani - Neil -Leah Mclean - Geraldine -Camillia Thompson - Sylvia -Sarah Watson - Jocelyn -Julie Seage - Nelson - Fatai Faingaa - Joanne - John - Veronica

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 85 Laynhapuy Balma Bunhanura Galkila * Raymingirr Homelands Barraratjpi Burrum Gangan Rurrangala Assoc Inc. Barrkira Buymarr Garrthalala Wandawuy Bawaka Dhalinybuy Gurrkawuy * Yalakun H iSTORY, Members & Legal Basis Baygurrtji * Dhuruputjpi Gurrumuru Yangunbi * Bukudal Djarrakpi Gutjangan Yilpara Laynhapuy Homelands Association Inc, also known as Laynha, is a ‘member based’ association of the Donydji Mirrngatja Yuduyudu Yolngu from the Laynhapuy, Djalkirripuyngu and Miyarrkapuyngu areas of north east Arnhem Land. The largest of the homelands has a permanent The clans that make up this membership include; population of approximately 150 people. Three other homelands have populations of 70-100 people, and Gupa Djapu several with 40-70 people. All the homelands, except for Dhudi Djapu Rirratjingu four (*) are permanently occupied.

Gupapuyngu Däti’wuy These homelands are based up to 290 km from Yirrkala Ngaymil Warramiri and are spread across an area of some10,000 km², including one off shore island. Wangurri Djambarrpuyngu A number of these homelands have only recently come Gupa Gumatj Burarrwanga Gumatj under the umbrella of Laynahpuy Homelands Association Yarrwidi Gumatj Wunungmurra Dhalwangu Inc. having previously been under Gapuwiyak Community Council or Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre (ie. Gumana Dhalwangu Munyuku Donydji). Djarrwark Madarrpa Organization Structure Manggalili Marrakulu and Business Goals Golumala Marrangu The Old People’s Vision for the Yolngu of the In the decades prior to 1970, the Yolngu people in the Homelands: East Arnhem region had been congregated in various To determine our own future, to manage our own affairs, missions, the most easterly of which was Yirrkala on to become self sufficient so the homeland mala can the Gove Peninsula. In April 1972, partly in response continue to live in peace and harmony to the establishment of the nearby mining town of Nhulunbuy, senior Aboriginal leaders resolved, with Purpose & Mission: their extended families, to move back to their traditional 1. To support the Yolngu members of the Homeland clan lands and sea country over an extensive area to the communities serviced by the Association through south-west. programs that deliver: Starting in the early 1970’s and working together with »» Maintenance and protection of country and culture the assistance of a development worker, Jonetani Rika, »» Employment, training and economic from the Mission, the Yolngu cleared their airstrips development opportunities mainly by hand, and built their early houses using homeland timber and the residents’ own labour, »» Good standards of communications and under the supervision of qualified builders. In 1985, infrastructure in homelands; and they established Laynhapuy Homelands Association. »» Good health, social welfare, community development and educational outcomes. There are currently 27 homelands, of varying size, that are associated with and receive support services 2. To promote, in all of its work, the common good from the Laynhapuy Homelands Association Inc. These and benefit of its members homelands have a collective population of up to 1,200 residents during the dry season and about 700-800 during the wet. The homelands include:

86 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 LAYNHAPUY HOMELANDS SERVICE AREA

MAJOR COMMUNITY LHAI HOMELANDS

LHAI ‘HUB’ HOMELAND GAWA NANYINGBURRA

DHARAWA DJURRANALPI BANTHULA

MOORONGA DHAYIRRI NGAYAWILLI DHUDUPU GALIWINKU BARRKIRA DHAMBALA GIKAL BULARRING GONGURUWUY NIKAWU MATA MATA LANGARRA GUTJANGAN

GARRATA MUDHAMUL GARRIYAK GALUPA WARRANYIN RORRUWUY NHULUNBUY YUDUYUDU DHIPIRRINJURA MAPURRU YALLIQUIN YANUNGBI BURRUM RAYMANGIRR BUNHANGURA DHALINYBUY

GAPUWIYAK

GURRUMURU

MIRRNATJA DHAMIYAKA Extension to IPA BUYMARR

GARRTHALALA

BIRANY BIRANY Greater Laynhapuy IPA DHUNGANDA WANDAWUY DONYDJI RURRANGALA BUKUDAL Laynhapuy IPA Stage 1 GURKAWUY DHURPUTJPI GAN GAN BAYGURRTJI

BANIYALA BARRARATJPI BALMA

DJARRAKPI

NGILIPITJI MARRKALAWA

ANDANANGKI

YILILA

WALDNARR DHARRNI MILYAKBURRA NGADUMIYERRKA BARTALUMBA MARRAYA ALYANGULA MALKALA

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 87 LHAI Core Business access to modern communications (phone, fax, internet) and to computer and information technology. Homeland Community Offices have been established in GOD a further three homelands in 2008.

Primary school education is delivered to 5 homelands Homelands Health Services by the NT Education Department through the Yirrkala Homelands Schools headquartered in Yirrkala. Secondary School Education is carried out at one homeland (Garrthalala) for all Homeland secondary school students. Junior and senior secondary Employment Homeland Protection Training & CD of Country students board at the school alternate weeks. The Members & Culture construction of both the secondary classroom and the boarding facilities were funded by the community/ parents from their Isolated Student’s Allowance, with Rotary volunteers managing the construction project. LHAI Support Governance Several of the newer homelands are serviced by either Services Gapuwiyak CEC or Shepherdson College.

In late 2007 a small Training facility and Visiting Officers Quarters was established at Yilpara Homeland (with Rotary assistance). A further four Training facilities LHAI is structured to provide services to support members in the following areas: are planned at Gangan, Wandawuy, Dhalinbuy and 1. Protection of Country & Culture Garrthalala Homelands for 2009.

2. Health In 1987 Laynhapuy Aviation Pty Ltd was established, and the Association began providing logistical support 3. Homeland Services and passenger transport by air to our homelands with a helicopter service. This was followed by the 4. Employment, Training & Community commencement of a fixed wing aircraft operation in Development 1989. It is now a major provider of air charter services Governance and Corporate Services support the organization. to remote communities and homelands throughout the East Arnhem region and is currently operating six fixed Services wing aircraft. Some of the services provided by LHAI include the A very important development in the Association’s work Community Development Employment Projects was the auspicing of the Indigenous Protected Area program (CDEP) and training co-ordination, community project in 2001 and the subsequent establishment, and Age & Disability Care Service, Laynhapuy in 2003, of the Yirralka Ranger program in response Health Service, essential services maintenance, to traditional owners desire to manage their country housing management, Indigenous natural resource and to deal with threats to cultural and environmental management and development support for homelands. values. The Laynhapuy IPA Stage 1 was formally declared in September 2006, and the first Ranger There are twenty-four airstrips, approximately 150 Station at Yilpara was completed in 2007. A further houses, as well as bores, tanks and power supply Ranger’s Station (office only) was established at Gangan systems that are maintained. There are also five in 2008 and a third Ranger Station will be established at homeland offices, and 9 homeland clinics or clinic Dhalinbuy in 2009. rooms. The Association is also responsible for 540km of minor roads connecting homelands to The map shows the Laynhapuy Homelands region; the the major regional road, the Central Arnhem Road. location of the nineteen Laynhapuy Homelands and the LHAI has a building construction, maintenance boundaries of the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area. & civil works section and mechanical workshop In recent years LHAI has proactively been pursuing a to support its operations. ‘hub’ model of development - building up the larger Since early 2004, five of the Homelands have conducted homelands where smaller homelands can access their day to day business from Community Offices services which cannot be made available in smaller situated in the homelands. These offices are supported more isolated locations. by satellite connections and generators and have

88 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 89 THE FUTURE Services and Amenities Available Working Future in any Country Town Territory Growth Towns will provide services to all A bSTRACT people living in that region, just like regional centres elsewhere in Australia. People from the region will A Working Future is the key NT Government vision for access schools, police stations, courts, health services, remote areas, wherein Government and local people ambulance, aged care and disability facilities, radio and will work together to make towns and communities television stations, internet access and good transport better places to live, through focussing delivery of options in their regional town. People will travel to town services and the development of infrastructure. from outstations/homelands and other towns to shop, A Working Future has six critical elements. They are: see friends, go to school, got to work and see a doctor.

A. The establishment of 20 towns across the Territory Targeted Investment in B. A clear path for Homelands Infrastructure

C. Delivering remote services in a targeted and co- In order to have services like any other country town, ordinated way with the Australian Government Territory Growth Towns will need proper infrastructure - including water, sewerage, electricity and community D. Employment and Economic Development facilities. Towns will have decent roads that help people E. A remote transport strategy to get to work and school. They will also have good internet access that will attract new businesses and F. Closing the Gap targets and evaluation. connect our remote Towns to anywhere in the world. The principal objectives of A Working Future are to create real towns, real jobs and real opportunities. B. HoMELANDS Further information is available at Responsibility for funding of outstations and homelands www.workingfuture.nt.gov.au transferred from the Australian Government to the Territory Government on 1 July 2008. A. TeRRITORY Growth Towns A Working Future will see: »» Better service delivery 20 communities have been designated Territory Growth Towns, in East Arnhem Shire they are Gapuwiyak - »» Funding certainty Galiwin’ku - Ramingining - Milingimbi - Yirrkala and »» More responsibility in the hands of residents Angurugu/Umbakumba. Each of these communities, except Ramingining, is also Better Service Delivery a Federal priority area under the Northern Territory Territory Growth Towns will provide services to all Emergency Response. people living in that region, including people living on Normalisation of communities follows the natural outstations and homelands. Where homelands don’t evolution from Mission stations through Aboriginal have a service hub nearby, the NT Government will communities to ‘towns’ that: continue to provide services but service providers will »» Are properly planned and designed need to be more transparent and accountable. »» Have services and amenities like any country town Funding Certainty »» Benefit from targeted investment in infrastructure To benefit from government funding, a homeland must Town planning identifies areas of land for living; shops and be occupied for at least 8 months of the year. The level offices; schools and clinics; workshops and warehouses of funding will depend on such factors as accessibility as well as for recreation and culture. to the nearest service hub town and how many people Town planning involves the community and traditional are living there. owners deciding how their town is developed and it is A Statement of Expectation of Service Delivery to envisaged that Community Advisory Boards, as sub- Homelands Residents will be developed that will committees of Council, will play a pivotal role. say how much funding residents can expect from governments. Residents will be able to say how they want that funding spent.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 91 More Responsibility in Remote Service Delivery the Hands of Residents ‘One Stop Shops’ Most homelands are on private Aboriginal land so, like Starting with 15 of the Territory Growth Towns, the NT other Australians who live on private land in remote Government will put in place ‘one stop shops’ for both places, residents will be responsible for repairs and Territory and Australian Governments (Galiwin’ku, maintenance of housing and infrastructure. The Milingimbi, Yirrkala, Umbakumba, Angurugu and Government will continue to provide assistance to help Gapuwiyak). residents with these responsibilities. One person in each town will be able to answer The Government will not build new houses on questions about all Government services and help homelands but will support residents to take resolve any problems. We will work with the Australian responsibility for their properties. Government and communities to make sure we’ve got the right person in the job. C. DeLIVERING New regional teams based in Darwin and Alice Remote Services Springs will help town residents to plan for the future. Residents will be asked about their needs and in a Targeted and aspirations. Local plans will help Government to put Co-ordinated Way money into what local people want. WITH the Australian Co-Ordinator General Government for Remote Service Delivery A Working Future will see: A new Co-ordinator General for Remote Service »» New remote service delivery ‘one stop shops’ Delivery will be responsible for making sure everyone established works together to deliver what people need. »» A Territory Co-ordinator General for remote Improved Funding Arrangements service dekivery At the moment, funding is provided to communities for »» Improved funding arrangements various programs on an annual basis, which makes it really difficult to plan for the future. Government is going to put in place a new way of allocating funding that is fair and that provides certainty for communities.

92 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 D. EmPLOYMENT E. A ReMOTE and Economic Transport Strategy Development The NT Government recognises that people in smaller Towns need business community and private communities need regular and affordable transport to investment. A Working Future will see: get to town.

»» Secure land tenure to underpin growth A Working Future will target: and investment »» Development of a new integrated transport »» Private sector investment into remote towns system to link people to towns

»» Better employment opportunities »» Reliable transport services and road access »» Better links between remote towns and Secure Land Tenure urban centres The Territory Government will work with the land owners in towns to get secure leases for private Integrated Transport System investment. To be successful at attracting private Nowhere in the Territory is the same and a mix of investment, it is critical that security and certainty transport options is needed. One town might need can be provided to investors. With secure land tenure in better roads while another might need a better place, new businesses and new investments will flow to aerodrome. create more jobs and opportunities for local people and contribute to breaking the welfare cycle. Reliable Transport Services and Road Access Private Sector Investment People need to be able to get to services and jobs The NT Government will help local people plan for whatever the weather conditions. The NT Government the future of their local economy. Together with land will improve the viability of public transport options owners, the Government will establish economic and make sure access roads are maintained to a high development plans, attract private investment and standard so that people can travel safely. grow locally owned businesses and seek tax support for private investment in remote communities. Better Links Between Remote Towns and Urban Centres Better Employment Opportunities Ensuring people can move between remote Towns and People need to have the skills and confidence to work. urban centres will promote economic development. Training and development, to address skill gaps, provided to ensure that workplaces are supportive places where people continue to learn. F. ClOSING the

A new regional employment hub will be established in Gap - Targets Nhulunbuy. There will be more places for Aboriginal and Evaluation people in Government jobs and working on Government funded construction and other local projects. A WORKING FUTURE TARGETS AND EVALUATION An Indigenous Economic Development Strategy will guide our Government’s efforts across the Territory. Goals and targets will be set by the NT Government and monitored to track progress in Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage.

Since 2007 the Territory Government has worked with the Commonwealth and other State Governments through the Council of Australian Governments to agree on a set of national targets and indicators to Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage and the these will become the measurement framework for A Working Future.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 93 The six core targets are: SIHIP 1. Closing the life expectancy gap within a generation

2. Halving the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous Strategic Indigenous Housing and children under five within a decade Infrastructure Program (SIHIP)

3. Ensuring all Indigenous four year olds in remote is the largest Indigenous housing program undertaken communities have access to early childhood by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments. education within five years This joint $672 million housing program will deliver:

4. Halving the gap for Indigenous students in reading, »» 750 new houses writing and numeracy within a decade »» 230 rebuilds 5. Halving the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020 »» 2500 refurbishments

6. Halving the gap in employment outcomes between across 73 remote communities and a number of town Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within camps in the Northern Territory by 2013. Administrative a decade costs of the program have been fixed at 8 per cent and a unit cost of $450,000 for houses is estimated. In addition to these core targets, the NT Government has agreed to a set of indicators across the key The average unit cost will be higher on Groote Eylandt COAG building blocks of Early Childhood, Schooling, as a result of a number of factors including freight and Health, Economic Participation, Healthy Homes, Safe the special needs of the many sufferers of Machado- Communities, Governance and Leadership. Reporting Joseph Disease. on these indicators will occur through the various Any housing-related essential infrastructure costs, National Partnerships and Agreements that have such as connection to up-graded reticulated services, been established with the Commonwealth and other will be met from the NT allocation under the National jurisdictions. Partnership on Remote Indigenous Housing or from The NT Government will report annually against these other NT Government sources. targets and indicators and the report will be on the Three construction consortia (alliances) have been public record. An independent body will be engaged to engaged to deliver the program. Queensland company review progress.

94 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Earth Connect Alliance has been awarded the Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island contract and a SIHIP working group (SWG) has been established to co- ordinate $43 million of works in the townships.

The alliances are working closely with communities and Government to deliver better housing for Indigenous Australians in the NT. A target of 20 per cent has been set for Indigenous employment across the program. Alliances are also looking to sub-contractors and will use local companies wherever possible, placing a priority on the use of local Indigenous companies.

A condition of SIHIP is that long term township leases must be in place before work can commence and a key focus will be to provide employment and training for local Indigenous people.

In November 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) commissioned an audit of the gaps and needs in infrastructure services across remote Australia. A copy of the SIHIP review is available at www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/ indigenous/progserv/housing/Pages/sihip.aspx

FOR further information Email: [email protected]

F DuTURE iRECTIONS for the Northern Territory Emergency Response From June to late August 2009, the Australian Government will consult with Indigenous people in the Northern Territory about future directions for the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER).

In its ‘Interim Response’ to the NTER Review, the Government said it would introduce legislation into the Parliament in the Spring sittings of 2009 to remove the provisions in the current NTER Acts that exclude the operation of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA).

On 21st May 2009, the Government released a discussion paper setting out proposals for the measures affected by the RDA as a starting point for discussion. The specific measures under discussion The consultations will involve all communities and town were income management, alcohol bans, prohibited camps affected by the NTER. More than 500 community material, including the audit of publicly funded consultations are planned, as well as workshops with computers, five-year leases, community stores regional leaders and Indigenous organizations in the licensing and the powers of the Australian Northern Territory. The feedback received from these Crime Commission. consultations will inform the Government’s legislative strategy. The Government has committed to report back on the results of the consultations.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 95 FINANCIAL & AUDIT STATEMENTS Financial Report for the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2009

Courtesy of the custodians of the Milingimbi Collection and the Museum & Art Gallery of the NT Table of Contents INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE EAST ARNHEM SHIRE COUNCIL...... 98

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE...... 100

OPERATING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2009...... 101

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2009...... 102

STATEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009...... 103

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009...... 103

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009...... 104

1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES...... 105

2 (a) Functions...... 114

2 (a) Components of Functions...... 123

2 (b) Functions...... 123

3. Operating Revenues...... 124

4. Operating Expenses...... 126

5. Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets...... 127

6. Cash and Investments...... 129

7. Receivables...... 129

8. Other Assets...... 129

9. Property Plant and Equipment...... 130

10. Creditors, Provisions and Borrowings...... 131

11. Statement of Cash Flows...... 132

12. Commitments for Expenditure...... 133

13. Conditions Over Grants and Contributions...... 134

14. Financial Instruments...... 134

15. Special Schedules...... 136

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 97 INDEPENDENT Auditor’s Independence Declaration In conducting our audit, we have complied with AUDITOR’S REPORT the independence requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies.

TO EAST ARNHEM Basis for Disclaimer of Auditor’s Opinion

SHIRE COUNCIL Opening balances Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu This is the first year that nine communities, being ABN 74 490 121 060 Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Marngarr, Milingimbi, Level 11 Ramingining, Yirrkala, Dhanbul, Umbakumba, 24 Mitchell Street Angurugu and Miliyakburra are reporting as the East Darwin NT 0800 Arnhem Shire Council. The opening financial position GPO Box 4296 after the amalgamation of the nine communities Darwin NT 0801 Australia is unable to be audited due to the lack of available Tel: +61 (0) 8 8980 3000 information. We were unable to perform alternative Fax: +61 (0) 8 8980 3001 audit procedures to enable us to form an opinion on the www.deloitte.com.au balances transferred from these communities which We have audited the accompanying financial report of form the opening balance of the Council. The results of the East Arnhem Shire Council (the “Council”), which the Council for the year ended 30 June 2009 would be comprises the balance sheet and statement of working affected to the extent of any mis-statement of the net capital as at 30 June 2009, and the operating statement, assets transferred from these nine communities. statement of cashflows, and statement of changes in Consequently, we were unable to substantiate the Gain equity for the year ended on that date, a summary of on Restructure of Local Government for $62,802,772 significant accounting policies and other explanatory as reported in the Operating Statement as this is notes as set out on pages 105 to 139. calculated based on the opening net assets. We were also unable to substantiate the Assets Written The Responsibility of the Chief Off Following Restructure operating expense of Executive Officer $41,462,998 for the Financial Report Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report Property, plant and equipment in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), Property, plant and equipment of $3,806,116 is recorded the Local Government Act 2008, (the “Act”) and on the Balance Sheet. Australian Accounting Standard the Local Government (Accounting) Regulations AASB 136 Impairment of Assets requires an asset to 2008. This responsibility also includes establishing be carried at no more than its recoverable amount. and maintaining internal controls relevant to the We have been unable to obtain sufficient appropriate preparation and fair presentation of the financial report audit evidence of the existence and recoverable amount that is free from material misstatement, whether due of these property, plant and equipment assets and, to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accordingly, have been unable to determine whether the accounting policies; and making accounting estimates recoverable amount of these assets are at least equal that are reasonable in the circumstances. to their carrying value. In the event that the carrying value of these assets exceeds their recoverable amount, Auditor’s Responsibility it would be necessary for the carrying value of these assets to be written down to their recoverable amounts. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. Due to the matters set out in the Basis for Disclaimer of Auditor’s Opinion, we were not able to complete an audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

98 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Inventory The Council has determined that it is impracticable to establish control over the collection of revenue from Inventory of $598,143 is recorded on the Balance Sheet. communities prior to entry into its financial records. There are no formal stock management processes Revenues from communities comprise the following for Galiwinku and invoices supporting the unit prices amounts reported in the Operating Statements of: were not provided for Angurugu. We have been unable to perform alternative procedures to obtain sufficient »» Rates and Annual Charges of $749,454; appropriate audit evidence supporting the recorded »» User Charges and Fees of $3,363,654; inventory balance. »» Other Operating Revenues of $7,777,032; and

Receivables »» Profit on disposal of assets of $38,050.

Receivables of $1,855,532 are recorded on the Balance Accordingly, as the evidence available to us for Sheet. We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate revenue from these sources was limited, our audit audit evidence to support this receivables balance procedures with respect to revenue (excluding grants) as the balance includes unallocated cash receipts of was restricted to the amounts recorded in the financial $4,426,174. We have been unable to confirm the validity records. We therefore are unable to express an opinion of the offset of the unallocated cash receipts against whether revenue from the communities is complete. the total receivables balance as receipts have not been allocated to individual receivable invoices and we have Employee Costs been unable to perform alternative audit procedures Employee Costs of $21,245,297 were recorded in to test the validity of this offset. As a result, we are operating expenses for the financial year. We were also unable to verify the provision for doubtful debts of unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to $1,426,432. support the validity of a significant portion of employee Employee Leave Entitlements costs, primarily Salaries and Wages, Employee Leave Benefits, Superannuation, Workers Compensation Current and non-current provisions for annual leave Insurance and Angurugu Store Employee Costs, and long service leave of $1,278,647 are recorded on of $20,855,431, as employee contracts and other the Balance Sheet. We were unable to obtain sufficient alternative forms of audit evidence were unable to be appropriate audit evidence to support the annual provided by the nine communities who are responsible and long service leave balances because the Council for the employment of many of these employees. We was unable to provide us with records from the nine were unable to perform alternative procedures to communities to support the carry forward entitlements satisfy ourselves as to the validity of these expenses. (opening balances) or amount of leave taken during the current financial year. We have been unable to perform Expenses alternative procedures to verify the leave provisions. We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit Revenue evidence to support the validity of: Grant income of $38,723,233 was recorded in revenue »» all Materials expenses of $7,931,498 reported in for the financial year. We were unable to obtain Note 4(b); and sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support grant »» all Communications expenses of $1,848,864 income of $1,450,180, as grant agreements were not reported in Note 4(d) available for inspection and confirmations were not because third party invoices were not available for received from the funding bodies. us to inspect. We were unable to perform alternative Accommodation charges revenue of $2,870,108 was procedures to satisfy ourselves as to the validity of recorded user charges and fees revenue for the these expense balances. financial year. We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support this revenue Unexpended Grants as we were unable to obtain documents supporting We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit the salary deductions and we were unable to perform evidence to support the balance of unexpended grants alternative procedures to substantiate this revenue. of $7,561,336 due to the matters set out in the Basis for Disclaimer of Auditor’s Opinion and because we were

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 99 unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support the allocation of expenses between council Chief Executive funded expenses and grant funded expenses. Officer’s The Unexpended Grants have been reported as “Other adjustments - transfers to Other Reserves and Certificate Balances” at the beginning of the reporting period I, Ian Bodill, the Chief Executive Officer of the East in the Statement of Changes in Equity. AASB 1004 Arnhem Shire Council, certify that the Annual Financial Contributions requires unexpended funds for special Statements: purpose grants to be recorded as a liability. (a) have been, to the best of my knowledge, information Function disclosures and belief, reflect the accounting records with the exception of the qualified balances and We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit largely follow the requirements of the Australian evidence to support the results by function disclosed in Accounting Standards, the Local Government Act, Note 2 because we were not provided with supporting and the Local Government (Accounting) Regulations documentation to support the function disclosures. (with the exception of those where compliance with Disclaimer of Auditor’s Opinion standards has been qualified) for the year ended 30 June 2009, and In our opinion, because of the existence of the (b) are in accordance with the accounting and other limitations on the scope of our work, as described in records of the Council. the preceding Basis for Disclaimer of Auditor’s Opinion paragraphs, and the effects of such adjustments, if any, as might have been determined to be necessary had these limitations not existed, we are unable to and do not express an opinion as to whether the financial report of the East Arnhem Shire Council is in accordance with the Local Government Act 2008, Chief Executive Officer including: Darwin 12th November 2009 a) complying with the Australian Accounting Standards (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and Local Government (Accounting) Regulations 2008; and

b) giving a true and fair view of the Council’s financial position as at 30 June 2009 and of its performance for the year ended on that date.

DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

Julie Crisp Partner Chartered Accountants Darwin, 12th November, 2009

100 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Operating Statement for the year ending 30 June 2009

Actual OPERATING REVENUES Note 2009 $ Assets contributed following restructure 3(g) 62,802,722

Grants and Contributions provided for operating purposes 3(e&f) 38,760,669

Other Operating Revenues 3(d) 7,777,032

User Charges and Fees 3(b) 3,363,654

Rates and Annual Charges 3(a) 749,454

Interest 3(c) 535,786

Profit from Disposal of Assets 5 38,050

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES 114,027,367

OPERATING EXPENSES

Assets written off following restructure 3 (g) 41,462,998

Employee Costs 4(a) 21,245,297

Materials and Contracts 4(b) 14,028,899

Other Operating Expenses 4(d) 8,795,959

Depreciation and Amortisation 4(c) 1,476,172

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 87,009,325

SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR 27,018,042

Notes to the financial statement are included on pages 105 to 139

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 101 Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2009

Actual CURRENT ASSETS Note 2009 $ Cash on hand and at bank 6 20,612,622

Investments 6 152,465

Receivables 7 1,855,532

Inventories 8 598,143

Other 8 19,671

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 23,238,433

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment 9 3,806,116

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 3,806,116

TOTAL ASSETS 27,044,549 CURRENT LIABILITIES

Creditors 10 4,374,358

Provisions 10 1,024,816

Other 909,171

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,308,345

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provisions 10 253,831

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 253,831

TOTAL LIABILITIES 6,562,176

NET ASSETS 20,482,374

EQUITY

Accumulated Surplus 20,482,374

TOTAL EQUITY 20,482,374

Notes to the financial statement are included on pages 105 to 139

102 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09

Actual Statement of Working Capital as at 30 June 2009 Note 2009 $ CURRENT ASSETS

Cash on hand 6 20,612,622

Investments 6 152,465

Receivables 7 1,855,532

Inventories 8 598,143

Other 8 19,671

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 23,238,433

Less CURRENT LIABILITIES

Current

Creditors 10 4,374,358

Provisions 10 1,024,816

Other 909,171

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,308,345

NET CURRENT ASSETS (Working Capital) 16,930,088

CURRENT RATIO (this is the ratio of current assets to 3.684 current liabilities)

Notes to the financial statement are included on pages 105 to 139

Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2009

Actual ACCUMULATED SURPLUS Note 2009 $ Other adjustments - transfers to Other Reserves (8,389,210)

Balance at beginning of reporting period 1,853,542

Surplus for the year 27,018,042

TOTAL EQUITY 20,482,374

Notes to the financial statement are included on pages 105 to 139

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 103 Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2009

Actual CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Note 2009 $ Receipts:

Receipts from rates and annual charges 749,454

Receipts from user charges and fees 3,363,654

Grants and contributions 39,471,630

Other operating receipts 6,692,942

P aYMENTS:

Payments to employees (20,429,065)

Payments for materials and contracts (13,938,877)

Other operating payments (4,373,744)

Net cash provided by operating activities 11(b) 11,535,992

CASHFLOWS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES Receipts:

Proceeds from sale of assets 38,050

P aYMENTS:

Purchase of assets (1,631,636)

Net cash used in investing activities (1,593,586)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Receipts:

Proceeds from Interest 535,786

Payments:

Repayment of lease liabilities (705,289)

Net cash used in financing activities (169,503)

Net increase in cash held 9,772,903

Cash at beginning of reporting period 10,839,718 Cash at end of reporting period 11(a) 20,612,622

Notes to the financial statement are included on pages 105 to 139

104 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2009

1. SuMMARY of Accounting Policies General Information The East Arnhem Shire Council was formed on 1 July 2008 as an amalgamation of nine communities:

»» Galiwin’ku

»» Gapuwiyak

»» Marngarr

»» Milingimbi

»» Ramingining

»» Yirrkala Dhanbul

»» Umbakumba

»» Angurugu

»» Milyakburra

As this is the first year of the amalgamated Council, comparatives are not included.

This note sets out the principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements by Council as set out below.

Talhe Loc Government Reporting Entity (i) The Council controls resources to carry on its functions have been included in the financial statements forming part of this report.

A summary of activities listing along with their contribution to the operating result and their net assets is provided at note 2(a). In the process of reporting on the local government as a single unit, all transactions and balances between those activities (for example, loans and transfers between activities) have been eliminated.

Basis of Accounting Statement of Compliance

The financial report is a general purpose financial report, which has been prepared to comply with applicable Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations, the requirements of the Local Government Act and Regulations and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

Accounting Standards include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (‘A-IFRS’).

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 105 for the year ended 30 June 2009 Adoption of new and revised accounting standards

In the current year the, the Council has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that are relevant to their operations and effective for the current annual reporting period.

Standards and Interpretations issued not yet effective At the date of authorisation of the financial report, the Standards and Interpretations listed below were in issue but not yet effective.

Initial application of the following Standards will not affect any of the amounts recognised in the financial report, but will change the disclosures presently made in relation to the Council’s financial report:

Standard Effective for annual Expected to be reporting periods initially applied in the beginning on or after financial year ending »» AASB 101 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ (revised September 2007), AASB 2007-8 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting 1 January 2009 30 June 2010 Standards arising from AASB 101’, AASB 2007-10 ‘Further Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 101’ The Council has elected to apply Accounting Standards AASB 8 ‘Operating Segments’ and AASB 2007-3 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 8’ in the current accounting period, even though those Standards are not required to be applied until annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009. Because the Council does not have on issue any debt or equity securities that are traded in a public market and is not in the process of issuing any class of instruments in a public market, the Council is not required to present segment reporting information under AASB 8, and accordingly none has been provided in this financial report.”

Initial application of the following Standards/Interpretations is not expected to have any material impact on the financial report of the Council.

106 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Standard/Interpretation Effective for annual Expected to be reporting periods initially applied in the beginning on or after financial year ending »» AASB 123 ‘Borrowing Costs’ (revised), AASB 2007-6 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting 1 January 2009 30 June 2010 Standards arising from AASB 123’ »» AASB 3 ‘Business Combinations’ (revised), AASB 3 (business combinations AASB 127 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial occurring after the beginning Statements; (revised) and AASB 2008-3 of annual reporting periods 30 June 2010 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards beginning 1 July 2009), AASB 127 arising from AASB 3 and AASB 127’ and AASB 2008-3 (1 July 2009) »» AASB 2008-1 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standard - Share-based Payments: 1 January 2009 30 June 2010 Vesting Conditions and Cancellations’ Standard/Interpretation Effective for annual Expected to be reporting periods initially applied in the beginning on or after financial year ending »» AASB 2008-2 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Puttable Financial 1 January 2009 30 June 2010 Instruments and Obligations arising on Liquidation’ »» AASB 2008-5 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual 1 January 2009 30 June 2010 Improvements Project’ »» AASB 2008-6 ‘Further Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual 1 July 2009 30 June 2010 Improvements Project’ »» AASB 2008-7 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Cost of an Investment in a 1 January 2009 30 June 2010 Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate »» AASB 2008-8 ‘Amendments to Australian 1 July 2009 30 June 2010 Accounting Standards - Eligible Hedged Items’ »» AASB Interpretation 15 ‘Agreements for the 1 January 2009 30 June 2010 Construction of Real Estate’ »» AASB Interpretation 16 ‘Hedges of a Net 1 October 2008 30 June 2010 Investment in a Foreign Operation’ »» AASB Interpretation 17 ‘Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners;, AASB 2008-13 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from 1 July 2009 30 June 2010 AASB Interpretation 17 - Distributions of Non- cash Assets to Owners’

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 107 for the year ended 30 June 2009 The initial application of the expected issue of an Australian equivalent accounting Standard/Interpretation to the following Standard/Interpretation is not expected to have a material impact on the financial report of the Council:

Interpretation Effective for annual Expected to be initially reporting periods applied in the financial beginning on or after year ending • AASB Interpretation 18 ‘Transfers 1 July 2009* 30 June 2010 of Assets from Customers

*AASB Intrepretation 18 applies to transfers of assets from customers received on or after 1 July 2009

Significant Accounting Policies Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events is reported.

The accounting policies adopted for the reporting period are consistent with those of the previous reporting period except where otherwise indicated.

The following significant accounting policies have been adopted in the preparation and presentation of the financial report:

(a) Revenue Recognition Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable. Revenue is measured on major income categories as follows:

(i) Rates

Rates are recognised as revenue when the Council obtains control over the asset comprising the receipt.

Rates are an enforceable debt linked to rateable property that will be recovered when next the property is sold, and therefore control normally passes at the time of levying, or where earlier upon receipt of rates paid in advance. The rating period and reporting period for the Council coincide and accordingly, all rates levied for the year are recognised as revenues.

Uncollected rates are recognised as receivables. A provision is recognised when collection in full is no longer probable.

(ii) Grants, donations and other contributions

Grants, donations and other contributions are recognised as revenues when the Council obtains control over, or the right to receive, the assets, it is probable that future economic benefits comprising the asset will flow to the Council, and the amount can be reliably measured.

Control over granted and contributed assets is normally obtained upon their receipt (or acquittal) or upon notification that a grant has been secured, and is valued at their fair value at the date of transfer.

Where grants, contributions and donations are recognised as revenue during the reporting period were obtained on the condition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, and those conditions were undischarged as at the reporting date, the nature of and amounts pertaining to those undischarged conditions are disclosed in these notes.

(iii) Sale of property, plant and equipment

The profit or loss on sale of an asset is determined when control of the asset has passed from the Council.

108 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 (iv) Interest revenue

Interest is recognised as it accrues, when it is probable that the future economic benefits will flow to the Council and it can be measured reliably.

(b) Cash and cash EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

The cash opening balances were brought over from combining the nine previously independent communities. One of the cash balances has not been claimed and recouped being a trust fund for Umbakumba totalling $24,452.

(c) Financial Assets Investments are recognised and derecognised on trade date where the purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs except for financial assets classified as at fair value through profit and loss which are initially measured at fair value.

Council classifies financial assets in the following categories: loans and receivables and held to maturity investments. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial instrument was acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial instruments at initial recognition and re evaluates this designation at each reporting date.

Effective Interest Method The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis for debt instruments.

(i) Loans and Receivables

Trade receivables, loans, and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as ‘loan and receivables’. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method less impairment.

(ii) Available for Sale Financial Assets

Available for sale financial assets are non derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any other category.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 109 Impairment of financial assets Financial assets are assessed for indicators for impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial assets the estimated future cash flows of the investment that that have been impacted.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of financial assets including uncollectible trade receivables is reduced by the impairment loss through the use of an allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against an allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit and loss.

If in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment note been recognised.

Derecogntion of financial assets The Council derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cashflows from the asset expire, or it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Council neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset. The Council recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Council retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Council continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collaterised borrowing for the proceeds received.

(d) Inventory The Council has an immaterial value of stock in the communities. Galiwinku conducted a stocktake on 30 June 2009. None of the communities have a formal stock management process.

The Council has a store managed by Outback Stores located in Angurugu which has formal stock control procedures.

(e) Property, Plant and Equipment (i) Acquisition of Property, Plant and Equipment (Including Structural Assets)

Property, plant and equipment is recognised at cost when control of the asset passes to the Council. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition. Cost related to property, plant and equipment gifted, donated or granted to the Council is the fair value of the asset, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition.

(ii) Land Under Roads

Council has elected not to value or recognise as an asset land under roads acquired prior to 1 July 2008 in accordance with the election available under AASB1051.

Land under roads acquired after 1 July 2008 will be recognised at cost. The cost of the land under roads will be the fair value as at the date acquired.

110 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 (iii) Depreciation

All property, plant and equipment, with the exception of land, is systematically depreciated over its useful life in a manner which reflects the consumption of the service potential embodied in those assets from the time that the item of property plant and equipment is available for use.

Depreciation is provided for on a straight line method using lives which are reviewed each reporting period. Major depreciation periods are:

Buildings / Other Structures 10 to 70 years

Plant and Equipment / Motor Vehicles / Office Furniture and Equipment 3 to 11 years

Sealed Roads 25 years

Unsealed Roads 10 years

(iv) Valuation

Land, buildings plant and equipment From the creation of the Shire on 1 July 2008, all land, buildings and infrastructure that was not under the financial control of the Shire was written off.

The Shire recognises assets over the value of $5,000. Due to this policy, assets that were transferred under $5,000 from the communities were also written off or expensed.

A formal valuation and verification process had not been undertaken as at 30 June 2009. This project is expected to be completed before 30 June 2010.

Revaluation increments and decrements Revaluation increments and decrements arising from recognising these assets at valuation are offset against one another within the class of assets. Net revaluation increments in the carrying amounts of these assets are recognised directly in the Asset Revaluation Reserve, except to the extent that the increment reverses a decrement that was previously recognised as an expense in the net profit or loss in respect of the same class of assets in which case the increment is recognised as revenue in the net profit or loss. Net revaluation decrements in carrying amounts are recognised as an expense in the net profit or loss, except to the extent that the decrement reverses a previous revaluation increment in respect of the same class of assets credited directly to the asset revaluation reserve, in which case the decrement is debited directly to the reserve to the extent that the credit exists in respect of the same class of assets.

(v) Impairment of Assets

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested for impairment annually. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

For non cash generating assets of the Council such as roads, cycle paths, public buildings, fair value is represented by the depreciated optimised replacement cost.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 111 (g) Financial Liabilities

Payables These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Council prior to the end of the financial year which remain unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Borrowings Borrowings are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

(h) Employee benefits Provision is made for benefits accruing to employees in respect of wages and salaries, annual leave and long service leave when it is probable that settlement will be required and they are capable of being measured reliably.

The provision for long service leave has been based on the pro-rata report obtained from the accounting system TechOne, of which no industry rates have been applied. In 2009/10, the provision for long service leave will be calculated based upon industry rates and grossing up the entitlements.

Employee benefits expected to be settled within 12 months

Provisions in respect of employee benefits expected to be settled within 12 months are measured at their nominal values using the remuneration rate expected to apply at the time of settlement.

Defined contribution plans Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions.

Employee benefits not expected to be settled within 12 months

Provisions made in respect of employee benefits which are not expected to be settled within 12 months are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flows to be made by the entity in respect of services provided by the employees up to reporting date.

Superannuation The Council contributes in respect of its employees to a defined contribution superannuation plan (Local Government Superannuation Scheme) established in respect of certain municipalities in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

(i) Budget Information Note 2(a) provides budget information of revenues and expenditure of each of the major activities of the Council. Budget figures represented are those approved by Council at the beginning of the financial year.

(j) Tax Status East Arnhem Shire Council is tax exempt under Sec 50-25 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, being a local governing body.

112 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 (k) Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Council has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Council will be required to settle the obligation, and reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cashflows estimated to settle the present obligation, the carrying amount is the present value of those cashflows.

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognised as an asset if it virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

(l) Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except:

i) where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority, it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of expense;

or

ii) for receivables and payables which are recognised inclusive of GST, the net amount recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables.

Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from or payable to the taxation authority, is classified as operating cash flows.

(n) Rounding of Amounts Unless otherwise indicated, amounts in the financial report have not been rounded and are presented in full dollars.

(o) Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty The following are the key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year:

Useful lives of property, plant and equipment The Council reviews the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment at the end of each annual reporting period. The estimated useful life of sealed roads is 25 years, and the useful life of unsealed roads is 10 years.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 113 2 (a) FuNCTIONS Revenues, expenses and assets have been attributed to the following functions/activities. Details of those functions/ activities are provided at note 2(b)

GENERAL PUBLIC PUBLIC ORDER AND SERVICES SAFETY Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Income General Rates 511,086 489,808 - -

Income Waste Collection Charges - 1,682 - -

Income Statutory Charges 50,000 22,267 - -

Income User Charges - 134,339 - -

Income Operating Grants 8,926,240 9,097,549 90,000 1,971,501

Income Cash Investments 100,000 535,786 - -

Income Cash Donations - 32,301 - -

Income Reimbursements - 161,335 - -

Income Agency Services - 1,387 - -

Income Commercial Services - 67,877,577 2,293,100 43,403

Proceeds from Sale of Assets - 38,050 - -

Miscellaneous Revenue - 4,828 - -

TOTAL REVENUE 9,587,326 78,396,910 2,383,100 2,014,904

OPERATING EXPENSE

Salary Expenses 3,750,147 5,786,545 1,772,001 1,189,907

Employee Expenses Other - 300,331 - 3,932

Consultant Expenses - 546,688 - 64

Tourism Hub - 461 - -

Operating Lease Expenses 63,200 650,815 - 5,584

Business System Expenses 39,996 76,822 - -

Contract Expenses 315,000 2,020,211 90,000 87,900

General Material Expenses 1,444,453 4,575,055 266,999 58,100

Utility Expenses 20,000 342,728 - 10,987

Fuel Expenses - 1,049,894 - 22,400

Finance Fees and Charges 30,000 62,669 - 47

Communications Expenses 150,000 1,250,543 - 15,708

114 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 GENERAL PUBLIC PUBLIC ORDER AND SERVICES SAFETY Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Depreciation/Amortisation Expenses - 1,476,172 - -

Sale of Asset Expenses - - - -

Write-off Asset Expenses - 41,462,998 - -

Insurance Expenses 705,000 557,754 - -

Advertising Expenses - 39,982 - 479

Training Expenses 30,000 32,975 - 2,243

Travel and Accommodation 81,600 843,200 - 111,195

Councillor Allowance Expenses 153,003 134,120 - -

Audit and Accounting Expenses 40,000 211,839 - -

Repairs & Maintenance Expense - 98,066 - 11,980

Miscellaneous Expenses 58,000 1,315,508 - 1,959

TOTAL EXPENSE 6,880,399 62,835,377 2,129,000 1,522,483 NET RESULT 2,706,927 15,561,335 254,100 492,421 CARRYING VALUE OF ASSETS* - - - -

* It is not practicable at this stage to reliably attribute the carrying amounts of assets to the above functions/activities

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 115 Revenues, expenses and assets have been attributed to the following functions/activities. Details of those functions/ activities are provided at note 2(b) ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC AFFAIRS PROTECTION Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Income General Rates - - - -

Income Waste Collection Charges - 3,864 116,650 254,100

Income Statutory Charges - 26,000 - -

Income User Charges 70,000 321,994 - 90,572

Income Operating Grants 878,294 13,437,026 7,000 169,150

Income Cash Investments - - - -

Income Cash Donations - 1,500 - -

Income Reimbursements - 112,155 - -

Income Agency Services - 99,950 - -

Income Commercial Services 12,352,440 218,105 - 3,028

Proceeds from Sale of Assets - - - -

Miscellaneous Revenue - 71 - -

TOTAL REVENUE 13,300,734 14,220,665 123,650 516,849

OPERATING EXPENSE

Salary Expenses 12,148,984 8,119,401 286,614 73,834

Employee Expenses Other - 13,157 - -

Consultant Expenses - 33,130 - -

Tourism Hub - 68,159 - -

Operating Lease Expenses - 1,718 - 11,963

Business System Expenses - 1,219 - -

Contract Expenses - 263,849 - 25,423

General Material Expenses 994,706 662,072 80,532 70,176

Utility Expenses - 69,236 - 319

Fuel Expenses 431,148 80,285 - 11,715

Finance Fees and Charges - 188 - -

Communications Expenses - 120,926 - 12,236

Depreciation/Amortisation Expenses - - - -

116 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC AFFAIRS PROTECTION Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Sale of Asset Expenses - - - -

Write-off Asset Expenses - - - -

Insurance Expenses - - - -

Advertising Expenses - 10,851 - 202

Training Expenses - 11,913 - -

Travel and Accommodation - 129,859 - 15,344

Councillor Allowance Expenses - - - -

Audit and Accounting Expenses - 6,508 - -

Repairs & Maintenance Expense - 28,485 - 1,417

Miscellaneous Expenses - 28,936 - -

TOTAL EXPENSE 13,574,838 9,649,892 367,146 222,629 NET RESULT (274,104) 4,570,774 (243,496) 294,220 CARRYING VALUE OF ASSETS* - - - -

* It is not practicable at this stage to reliably attribute the carrying amounts of assets to the above functions/activities

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 117 Revenues, expenses and assets have been attributed to the following functions/activities. Details of those functions/ activities are provided at note 2(b)

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY HEALTH AMENITIES Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Income General Rates - - - -

Income Waste Collection Charges - - - -

Income Statutory Charges - 557,730 - -

Income User Charges - 1,590,086 - 19

Income Operating Grants - 6,680,116 - 285,366

Income Cash Investments - - - -

Income Cash Donations - - - -

Income Reimbursements - - - -

Income Agency Services - - - -

Income Commercial Services 10,068,419 1,347,726 246,196 703

Proceeds from Sale of Assets - - - -

Miscellaneous Revenue - 7,410 - -

TOTAL REVENUE 10,068,419 10,183,068 246,196 286,087

OPERATING EXPENSE

Salary Expenses 5,458,214 2,158,997 167,040 150,057

Employee Expenses Other - 55,788 - 1,304

Consultant Expenses - 8,712 - 443

Tourism Hub - - - -

Operating Lease Expenses - 63,864 - 6,248

Business System Expenses - 32,500 - -

Contract Expenses 1,383,299 2,779,252 - 310

General Material Expenses 2,741,080 1,750,639 266,536 33,401

Utility Expenses - 146,536 - 460

Fuel Expenses 399,924 86,053 - 45

Finance Fees and Charges - - - -

Communications Expenses 1,005,480 309,785 - 9,647

Depreciation/Amortisation Expenses - - - -

118 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY HEALTH AMENITIES Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Sale of Asset Expenses - - - -

Write-off Asset Expenses - - - -

Insurance Expenses - - - 2,500

Advertising Expenses - 5,690 - -

Training Expenses - 485 - -

Travel and Accommodation - 66,601 - 10,342

Councillor Allowance Expenses - - - -

Audit and Accounting Expenses - - - -

Repairs & Maintenance Expense - 180,470 - -

Miscellaneous Expenses - 3,162 - -

TOTAL EXPENSE 10,987,997 7,648,532 433,576 214,759 NET RESULT (919,578) 2,534,536 (187,380) 71,328

CARRYING VALUE OF ASSETS* - - - -

* It is not practicable at this stage to reliably attribute the carrying amounts of assets to the above functions/activities

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 119 Revenues, expenses and assets have been attributed to the following functions/activities. Details of those functions/ activities are provided at note 2(b) RECREATION, CULTURE EDUCATION AND RELIGION Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Income General Rates - - - -

Income Waste Collection Charges - - - -

Income Statutory Charges - - - -

Income User Charges - - - -

Income Operating Grants 1,363,847 1,434,156 - -

Income Cash Investments - - - -

Income Cash Donations - - - -

Income Reimbursements - - - -

Income Agency Services - - - -

Income Commercial Services - 4,442 - -

Proceeds from Sale of Assets - - - -

Miscellaneous Revenue - - - -

TOTAL REVENUE 1,363,847 1,438,599 - -

OPERATING EXPENSE

Salary Expenses 1,127,359 571,102 - -

Employee Expenses Other - 4,573 - -

Consultant Expenses - 8,000 - -

Tourism Hub - - - -

Operating Lease Expenses - (25,624) - -

Business System Expenses - - - -

Contract Expenses - 260,472 - -

General Material Expenses 276,347 92,597 50,000 200

Utility Expenses - 11,890 - 172

Fuel Expenses - 1,217 - -

Finance Fees and Charges - 47 - -

Communications Expenses - 14,233 - -

Depreciation/Amortisation Expenses - - - -

120 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 RECREATION, CULTURE EDUCATION AND RELIGION Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Sale of Asset Expenses - - - -

Write-off Asset Expenses - - - -

Insurance Expenses - - - -

Advertising Expenses - - - -

Training Expenses - 820 - -

Travel and Accommodation - 48,321 - 7,887

Councillor Allowance Expenses - - - -

Audit and Accounting Expenses - - - -

Repairs & Maintenance Expense - - - -

Miscellaneous Expenses - 200 - -

TOTAL EXPENSE 1,403,706 987,849 50,000 8,259 NET RESULT (39,859) 450,750 (50,000) (8,259) CARRYING VALUE OF ASSETS* - - - -

* It is not practicable at this stage to reliably attribute the carrying amounts of assets to the above functions/activities

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 121 Revenues, expenses and assets have been attributed to the following functions/activities. Details of those functions/ activities are provided at note 2(b) SOCIAL PROTECTION TOTAL Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Income General Rates - - 511,086 489,808

Income Waste Collection Charges - - 116,650 259,646

Income Statutory Charges - - 50,000 605,997

Income User Charges - 1,226,644 70,000 3,363,654

Income Operating Grants - 5,648,368 11,265,381 38,723,233

Income Cash Investments - - 100,000 535,786

Income Cash Donations - 3,636 - 37,437

Income Reimbursements - - - 273,490

Income Agency Services - - - 101,337

Income Commercial Services 4,025,728 91,656 28,985,883 69,586,620

Proceeds from Sale of Assets - - - 38,050

Miscellaneous Revenue - - - 12,310

TOTAL REVENUE 4,025,728 6,970,305 41,099,000 114,027,367

OPERATING EXPENSE

Salary Expenses 4,312,311 2,810,787 29,022,670 20,860,631

Employee Expenses Other - 5,582 - 384,666

Consultant Expenses - 5,030 - 602,066

Tourism Hub - - - 68,620

Operating Lease Expenses - (9,280) 63,200 705,289

Business System Expenses - - 39,996 110,540

Contract Expenses - 57,918 1,788,299 5,495,335

General Material Expenses 457,957 675,391 6,578,610 7,917,631

Utility Expenses - 79,362 20,000 661,690

Fuel Expenses - 47,715 831,072 1,299,324

Finance Fees and Charges - 78 30,000 63,030

Communications Expenses - 115,786 1,155,480 1,848,864

Depreciation/Amortisation Expenses - - - 1,476,172

122 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 SOCIAL PROTECTION TOTAL Budget Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2009 2009 OPERATING REVENUE

Sale of Asset Expenses - - - -

Write-off Asset Expenses - - - 41,462,998

Insurance Expenses - 500 705,000 560,754

Advertising Expenses - 462 - 57,666

Training Expenses - 5,280 30,000 53,716

Travel and Accommodation - 101,248 81,600 1,333,997

Councillor Allowance Expenses - - 153,003 134,120

Audit and Accounting Expenses - 185 40,000 218,532

Repairs & Maintenance Expense - 20,396 - 340,814

Miscellaneous Expenses - 3,106 58,000 1,352,870

TOTAL EXPENSE 4,770,268 3,919,545 40,596,930 87,009,326 NET RESULT (744,540) 3,050,760 502,070 27,018,042 CARRYING VALUE OF ASSETS* - - - 27,044,549

* It is not practicable at this stage to reliably attribute the carrying amounts of assets to the above functions/activities

2 (b) FuNCTIONS The activities relating to the Council functions reported on in Note 2(a) are as follows:

GENERAL PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative, legislative and executive affairs, financial and fiscal affairs, general research and general services. Also includes where applicable Natural Disaster Relief.

PUBLIC ORDER and SAFETY Fire protection, local emergency services, animal control and impounding, control of public places, control of signs, boarding and advertising, community policing and probationary matters.

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS General economic, agriculture and forestry, fuel and energy, other labour and employment affairs, transport and other industries, saleyards and tourism.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Waste management, pollution reduction, protection of biodiversity and landscape and protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 123 HOUSING and COMMUNITY AMENITIES Housing, housing and community development, water supply and street lighting.

HEALTH Well baby clinics, dental health services and home nursing services, nursing and convalescent home services, immunisation, infant nutrition and child health, and family planning services.

RECREATION, CULTURE and RELIGION Facilities and venues, recreation parks and reserves, cultural and religious services, museums and libraries.

EDUCATION Administration, inspection, support, operation, etc. of education programs and services.

SOCIAL PROTECTION Outlays on day care services, family day care, occasional care and outside schools hour care, aged services, shelter protection, drug and alcohol treatment programs. Also includes relief from man-made disasters.

3. Operating Revenues Actual 2009 $ (a) Rates and Annual Charges

Territory Housing rates

GEH rates 51,000

Residential rates 8,400

Commercial rates 18,460

Mining Lease rates 5,148

Waste Management Service 259,646

T oTAL Rates 749,454

(b) User Charges and Fees

User Charges

Meals charges 102,224

Accommodation Charges 2,870,108

Community Charges 90,572

Fines 4,498

Administration Fees 38,777

Rent and Hire of Council Equipment 30,462

Discretionary Fees 227,014

T oTAL User Charges and Fees 3,363,654

124 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 (c) Interest

Interest On Bank Accounts 452,211

Interest on Investments 83,575

T oTAL Interest Revenue 535,786

3. Operating Revenues (continued) Actual 2009 $ (d) Other Operating Revenues

Statutory Charges 605,997

Reimbursements 273,490

Sales 6,515,115

Workshop Services 113,608

Housing Services 105,955

Agency Fees 22,060

Tourism Services 101,337

Child Care Services 27,160

Other 12,310

T oTAL Other Operating Revenue 7,777,032

(e) Grants

NT Local Government Operational Grants 7,938,201

NT Local Government Capital Grants 7,515,678

Commonwealth Government Operational Grants 14,928,538

Commonwealth Government Capital Grants 4,759,367

Other Grants 3,581,449

T oTAL Grants 38,723,233

(f) Contributions and Donations

Sponsorship 20,770

Fundraising 13,531

Donations 3,136

T oTAL Contributions and Donations 37,437

(g) Gain on Restructure of Local Government The Minister for Local Government pursuant to section 28A(1) of the Local Government Act made an order to form a new Council named East Arnhem Shire Council comprising the local government areas of Gunyangara, Yirrkala, Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak, Angurugu, Umbakumba, Ramingining, Milingimbi.

The Government Order No. 1.3 to take effect on the date of transition being 1st July 2008. See Special Schedule 15 (3) for a calculation of the gain on restructure of local government.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 125 4. Operating Expenses Actual 2009 $ (a) Employee Costs

Salaries and Wages 16,580,532

Employee Leave Benefits 2,582,620

Superannuation 1,132,126

Workers Compensation Insurance 141,643

Fringe Benefit Tax 165,836

Staff Housing/Relocation 166,962

Other - Staff Costs 51,867

Other - Angurugu Store Employee Costs 423,710

T oTAL Operating Employee Costs 21,245,297

(b) Material and Contractors

Materials 7,931,498

Consultants 5,495,335

Contractors 602,067

T oTAL Material and Contractor Charges 14,028,899

(c) Depreciation and Amortisation

Plant and Equipment 257,908

Office Equipment 285,799

Furniture and Fittings 16,708

Vehicles 915,757

T oTAL Depreciation and Amortisation 1,476,172

(d) Other Operating Expenses

Bank Fees 35,471

Tourism expenses 68,620

Lease 705,289

Business systems 110,540

Late Payments fee 12,266

Debt Recovery fee 15,293

Utility 610,308

Fuel 1,299,324

Communication 1,848,864

126 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 (d) Other Operating Expenses CONT...

Insurance 560,754

Advertising 57,666

Training 53,716

Accommodation and Travel 1,205,324

Transport 180,056

Repairs and Maintenance 340,814

Accounting 180,532

Audit 38,000

Councillor payments 134,120

Other 1,339,003

T oTAL Other Operating Expenses 8,795,959

5. Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets Actual 2009 $ GAIN (OR LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OF PLANT and EQUIPMENT

Proceeds from disposal 21,000

Gain (or loss) on disposal 21,000

GAIN (OR LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Proceeds from disposal 17,050

Gain (or loss) on disposal 17,050

T oTAL Gain (or Loss) on Disposal of Assets 38,050

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 127 6. Cash and Investments

Actual 2009 $

CASH

Cash at Bank 12,819,279

Short Term Deposits 7,761,924

ATM and Petty Cash 31,419

T oTAL Cash 20,612,622 Total Cash consists of:

Current Cash 20,612,622

T oTAL Cash 20,612,622

INVESTMENTS

Shares 152,465

T oTAL Investments 152,465

Total Cash and Investments Available 20,765,087

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS SUMMARY

Purpose

EXTERNAL RESTRICTIONS

- Included in assets 652,465

TOTAL EXTERNAL RESTRICTIONS 652,465

INTERNAL RESTRICTIONS

- Included in assets 9,476,133

TOTAL INTERNAL RESTRICTIONS 9,476,133 TOTAL UNRESTRICTED 10,636,489 TOTAL CASH and INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE 20,765,087

128 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 7. Receivables Actual 2009 $ Purpose

Rates and Annual Charges 235,890

User Charges and Fees 2,437,376

Angurugu Store Receivables 60,514

Other 548,184

Total 3,281,964

Less: Provision for Doubtful Debts (1,426,432)

TOTAL UNRESTRICTED RECEIVABLES 1,855,532

Total Receivables Consist of

Current Receivables 1,855,532

TOTAL RECEIVABLES 1,855,532

8. Other Assets Actual 2009 $ UNRESTRICTED OTHER ASSETS Inventories:

Stores and Materials 136,541

Trading Stock 461,602

T oTAL Inventories 598,143

Other

Prepayments - Current 19,657

Other 14

Total Unrestricted Other Assets 19,671

T oTAL Other Assets Consist of

Other Assets Current 617,814

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 617,814

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 129 9. Property, Plant and Equipment 2009 Plant

At Cost 3,315,110

Accumulated Depreciation (1,961,137)

Written Down Value 1,353,973

Equipment

At Cost 2,137,947

Accumulated Depreciation (1,733,865)

Written Down Value 404,083

Furniture and Fittings

At Cost 118,159

Accumulated Depreciation (66,526)

Written Down Value 51,633

Motor Vehicles

At Cost 8,197,392

Accumulated Depreciation (6,200,965)

Written Down Value 1,996,427

T oTAL 3,806,116

9. Property Plant and Equipment cont Furniture Infrast- Motor Buildings Equipment Plant and Total ructure Vehicles Fittings Written Down Value 38,240,976 1,781,519 1,440,250 1,044,316 310,660 2,322,929 45,140,650 30/6/08 Additions - - 55,414 953,893 6073 589,257 1,604,637

Disposals ------

Write-offs (38,240,976) (1,781,519) (805,783) (386,328) (248,392) - (41,462,998)

Depreciation - - (285,799) (257,908) (16,708) (915,758) (1,476,170) Written Down - - 404,083 1,353,973 51,633 1,996,427 3,806,116 Value 30/06/09

130 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 10. Creditors, Provisions and Borrowings Actual 2009 $ Creditors:

Goods and services 2,758,156

Goods and Services Tax and Pay As You Go 1,336,516

Angurugu Store Creditors 273,308

Other 6,378

TOTAL CREDITORS 4,374,358 Total Creditors Consist of

Current Creditors 4,374,358

TOTAL CREDITORS 4,374,358

Provisions:

Annual Leave - current 919,304

Long Service Leave - current 105,512

Long Service Leave - non current 253,831

TOTAL PROVISIONS 1,278,647 Total Provisions Consist of

Current Provisions 1,024,816

Non-Current Provisions 253,831

TOTAL PROVISIONS 1,278,647

The average credit period on purchases is 60 days from the date of invoice. No interest is charged on invoices. The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit framwork.

MOVEMENTS IN PROVISIONS Actual 2009 $ Annual Leave

Opening balance 544,298

Add: Additional Amounts recognised (service costs) 1,862,168

(Less): Payments (settlement costs) (1,487,162)

Closing Balance 919,304

Long Service Leave

Opening balance 395,777

Add: Additional Amounts recognised (service costs) 48,332

(Less): Payments (settlement costs) (84,766)

Closing Balance 359,343

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 131 11. Statement of Cash Flows

(a) Reconciliation of Cash Actual 2009 $ For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and in banks and investments in money market instruments, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the statement of cash flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows: Cash on hand and at bank 12,819,279

Short-term deposits 7,761,924

Automated Teller Machine and Petty Cash 31,419

Balance per Statement of Cash Flows 20,612,622

(b) Reconciliation of Profit From Ordinary Activities to Net Cash Flows From Operating Activities Surplus for the year 27,018,042

Add

Depreciation and amortisation 1,476,173

Increase in provision for doubtful debts 1,288,080

Increase in employee leave benefits 338,570

Increase in other provisions -

Decrease in receivables -

Decrease in inventories 813,340

Decrease in other current assets 290,247

Increase in creditors 3,178,381

Increase in accrued interest payable -

Increase in other current liabilities 185,143

Reversal of previous in revaluation increment -

Loss on sale of assets 41,462,998

Increase in unexpended grants prior year -

Other -

Less

Decrease in provision for doubtful debts -

Decrease in employee leave benefits -

Decrease in other provisions -

Increase in receivables 1,261,869

Increase in inventories -

Increase in other current assets -

132 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 (b) Reconciliation of Profit From Ordinary Activities to Net Cash Actual 2009 $ Flows From Operating Activities cont... Decrease in creditors -

Decrease in accrued interest payable -

Decrease in other current liabilities -

Gain on restructure of Local Government 62,802,722

Gain on sale of assets 38,050

Other 412,340

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 11,535,992

(c) Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities

Shares in MetCash 152,465

(d) Financing Facilities

The Council does not have in place any financing facilities or arrangements.

12. Commitments for Expenditure

(a) Capital Commitments Actual 2009 $ Capital expenditure committed for at the reporting date but not recognised in the financial statements as liabilities: - Buildings -

- Plant and Equipment -

(b) Finance Lease Commitments

Lease Liability -

(c) Operating Leases

Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases 232,739

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 133 13. Conditions Over Grants and Contributions Actual 2009 $ Grants Grants and contributions that were obtained on the condition that they be expended on specified purposes or in a future period but which are not yet expended in accordance with those conditions, are as follows: Unexpended at the close of the previous reporting period 5,914,412

Less: Expended during the current reporting period from revenues recognised in previous 5,049,642 reporting periods. Plus: Amounts recognised as revenues in current reporting period but not yet expended in 6,323,163 accordance with the conditions. Unexpended at the close of the current reporting period and held as restricted assets. 7,187,933 Net increase (decrease) in restricted assets in the current 1,273,521 reporting period.

14. Financial Instruments

(a) Financial Risk Management Objectives The Council has given the Chief Executive Officer the power to invest funds of the Council. The Council’s objective is to minimise financial risk by investing only in short term deposits with local banks. Before any investments are made banks are contacted by the Finance Officer to obtain available rates, the Finance Officer will present the information to the Chief Executive Officer, who will then approve the investment to be made. Monthly reports on investments are prepared and given out at council meetings. The Chief Executive Officer and President of the council receive monthly investment summaries from banks confirming the amount of investments.

(b) Interest Rate Risk

The Council’s exposure to interest rate risk consists of: Variable Agevera Non Interest Fixed Interest Rate Interest Interest Rate Maturity Rate Bearing Current Less than 1-5 years 2009 % $ $ 1 year $ $ Financial Assets

Cash at bank 1.00 9,580,195

Short-term deposit (Westpac) 4.20 500,000

At call account (Westpac) 2.75 6,005,637

Angurugu Cash at Bank 3.03 718,693

Paul Walsh trust fund 24,452

134 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Variable Agevera Non Interest Fixed Interest Rate Interest Interest Rate Maturity Rate Bearing Current Less than 1-5 years 2009 % $ $ 1 year $ $ At call account (Elders) 3.00 1,256,288

TCU cash at bank 1.25 2,527,357

Receivables - Other 2,437,376

TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS 1,256,288 19,331,882 2,461,828

Financial Liabilities

Payables 2,758,156

Credit Cards 15.65 395,000

TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 395,000 2,758,136

The Council controls interest rate risk by only investing in short term deposits with local banks.

(c) Credit Risk Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognised if counter parties fail to perform as contracted. The maximum credit risk on financial assets of the Council is the carrying amount, net of any provisions for doubtful debts.

The Council does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any counter party or group of counter parties council does not have any interest bearing loans. (d) Net Fair Value The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements represent their respective net fair value. (e) Market Risk The Council’s activities expose it primarily to risk of recoverability of outstanding rates. The risk is controlled by Council as it has legal authority to recover outstanding rates through the sale of rate payers land.

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 135 15. Special Schedules

1. Comparison of Original Estimates with Actuals Budget 2009 Actual 2009 Difference Income

General Public Services 9,587,326 78,396,910 68,809,584

Public Order and Safety 2,383,100 2,014,904 (368,196)

Economic Affairs 14,663,655 14,220,665 (442,990)

Environmental Protection 123,650 516,849 393,199

Housing and Community Amenities 10,068,419 10,183,068 114,649

Health 246,196 286,087 39,891

Recreation, Culture and Religion 1,363,847 1,438,599 74,752

Social Protection 4,025,728 6,970,305 2,944,577

42,461,921 114,027,388 71,565,467

Expenditure

General Public Services 6,880,399 19,860,047 (12,979,648)

Public Order and Safety 2,129,000 1,522,483 606,517

Economic Affairs 14,455,519 9,649,892 4,805,627

Environmental Protection 367,146 222,629 144,517

Housing and Community Amenities 10,987,997 7,648,532 3,339,465

Health 433,576 214,759 218,817

Recreation, Culture and Religion 1,403,706 987,849 415,857

Education 50,000 8,259 41,741

Social Protection 4,770,268 3,919,545 850,723

41,477,611 44,033,996 (2,556,385)

2. Unexpended Grant Funds Grants received during the year which were obtained on the condition that they be expended in a manner specified by the grantor but had not yet to be expended in that manner at the reporting date were: Closing Grant Description Department Balance Community Care Grant - Yirrkala Vehicle DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $874.05 DEPT OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER, HERITAGE, DEWHA -Jobs Transition Funding $1,511.18 THE ARTS AND SPORT DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Milingimbi Gattjirk Cultural Festival $2,013.32 ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORT

136 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 Closing Grant Description Department Balance DEPT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY Indigenous Children’s Program - Galiwinku $2,991.75 SERVICES, AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS Sport Leadership Grant For Women AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION $4,600.00 Yirrkala Youth Shed Refurbishment And Food DEPT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY $4,914.38 Program SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS Yirrkala Active Cooking DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $5,597.19

Substance Misuse Program - Groote Eylandt DEPT HEALTH AND AGEING $6,132.00

Community Care Grant - Umbakumba Vehicle DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $6,424.14

Angurugu Museum Upgrade INDIGENOUS COORDINATION CENTRES $6,838.81 Engineering Report Yirrkala Landcare DEPT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY $8,000.00 Building SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS Youth Initiatives - Galiwinku DEPT OF ATTORNEY GENERALS $8,203.85 DEPT OF BROADBAND, COMMUNICATIONS & BIA Internet Access Activity Ramingining $10,000.00 DIGITAL ECONOMY DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING Arc Softball Competition $10,500.00 AND SPORT DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Conduct Ramingining Yindibungul Festival $15,780.40 ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORT DoHo - Purchase of Capital for Aged care DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $17,009.92

Conversion CDEP to Angurugu Aged care DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $19,154.46

Larrpan Night Patrol YIRRKALA CEC $21,391.50 DEPT OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER, HERITAGE, Mulka Knowledge Centre MILR $25,000.00 THE ARTS AND SPORT DEPT OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER, HERITAGE, Mulka Knowledge Centre - Admin Support $25,250.00 THE ARTS AND SPORT DEPT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND JET Creche Umbakumba $26,073.80 WORKPLACE RELATIONS Groote Eylandt Mobile Respite Service DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $26,116.31 DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Galiwinku Gumurr Marthakal Health Festival $28,272.73 ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORT DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING Separate Entity Establishment Consultanc $35,350.00 AND SPORT DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING Capital Infrastructure Grant Dhaniya $41,105.45 AND SPORT DEPT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND JET Creche Gapuwiyak $41,911.36 WORKPLACE RELATIONS DEPT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, Roads to Recovery Galiwinku Gawa Road 643 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL $42,430.00 GOVERNMENT

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 137

Net Assets Transferred TOTAL LIABILITIES Total Non-Current Liabilities Provisions Non-Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Other Provisions Borrowings Trade and other payables Current Liabilities TOTAL ASSETS oa o-urn ses1,5,4 ,6,4 4889926895293321310098165161950,770,038 5,176,149 968,186 1,311,030 2,953,332 2,698,905 14,838,949 5,567,346 17,256,140 Total Non-Current Assets rpry ln n qimn 72610557361,3,4 ,9,0 ,5,3 ,1,3 6,8 ,7,4 50,770,038 5,176,149 968,186 1,311,030 2,953,332 2,698,905 14,838,949 5,567,346 17,256,140 Property, plant and equipment Non-Current Assets Total Current Assets Other Financial assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Closing 9,519,042 (26,269) 1,273,926 552,050 1,391,634 558,925 1,361,475 492,548 3,914,752 Cash and equivalents Current Assets 3. G 15 . S pecial chedules (C ontinued ) Grant Description Department Balance ain on R estructure of L DEPT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND After School Care Gapuwiyak $43,316.02 WORKPLACE RELATIONS DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING Facility Development - Ramingining Oval $50,000.00 AND SPORT DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Sport Facility Galiwinku BMX Track $50,000.00 ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORT DEPT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY Galiwinku Money Business $51,181.61 SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS ocal G overnment 18731663651,0,2 ,5,8 ,6,8 ,1,5 ,3,4 ,3,8 62,802,722 6,832,285 2,032,541 1,819,058 4,160,181 3,257,483 16,200,228 6,623,625 21,877,321 21168705641,4,1 ,1,0 ,5,6 ,0,7 ,7,1 ,1,0 65,475,736 7,711,904 2,278,819 2,106,079 4,558,061 3,319,101 16,344,510 7,025,644 22,131,618 ,7,7 ,5,9 ,0,6 2,9 ,0,2 9,4 ,1,3 ,3,5 14,705,698 2,535,755 1,310,633 795,048 1,604,729 620,196 1,505,561 1,458,298 4,875,477 A ngu -

Angurugu Living the Proper Way DEPT OF ATTORNEY GENERALS $53,118.65 rugu 5,9 0,1 4,8 16837802701262889692,673,014 879,619 246,278 287,021 397,880 61,618 144,282 402,019 254,297 5,0 8,2 4,8 168378027017,5 7,1 2,384,398 879,619 72,052 287,021 397,880 61,618 144,282 289,826 252,100 3,7 - 990 3,3 600 4125627,481 401,225 - 36,000 37,931 - 19,950 - 132,375 8,1 ------180,817 ------180,817 4,0 3,4 27,940 630,846 642,308 3,0 3,0 1,4 105169119753,0 6,1 1,809,532 766,413 36,707 199,765 156,911 61,085 116,146 334,904 137,601 60724364,4 05425176,2 3577,2 780,258 75,422 43,557 63,524 215,167 30,594 41,542 214,376 96,077 090 20,980 ------20,980 ,9 1,9 - - - - 7,2 - 288,616 - 174,226 - - - - 112,193 2,197 ,9 1,9 - - - - 7,2 - 288,616 - 174,226 - - - - 112,193 2,197 Commuter Bus Milingimbi DEPT HEALTH AND FAMILIES $54,000.00 955,679 402,972 28,495 187,497 144,783 31,024 82,791 75,450 2,667

Galiwinku Aged Care BuIlding Upgrade DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $60,844.37

DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, G inku Milingimbi Sports Facilities Development $64,623.36 aliw - ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORT DEPT EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND Umbakumba School Shade Structure $67,500.00 TRAINING DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING G DLG Closing the Gap 2008-2009 $75,000.00 wiyak AND SPORT apu - DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING 08/09 DLGHS Community Infrastructure $96,722.01 AND SPORT DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING

Active Remote communities - wages only $103,340.92 M arn - AND SPORT garr

DEPT EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND 3,196,308 1,795,611 - 43,233 56,184 186 DEET Gapwiyak Training Centre 2007-2008 $136,700.25 TRAINING DEPT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, M ilin - Roads to Recovery Milingimbi Drainage REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL $145,099.00 gimbi GOVERNMENT Mungkadinamanja Aged & Disability Serv DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $155,483.34

Aged Care Vehicles and Equipment DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING $190.395.68 R amin -

gining DEPT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY Yirrkala Landcare Building Upgrade $194,696.22 SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS Indigenous HACC Workforce DEPT HEALTH AND FAMILIES $315,067.40 kumba Milingimbi Aged Care Building Upgrade DEPT OF HEALTH AND AGEING ¢400,000.00 U mba - DEPT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, RLCIP Community Infrastructure Projects REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL $404,800.00 GOVERNMENT Y irrkala Night Patrol Services - NTER DEPT OF ATTORNEY GENERALS $919,795.48 DEPT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY EASC CCF Combined Community Projects $931,773.29 SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS DEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING R estru - Housing Maintenance Grant $1,270,102.37 G cture AND SPORT ain on DEPT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY CDEP $910,744.60 SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS TOTAL $7,187,933.17

138 East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09

Net Assets Transferred TOTAL LIABILITIES Total Non-Current Liabilities Provisions Non-Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Other Provisions Borrowings Trade and other payables Current Liabilities TOTAL ASSETS oa o-urn ses1,5,4 ,6,4 4889926895293321310098165161950,770,038 5,176,149 968,186 1,311,030 2,953,332 2,698,905 14,838,949 5,567,346 17,256,140 Total Non-Current Assets rpry ln n qimn 72610557361,3,4 ,9,0 ,5,3 ,1,3 6,8 ,7,4 50,770,038 5,176,149 968,186 1,311,030 2,953,332 2,698,905 14,838,949 5,567,346 17,256,140 Property, plant and equipment Non-Current Assets Total Current Assets Other Financial assets Inventories Trade and other receivables ahadCs qiaet ,1,5 9,4 ,6,7 5,2 ,9,3 5,5 ,7,2 2,6)9,519,042 (26,269) 1,273,926 552,050 1,391,634 558,925 1,361,475 492,548 3,914,752 Cash and equivalents Current Assets 3. G 15 . S ain pecial

on R S estructure chedules (C

of ontinued L oc 18731663651,0,2 ,5,8 ,6,8 ,1,5 ,3,4 ,3,8 62,802,722 6,832,285 2,032,541 1,819,058 4,160,181 3,257,483 16,200,228 6,623,625 21,877,321 21168705641,4,1 ,1,0 ,5,6 ,0,7 ,7,1 ,1,0 65,475,736 7,711,904 2,278,819 2,106,079 4,558,061 3,319,101 16,344,510 7,025,644 22,131,618 ,7,7 ,5,9 ,0,6 2,9 ,0,2 9,4 ,1,3 ,3,5 14,705,698 2,535,755 1,310,633 795,048 1,604,729 620,196 1,505,561 1,458,298 4,875,477 A rugu al 5,9 0,1 4,8 16837802701262889692,673,014 879,619 246,278 287,021 397,880 61,618 144,282 402,019 254,297 5,0 8,2 4,8 168378027017,5 7,1 2,384,398 879,619 72,052 287,021 397,880 61,618 144,282 289,826 252,100 3,7 - 990 3,3 600 4125627,481 401,225 - 36,000 37,931 - 19,950 - 132,375 ngu 8,1 ------180,817 ------180,817 4,0 3,4 27,940 630,846 642,308 3,0 3,0 1,4 105169119753,0 6,1 1,809,532 766,413 36,707 199,765 156,911 61,085 116,146 334,904 137,601 60724364,4 05425176,2 3577,2 780,258 75,422 43,557 63,524 215,167 30,594 41,542 214,376 96,077 090 20,980 ------20,980 ,9 1,9 - - - - 7,2 - 288,616 - 174,226 - - - - 112,193 2,197 ,9 1,9 - - - - 7,2 - 288,616 - 174,226 - - - - 112,193 2,197 ,6 5408,9 104147317472,9 0,7 955,679 402,972 28,495 187,497 144,783 31,024 82,791 75,450 2,667 G overnment ) - G inku aliw - G wiy apu ak - M g arn arr 8 6144,3 - ,9,1 3,196,308 1,795,611 - 43,233 56,184 186 - M gimbi ilin - R

gining amin

- kumba U mba - Y irrkala R G c estru ain ture

on -

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 139 SUPPORTING INFORMATION EAST ARNHEM SHIRE C oMMUNITY contacts COUNCIL CONTACT Easc angurugu community Phone 8987 4601 or 8987 4617 INFORMATION Fax 8987 7118 ABN 92 334 301 078 Email [email protected]

HEAD OFFICE Easc galiwin’ku community Phone 1300 764 573 or 8986 8986 Phone 8987 9073 or 8987 9140 Fax 8986 8999 Fax 8970 5158 Email [email protected] Postal address PO BOX 1060 Easc gapuwiyak community Nhulunbuy N.T. 0881 Phone 8970 1107or 8970 1103 Fax 8987 9374 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Web www.eastarnhem.nt.gov.au

Darwin office Easc milingimbi community Phone 8987 9840 or 8987 9682 Phone 8943 9500 Fax 8987 9921 Fax 8943 9555 Email [email protected] Postal address GPO BOX 4246 Easc gunyangara community Darwin N.T. 0801 Phone 8987 2189 or 8987 2105 Principal council members Fax 8987 3582 Email [email protected] Shire President Cr Banambi Wunungmurra Easc milyakburra community Deputy Shire President Cr Keith Hansen Phone 8987 7099 or 8987 7090 Senior staff Fax 8987 6331 Email [email protected] CEO Mr Ian Bodill Director Corporate Services Mr Kerry Whiting Easc ramingining community Director Community Services Mr Dale Keehne Phone 8979 7827 or 8979 7906 Director Technical Services Mr Ty Johnson Fax 8979 7904 Email [email protected]

Easc umbakumba community Phone 8987 7024 or 8987 6482 Fax 8987 6783 Email [email protected]

Easc yirrkala community Phone 8987 3433 Fax 8987 2304 Email [email protected]

East Arnhem Shire Council Annual Report 2008-09 141