Roper Gulf Regional Council PO Box 1321 Katherine NT 0851 Phone: 08 8972 9000 Fax: 08 8944 7020 Roper Gulf region braces for build-up FESTIVAL FUN: There was plenty to celebrate when Ngukurr welcomed visitors and members of nearby communities to the 2016 Yugul Mangi Festival from October 14 to 16. The annual event showcases the cultural and sporting talents of the community, and allowed the hundreds of patrons who made the trip to Ngukurr to learn more about the stories of the region’s Dreaming. From song and dance to thrilling clashes on the basketball court and Australian football field, the festival offered entertainment for everyone. INSIDE THIS EDITION Yugul Mangi Festival unites P4-5 Numbulwar moves to the beat P6 Freight hub plan takes shape P7 Council talks safety in October P8 Fresh look at remote waste P9 Barunga’s Tidy Town glory P10 Youth disco rocks Beswick P12 October
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Roper Gulf Regional Council PO Box 1321 Katherine NT 0851 Phone: 08 8972 9000 Fax: 08 8944 7020
Roper Gulf region braces for build-up
FESTIVAL FUN: There was plenty to celebrate when Ngukurr welcomed visitors and members of nearby communities to the 2016 Yugul Mangi Festival from October 14 to 16. The annual event showcases the cultural and sporting talents of the community, and allowed the hundreds of patrons who made the trip to Ngukurr to learn more about the stories of the region’s Dreaming. From song and dance to thrilling clashes on the basketball court and Australian football field, the festival offered entertainment for everyone.
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Yugul Mangi Festival unites P4-5
Numbulwar moves to the beat P6
Freight hub plan takes shape P7
Council talks safety in October P8
Fresh look at remote waste P9
Barunga’s Tidy Town glory P10
Youth disco rocks Beswick P12
Octo
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Message from the Mayor
The calendar shows it is only two months before the festive season is upon us, but Council offices across the region will be hives of activity all the way up to Christmas Eve as they continue to deliver services and programs for Roper Gulf residents. As it is the level of Government closest to us, Councils always keep a close eye on what is happening with the Northern Territory Government, as many of the decisions made in the Legislative Assembly have a significant impact on how they deliver the services expected by towns and communities. One of the most interesting developments since the new Government was formed is the absence of a standalone Local Government Minister, a subject I touched upon in the September 2016 newsletter. The Council has now completed its submission to the Local Government Association of the NT, which outlines why Elected Members and Executive staff believe the lack of a dedicated Local Government portfolio in the make-up of the new Cabinet does not accurately reflect the vital link Councils provide between Territorians and the two highest levels of Government in Australia, nor does it provide any assurances to the Regional, Municipal and Shire Councils that LGANT represents that Local Government will be a priority for the Chief Minister during the current four-year term. Councils represent the tier of Government that has the most interaction with, and effect in the lives of, Territorians, a fact which on its own presents a strong case in favour of the need for a Local Government Minister. Festivals have featured heavily in October, with Numbulwar and Ngukurr hosting the Numburindi Festival and Yugul Mangi Festival respectively, and drawing in hundreds of people eager to experience everything that is great about community life. Speaking of those communities, I would like to convey my thanks to everyone involved in securing almost $2 million in NT and Federal Government funding to bring the Council’s vision of purpose-built transport hubs one step
closer. That level of funding is something I know other Councils in the NT are envious of, and something that speaks volumes about the foresight and dedication of our staff in ensuring that the long-term infrastructure needs of our towns and communities are recognised across all levels of Government. The Council has committed more than $300,000 of its own funds to get the project off the ground, demonstrating what can be achieved when all three tiers of Government work together to provide infrastructure that not only improves freight access to remote communities by road and sea, but also creates an important and sometimes rare opportunity for economic development. It has been a big year, but it is not over yet, and I think 2017 will be one of the most successful the Council has recorded, as there are a number of exciting projects on the go that will improve the lives of those who are fortunate enough to call the Roper Gulf region home. All the best
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Message from the CEO
Hello readers The early wet season so many people were predicting is yet to grace the Top End with its presence, so there have been plenty of uncomfortable people across the Roper Gulf region in October as the humidity spiked and temperatures
regularly nudged 40 degrees. As we prepare to endure the build-up for at least another few weeks, it is timely to consider how we protect ourselves against heat illness while going about our jobs. Heat illness is a genuine risk, and I implore everyone to learn more about it, and how to identify the warning signs in themselves and their colleagues. With only two months remaining in 2016, it is exciting to look back on some of the major achievements the Council has notched up this year, several of which have been in October. The Council’s Community Development Program continues to go from strength to strength, and the tireless work being done by staff to engage and upskill participants has been recognised by the media, which is extremely encouraging to see. The stunning Beswick Nursery featured extensively in the media, both here in the Northern Territory
and nationally, this month after a story about it on the NT Country Hour was picked up by ABC’s Radio National. Manyallaluk’s revived church – which was created with recycled and donated material – was celebrated when it was officially opened on October 17, with many community members featuring in the ABC NT story about it which aired on television. Congratulations to everyone involved – you are demonstrating why the Council is leading the way when it comes to innovation for this program. October was a bumper month for funding announcements that will allow the Council to develop infrastructure to stimulate economic development in its communities. In a true partnership, the NT Government has contributed $1 million, and the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development $999,500, to ensure Ngukurr and Numbulwar will have purpose-built transport hubs constructed by the end of 2018. Together, we can ensure the region remains sustainable, viable and vibrant. Until next time, stay safe.
Employees of the Month – October 2016 Employees of the Month are selected for their dedication and hard work within Roper Gulf Regional Council.
Headquarters – Lyndon Keane Barunga – Patricia Lee
Beswick – Martina Brown Borroloola – Rodwell Walden
Bulman – Lydia Lawrence Eva Valley – Robert Williri
Jilkminggan – Desmond George Mataranka – Chris Williams Ngukurr – Demetrius Ashley Numbulwar – Cyrus Ngalmi
Congratulations to all of the winners
Ngukurr rolls out Yugul Mangi welcome mat
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FESTIVAL FOCUS: The 2016 Yugul Mangi Festival allowed the Ngukurr community to share its rich culture with patrons, and was officially opened with colourful, head-turning traditional dance on October 15.
It began with a fashion parade and concluded with a community fun run, but the 2016 Yugul Mangi Festival provided a unique weekend of entertainment for every patron when it was held from October 14 to 16. Hundreds of Ngukurr residents joined with visitors to celebrate the community’s rich cultural
experiences and prowess on the sporting field, with soaring temperatures failing to melt the party atmosphere. Roper Gulf Regional Council staff worked hard to ensure community facilities were spotless for the event, which was officially opened by Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo after a spectacular
traditional dance display on the Saturday morning. With thousands of dollars in prizemoney on offer across a range of events, including the much-loved greasy pole competition and baby contest, the organising committee ensured the 2016 Yugul Mangi Festival was one to remember.
Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo opens the festival. Talented players fly high on the Australian football paddock.
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Do you have what it takes to team up with your friends and climb a greasy pole, in order to collect the $100 at the top?
The Katherine Isolated Children’s Service crew kept younger Ngukurr residents engaged with a range of fun activities.
Festival organisers made sure there was plenty of silverware available for patrons to get their hands on.
The fastest men catch their breath. Competition on the court was fierce. The colour of the festival was unique.
The fashion parade on October 14 turned heads and showed off the catwalk potential of some residents.
With so many adorable babies on hand, judges had a tough time in selecting Ngukurr’s pint-sized winners.
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The pride of Numbulwar was on display for all to see when the community hosted the 2016 Numburindi Festival at the start of October. Music and on-stage performances played pivotal roles in the two-day event, which coincided with the unveiling of a plaque honouring former resident Emery Joshua. As the sun set over the Gulf of Carpentaria on both nights of the festival, the community came alive with the scintillating talents of local dancers and bands. The Council’s Community Services team was kept busy over the weekend as it organised activities to keep youth in the festival spirit. The festival also provided a sensory delight as Council Services Co-ordinator John Terepo and some of the Community Development Program participants cooked a hangi for everyone to feast on.
Numbulwar turns on perfect festival weather
NUMBULWAR NIGHTS: The energetic Red Flag Dancers had the crowd enthralled as they performed a variety of traditional dances to signal the official start of the 2016 Numburindi Festival on October 7.
The hangi, which was cooked by Roper Gulf Regional Council staff, was a hit with patrons at the 2016 Numburindi Festival.
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Funding partnership drives transport vision
BARGE BOOST: Barges play a vital role in the delivery of freight to Numbulwar during the wet season, and they are set to receive improved landing access as part of a multimillion-dollar development in two Roper Gulf communities.
A $2.31 million plan to unlock the economic and social potential of the remote communities of Ngukurr and Numbulwar will be realised after Roper Gulf Regional Council secured the funding needed to proceed with the ambitious project this month. Road transport delivers the majority of freight to Ngukurr and Numbulwar, and both communities have been identified as growth towns by the Northern Territory Government. As part of the Council’s push to develop freight infrastructure, both communities will receive purpose-built facilities that include sealed heavy vehicle routes, undercover lay-down areas for loading and unloading, and dedicated parking. The project has been funded by all three tiers of Government, a partnership that reflects the
importance of adequate freight and transport infrastructure to regional economic development. The NT Government contributed $1m through its Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund, while the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development will add $999,500 to the project as part of its National Stronger Regions Fund. The Council has committed more than $300,000 to ensure the Growth Centre Transport and Freight Hub Project becomes a reality. Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen said the project meant supplies vital to the operation of both communities would no longer have to be unloaded in “dustbowls” or “a paddock of mud”.
“Right now, we have heavy vehicles manoeuvring into these towns without adequate heavy vehicle infrastructure, and that includes when they are unloading freight in dustbowls or a big, open paddock of mud, depending on the season,” she explained. She added that the facilities would help improve local area traffic management and safety in Ngukurr and Numbulwar, as well as open the door to more regular freight deliveries. “We worked with the freight industry on this, and we had some freight companies say they would actually provide greater services to these remote destinations if they had more formal freight depots there,” Mrs Hillen said. Read the full story about the ambitious infrastructure project on the Council website.
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A barbecue was used as a novel way to explain the importance of risk assessment when Council staff across the region participated in National Safe Work Month workshops in October.
The workshops were held at all remote sites, as well as in Katherine, and outlined the responsibilities of staff when it came to Work, Health and Safety, especially in regard to alcohol and other drugs.
Once the risk assessment exercise had been successfully completed, staff were able to savour the fruits of their learning experience and tuck into a mouth-watering barbecue lunch.
Elected Members and Executive staff learnt more about what the purchase of a mine in the Roper Gulf region means for local employment at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on October 14. MACMINES Austasia has taken ownership of the mine opposite Flying Fox Station, near Mataranka, and intends to have the facility extracting production levels of ilmenite by next month. With up to 300,000 tonnes of ilmenite expected to be extracted annually by 2017, the project will create between 20 to 40 jobs, many of which the company hopes will be taken up by locals.
MINE MATTERS: MACMINES Austasia representatives chat to the CEO, Deputy Mayor and Mayor following the presentation.
Mine development gets meeting mention
Talking WHS for National Safe Work Month
MATARANKA LAUNCH: The Council’s Work, Health and Safety team takes its National Safe Work Month message to Mataranka and celebrates with a staff barbecue - which formed part of a risk assessment exercise - on October 3.
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The rubbish adding to landfills in the Big Rivers region could soon be providing financial and environmental benefits to its three Regional Councils, thanks to a collaboration driving a rethink on remote waste management. The Big Rivers Waste Management Working Group (BRWMWG) comprises representatives of Roper Gulf Regional Council, Victoria Daly Regional Council and West Daly Regional Council, and was funded by the Northern Territory Department of Health, the Councils and in-kind support from Katherine Town Council. BRWMWG Co-ordinator Liam Harte said its purpose was to assess how waste was being managed at landfills operated by the Regional Councils, and to provide expertise and support to improve operational practices for the betterment of communities and the environment.
“The main waste management issues in the communities is that they are, in many cases, using outdated landfilling methods in landfills, which were improperly designed without separating recyclable and hazardous materials,” he explained. “Addressing this will go a long way towards improving the health and environmental outcomes from these sites.” Resource recovery has long been overlooked at remote Waste Management Facilities, but Mr Harte said he believed there was potential for the BRWMWG to lead a unified approach that would provide the economy of scale needed to make recycling financially viable. “By collaborating, the group can achieve better economies of scale for recyclable materials, which otherwise may have been unfeasible to manage, and can more efficiently organise regional
transport of waste,” he said. Roper Gulf Regional Council Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen said exploiting resource recovery opportunities would allow the organisation to create an additional revenue stream and boost local employment. “Resource recovery can be a viable industry, and an employer of unskilled labour in remote areas, if we can identify a marketplace for the Big Rivers region’s Councils as a collective,” she said. “There’s money to be made in resource recovery, and anything we can do to prevent material going into the dump is a cost recovery for Council, because that means we’re not having to rebuild, upgrade or extend a facility to take on more life.” Read the full story on the Council website.
Working group offers fresh look at waste potential
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL: Big Rivers Waste Management Working Group Co-ordinator Liam Harte says a change in thinking about the operation of remote landfills in the region has the potential to generate a positive cash flow.
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October was an extremely busy month for Community Night Patrol staff with training sessions and a range of community engagement activities filling the calendar. After undertaking first aid training earlier in the month, some staff then converged on Jilkminggan to support the community with a barbecue and afternoon of sports for youth. Community Night Patrol Acting Regional Manager Peter Hayes said he was proud of the level of enthusiasm shown by his team members as they learnt how to better protect their communities.
Night Patrol team learns first aid ropes
Tidy Barunga shines with 4 Gold Star Accreditation
TIDY RESULT: Minister for Housing and Community Development Gerry McCarthy, Member for Karama Ngaree Ah Kit and Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Lauren Moss present Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Barunga/Manyallaluk Council Services Co-ordinator Ben Ulamari, Councillor Anne Marie Lee and Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen with Barunga’s 4 Gold Star Accreditation at the 2016 Territory Tidy Town Awards.
TRAINING TIME: Community Night Patrol staff are put through their paces at a first aid training session during October.
Congratulations to Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Barunga team, which picked up a 4 Gold Star Accreditation at the 2016 Territory Tidy Town Awards at a gala function on October 21. Councillor Anne Marie Lee, Director of Council and
Community Services Sharon Hillen, and Barunga/Manyallaluk Council Services Co-ordinator Ben Ulamari represented the organisation at the event, as well as at an Australia Day conference and Territory Tidy Towns forum preceding the award ceremony.
The 4 Gold Star Accreditation is for Barunga’s consistency in maintaining its service standard from year to year. “This award proves Barunga is the benchmark for how towns in the Roper Gulf region can be presented,” Mrs Hillen said.
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by Tess Holgate It might not look like much, but a new building – made entirely from recycled materials – in a remote Northern Territory community is the answer to the prayers of the local community. The entire community of Manyallaluk attended the official opening in mid-October, at which church leader Rachel Kandino said parishioners had
“joy in their hearts” that the project had been completed. “The church has been praying for this to come to pass for some time,” she said. “It is a very important part of our community.” So when the Council approached residents about doing a work-for-the-dole project in their community, “it was clear that
somewhere for people to worship was at the top of the wish list, so Council staff and Community Development Project participants decided that creating a church out of an abandoned structure was something that would provide a long-term, genuine benefit,” CDP Regional Manager Janelle Iszlaub explained. Read the full story on the Eternity News website at eternitynews.com.au.
Manyallaluk parishioners celebrate church revival
Get your application in for a Community Grant Are you an individual, group or organisation seeking funding of up to $3000 to undertake a project that will better the community? Applications for round two of Roper Gulf Regional Council's 2016-17 Community Grants Program open on October 17 and close at 4.30pm on November 25, 2016. The Council is seeking applications for projects that
benefit economic development, the physical or natural environment, or community activities. Applicants may apply for up to $1000 for minor projects, and up to $3000 for major projects. For more information about the Community Grants Program, or how to submit an application, contact the Grants Co-ordinator by calling 08 8972 9038 or emailing [email protected].
PLACE OF WORSHIP: Every piece of furniture in the church built in Manyallaluk as part of a Council Community Development Program project is made by hand, including the pulpit, on which proudly rests a Bible translated into Kriol.
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Beswick youth let hair down at disco
Despite recent media coverage suggesting that dogs were out of control in some remote communities in the Roper Gulf region, data collected as part of the Council’s animal health program show populations actually decreased in the 2015-16 financial year. In total, 2392 dogs and 456 cats were treated as part of the program. On average, there were 16.5
dogs treated per 10 households, which equated to an estimated average population of 21 dogs per 10 households. This result is a good improvement from the previous estimated average of 21.9 dogs per 10 households, and the Council average is below the Northern Territory estimated average of 22.8 dogs per 10 households. The number of pups born in communities in the Roper Gulf
region averaged at 0.66 pups born per 10 adult dogs in 2015-16, an excellent result that is below the NT average of 1.13 pups born per 10 adult dogs - one of the best results ever achieved through the annual Council program. Data also shows that the health of animals is improving, due to the good level of desexing, the use of contraceptive injection and the acceptance of parasite control.
There was only one place to be in Beswick for anyone who loves to move to the music when the Council hosted a community disco on October 6. The event incorporated gaming activities and a pool showdown, before the sun set and music started to resonate around the community.
Senior Administration Support Officer Rodwynne King said the disco had brought Beswick together and been an overwhelming success. “We had about 120 children attend, between the ages of three to 16, and about 80 adults came to watch the children have fun,” she said.
Data shows dog population improvement
YOUTH GET MOVING: It was hard not to get swept up in the electric atmosphere during a disco in Beswick this month.
Assets receive local repair option after training Sourcing skilled tradespeople in remote communities can be difficult at the best of times, but the headache has been mitigated in Numbulwar following the success of a recent training program. A trainer from the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education worked with Council staff and Community Development participants for several weeks as he taught them the finer points of welding. With the training complete, the newly-skilled crew has been undertaking minor repairs around the community, much to the delight of Council Service Co-ordinator John Terepo. “I have a great handyman team that I work with closely,” he said. “They are very excited to continue exercising their new skills on local Council buildings and assets.”
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Out and About
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: The Barunga basketball team celebrates success after claiming a big win in the Katherine competition.
HANDY HELP: Recent welding training undertaken by some Council staff and Community Development Program participants in Numbulwar is already paying dividends for community buildings and assets.
From community visits by the new Member for Arnhem, to basketball competitions and an Ordinary Meeting of Council,
October kept staff across the Roper Gulf region on their toes. The Barunga basketball team is
the pride of the community after it toppled opponents to secure a comprehensive 40-27 victory in Katherine.
Helen Lee and Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo road test barrel furniture during a Barunga visit.
Upcoming Meetings of Council and Local Authorities
For current jobs, visit www.ropergulf.nt.gov.au or email [email protected].
Job Opportunities
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Do you have a story to tell or photograph to share? Roper Gulf Regional Council would like to showcase the stories and photographs from across the region. Residents, ratepayers and Council are invited to submit their articles and original photos for consideration. Please send your material to [email protected] or call the Communications Co-ordinator on 0419 891 666.
Date Time Meeting Location
14 Nov 10am Jilkminggan Local Authority Meeting Jilkminggan Council Office
15 Nov 11am Numbulwar Local Authority Meeting Numbulwar Council Office
16 Nov 10.30am Ngukurr Local Authority Meeting Ngukurr Council Office
17 Nov 11am Hodgson Downs Local Authority Meeting Alawa Boardroom
21 Nov 10am Beswick Local Authority Meeting Beswick Council Office
22 Nov 10am Barunga Local Authority Meeting Barunga Council Office
All Local Authority Meetings and Ordinary Meetings of Council are open to the public
Please Note: Local Authority Meetings are subject to change
23 Nov 8.30am Finance Committee Meeting 2 Crawford Street, Katherine
