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Roper Gulf Regional Council PO Box 1321 Katherine NT 0851 Phone: 08 8972 9000 Fax: 08 8971 2607 www.ropergulf.nt.gov.au

CONTENTS

FEB

RU

AR

Y

The Borella Ride travels through Mataranka

Shaunelle Sandy in Mataranka Read more on page 14...

Employees of the Month Pg3

Arts Funding Availability Pg4

Australia Day Awards Pg8

Ngukurr Housing Team Pg10

Police Coopera on Pg11

Numbulwar Clean‐Up Pg12

Community Grants Pg12‐13

Emergency Procedures Pg13

Beswick Driver Training Pg14

Borella Ride Pg14

Ngukurr RJCP efforts Pg15

Roper Gulf Regional Commu-nities were thankfully spared the devastation that some of our Arnhem Land Coastal neighbors suffered when Tropical Cyclone Lam crossed the coast in February. The damage at some of the coastal towns was wide spread and will take a lot of time and money to repair. The people of the coastal area are very resilient and it is reassur-ing to hear that Governments have stepped in quickly with relief and recovery support. It is a reminder of the risk we face living in the tropics, espe-cially in communities near the Gulf and on major flooding rivers. Our small town of Bulman which was directly on the route of the cyclone fortunate-ly only suffered some minor wind and flood damage as the cyclone deteriorated into a weak tropical low. I am told our preparations and re-sponse was well planned and well executed and I want to thank our Council staff on the ground for a good job well done. We may have dodged a bullet as they say but the cyclone season is not finished and could potentially extend into April. Climate change will bring change to our lives and it is important that our emer-gency planning is strong and practiced and that we contin-ue to work and develop strong

lines of communication with Police and Emergency Ser-vices and our communities. At a very domestic level we need to be vigilant at home ensur-ing that we keep our homes free of rubbish which can be-come missiles in wind and that we have personal emer-gency plans. Council met in the last week of February and had a solid agenda to be dealt with. There are some exciting pro-jects about to happen and I hope to be able to tell you about some of these in com-ing months. I am also sorry to announce that Cr Stan Allen who repre-sented South West Gulf Ward has decided to resign due to personal reasons. Cr Allen has been a strong advocate for his ward and community and a strong and respected member of Council who will be missed in our delibera-tions. On the 25 March three of our Councillors Ashley, Daylight

and Lee will be attending the Australian Local Government Women Association Biennial Conference in South Austral-ia. This will provide an oppor-tunity to network with Local Government women from across Australia and to hear about the how other Local Governments deal with issues we have in common. We all have full diaries in March with Local Authority meetings, the Finance Com-mittee meeting and other broader commitments. In mid march I will be speaking a forum on remote housing which should be a very inter-esting forum of relevance to many in our communities. All the best in March.

Message from the Mayor

Tony Jack

Black Arm-Band to visit Beswick

The renowned Melbourne based Indigenous band the “Black Arm Band” has announced that it is planning a trip to Beswick to conduct workshops and a concert later in the year.

Watch Roper Gulf’s website and Facebook page for future details.

RGRC Employees of the Month for

Message from the CEO

Well we are now in full swing again following the festive season break. All Managers have come together for this year’s first meetings in Katherine and many key issues were discussed and

actions put in place to address them. Council received some rather sad news with the resignation of well known Borroloola identity, Councillor Stan Allen. Councillor Allen has played an important role on Council and he ensured that a lot of focus was put on local roads, particularly in his own community. This will be his legacy and I am grateful for the valuable contributions he made during the time he had on Council. Due to Councillor Allen’s resignation, we now have a by-election planned to run in March and will look

forward to the successful new candidate to Council for the South West Gulf Ward. The wet season brought its first cyclone with the arrival of Cyclone Lam into our region. Cyclone Lam was a category four and of great concern to everyone in the region. Our communities of Bulman, Numbulwar, Beswick, Manyallaluk and Jilkminggan were all on full alert. They all had followed their emergency management plans and were fully prepared for the worst. My heartfelt thanks to our Community Service Managers in particular and staff who did an outstanding job when it was required. As luck would have it, all the communities came through pretty much unscathed which is a blessing for everyone concerned. The wet is still on so we all have to remain vigilant with our weather watch.

Employees of the Month - January

Employees of the Month are selected for their dedication and hard work within Roper Gulf

Regional Council.

Head Quarters: Hilary Sinfield

Barunga: Alma Ngalmi

Beswick: Tara Bush

Borroloola: Bertha Cochran

Bulman: Robbie Dalywater

Eva Valley: Matt McGinness

Jilkminggan: Wayne Collins

Mataranka: Dianne Collins

Ngukurr: Trevor Joe

Numbulwar: Christine Smith

Congratulations to all the winners!

National Youth is coming - April 3rd-16th 2015

Watch for events around your community or keep updated with what’s happening on the

Roper Gulf Website ropergulf.nt.gov.au

National Youth Week

Michael Berto

Funding Available for Artists and Arts Groups

Territorians, it’s time to get arty.

The Northern Territory Gov-ernment invites local artists, non-profit arts organisations and community groups to apply for arts project funding for activities beginning after 1 July 2015.

Arts and Museums Minister Gary Higgins said the funding through the NT Arts Grants Program supports the devel-opment and showcasing of Territory artistic talents.

“This enriches the lifestyle of Territorians and contributes to the development and vibrancy of our unique creative arts

sector,” Minister Higgins said.

“The funding can assist Terri-tory artists to explore stories, create new art works, develop artistic skills or share their creative work in remote areas of the NT and throughout Aus-tralia.

“These grants help make it easier for local artists to showcase and expand their talent.”

Funding is available to sup-port arts projects in the cate-gories of: Arts Development (up to $15,000), Presentation and Promotion (up to $15,000), Skills Development (up to $15,000) and Emerging

Artists (up to $10,000).

Past recipients of the grants include the Knock-em-Down Theatre for the production of Mary Anne Butler’s play, Bro-ken, CAAMA Music for the Tjintu Desert Band tour and showcase at the Australian World Music Expo, Watch This Space for artist camps celebrating 21 years of this artist run initiative in Alice Springs and Darwin musician Clayton Bennett to develop his first album.

Arts NT offers the funding twice a year through dedicat-ed competitive funding rounds assessed by peers.

Applicants are invited to apply online now through grants tracker (https://nretasgrants.nt.gov.au/GT7/Portal/Default.aspx) for the 2015 Project Round 1. The application period closes at midnight, 23 March 2015.

Sourced from NT Government Media Release - Minister for Arts and Museums, Gary Hig-gins

Do you like getting your local news fresh? Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Facebook page is the most immediate way of gaining breaking news from the source. You will find employ-ment opportunities, event information, sport event pho-

tos, meeting dates and much more!

To join us just like us—Roper Gulf Re-gional Council on Facebook

Employee Profile

This month’s Staff profile takes us into the CEO office. Rita Duncan is the CEO’s Executive Assistant. Rita sees her role as allowing the CEO to focus on his cen-tral role by providing adminis-trative support. Rita is the gatekeeper who enables Michael to undertake his role with out being over-whelmed with daily admin-istration. Keeping track of emails, cor-respondence and providing a filter of people and infor-mation flowing to the CEO is a key activity. She also man-ages the CEO appointments and schedule, sets up meet-ings and organises the Stra-tegic Leadership Meetings and quarterly Mangers meet-ings. Rita also supports the Director of Corporate Govern-ance, Greg Arnott. Rita says that she is amazed how much information flows into the CEO’s office and the huge amounts of emails and corre-spondence that need to be organised and the number of people who want to speak directly with the CEO. Rita has worked for Roper Gulf Regional Council for over three years, two of these as the Executive Assistant to the CEO Prior to her current role Rita

worked in Assets in fleet management. She must have some juggling skills as well. Before coming to Roper Gulf Rita lived in South Africa out-side a small town near Dur-ban. She provided the office support and management of the family electrical contract-ing business. As she tells it, “…coming to Australia was one of the best things I have done. It is a land of milk and honey… really”. She said. “The opportunity for young people is tremendous,” she said. It was her drive to ensure opportunity for her three children that bought her to Australia. “I don’t think Australians fully realise the advantages and the opportunity they have in this country”. South Africa was a very stressful place and nothing would make her go back. “In Australia we have had the opportunity to establish our-selves and my family is hap-py. My two sons are working and I am about to become a grandmother of twins!” she said excitedly. My younger daughter is doing well at school… what more could you ask for? The day we got our perma-nent residency was the big-gest day for all of us… there

was lots of tears and celebra-tions. This year we become eligible to apply for Australian Citi-zenship and as a family we may well do our ceremony here in Roper Gulf.” Rita is a busy person proving the old saying that if you want something done ask a busy person. She says her job is about helping organise the daily activities of the CEO but also working with and helping others. “Sometimes I feel like I am being everyone’s mum”. Rita in her own time loves her dogs and gardening and was an accomplished stain glass artist, something she would like to take up again when she has a little spare time. When asked where she would like to be in ten years time she said, “Living in a beach side cot-tage… some where warm “.

Rita Duncan - Executive Assistant to CEO

Reports to: CEO (Michael Berto)

PHOTOGRAPH OF

THE MONTH

Boating in the Ngukurr

Pool

Submitted by Paul Amarant: CSM Ngukurr

Out & About

Mayor Jack & Sam Bush (NLC)

Cyclone Lam heading for Bulman Grants Committee Meeting at the OCM

Going for a swim at the Ngukurr Town Pool

Above Left: Clean-Up Australia Day at Numbulwar

Above Centre: Ole Andersen and Revona Urban with ABC

representative Above Right: Borella Ride Horse

Centre Left: Jacqueline Riley picking up rubbish

Centre Right: Lisa Jelenic Below Left: Clean-Up Australia

Day at Ngukurr Below Right: Roper Gulf 4x4

Training group with CDU Trainer

Australia Day Celebrations and Awards

Roper Gulf Regional Council would like to congratulate all of the Australia Day nominees and winners!

Below is a list of the winners:

Community Event of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Young citizen of the Year

Barunga 2014 Barunga Festival David Shields Jeffrey McDonald

Borroloola 2014 Christmas Party Stephen Anderson Joel Bradford

Bulman 2014 Walaman Festival Margaret Lindsay Liam George

Jilkminggan ABC Haywire Play Cecilia Lake Tyrrel Baker

Mataranka 2014 Australia Day Celebrations Tracey-Ann Wilson Nil

Australia Day Celebrations around the Region

Mataranka

Mataranka

Mataranka

Ngukurr Ngukurr

A Big Month for Local Authorities

Reconciliation Action Plan

Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan Draft has been forwarded by Council to Local Authorities for consultation. Local Authorities will be able at their next meeting to com-ment and recommend changes on the draft before it returns to Council for ratification.

Local Authority Training April is a going to be a big month for Local Authority Members. Training in the areas of understanding financial reports and governance will be offered by Local Government Associa-tion of the Northern Territory (LGANT) train-ers. All Local Authority members are encour-aged this will support and enhance their role.

For more information contact Governance on 8972 9000

Beswick 10.00am

Manyallaluk 3.00pm

Barunga 10.00am

Numbulwar 3.00pm

Ngukurr 10.00am

Local Authority Training

20th April 2015

20th April 2015

21st April 2015

21st April 2015

22nd April 2015

Hodgson Downs 3.00pm 22nd April 2015

Borroloola 10.00am 23rd April 2015

Bulman 12.30pm 24th April 2015

Jilkminggan 10.00am 28th April 2015

Mataranka 5.00pm 28th April 2015

Ngukurr Housing Maintenance welcomes Matthew Pope to the team

Community Round-up

The Borroloola MUNs Team working hard

In the heart of the Savannah Way the Borroloola MUNS crew have serviced the town for many years.

A number of the fellas have worked with Roper Gulf and the old Borroloola Council for over 10 years with one Jerry close to 20 years.

The MUNS crew has Albie as the supervisor, Robbie and Jerry on the garbage truck while Rodwell and Dawn work hard as masters of all trades including but not limited to feeding impounded dogs at the pound.

Council would like to welcome Rodwell and Dawn as the newest workers with the crew. The crew is small, but they work hard to try and get everything done in Borroloola.

It would be nice to have some more guys and gals on the crew…this crew works hard. It’s a pleasure to work with them.

Submitted by Nathan McIvor: Council Services Manager Borroloola

Ngukurr have just employed another Housing Maintenance Officer; Matthew Pope. Mat-thew will assist the current team with carrying out he huge workload.

The Ngukurr Housing Mainte-nance Team is averaging 100 jobs or more every month which includes jobs from NT Housing, RGRC Assets and other Stakeholders..

Council Services Manager at Ngukurr, Paul Amarant con-gratulated the team on ‘doing an excellent job keeping the community people happy and satisfied’.

Manyallaluk and Maranboy Police, a model of successful cooperation

What do poisoned water sup-plies, rogue buffalo and anti-social behaviour have in com-mon?

The answer is they have all affected community safety in the remote community of Manyallaluk, population 70 located 35km north of Ma-ranboy.

Maranboy Police have been actively supporting the local Community Safety Committee (CSC) and the results have been impressive. The commu-nity identified in its Communi-ty Safety Action Plan (CSAP) the issues of alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour, the threat posed to residents, particularly children, by rogue buffalo wandering through the community day and night and the concern that poisoning of the communities water supply by toxic and invasive neem trees could occur.

The committee, chaired by Maranboy Police R/SGT Charles Drury and S/C Jamie Lauder and comprising senior community elders Alison An-drews, Daisy-Bell Williri, An-drew Hood and Samuel Ran-kin (to name a few) and com-munity residents worked through the issues and agreed on a range of measures to fix the problems.

Local police, working with their colleagues in Katherine and Mataranka, adopted a number of strategies that sig-nificantly slowed the flow of alcohol into Manyallaluk.

The community, working with indigenous Jawowyn Rangers and Roper Gulf Shire Council, trapped, removed and sold the rogue buffalo; and the neem trees have now been largely removed.

At the most recent CSC on the 27th January 2015 many community elders and resi-dents expressed their happi-ness at the outcomes and stated that their children were safer and all community mem-

bers were experiencing the benefits of peace and quiet at night, children getting to school after a good sleep and less noise and disruption to their lives.

Whilst many of us working in urban centres don’t consider wandering buffalo, cheeky crocodiles, poisoned bores and the myriad of other very real community safety issues that exist throughout NT, bush coppers face these issues every day.

Manyallaluk is a success story due to the efforts of the com-munity in taking ownership of and responsibility for solving their own problems.

The relationship between the local residents and police is very positive and they are actively seeking more involve-ment with Police in the deliv-ery of more crime prevention and cyber-safety education.

Reprinted from the 6th Febru-ary 2015 eDrum, The NT Po-lice, Fire and Emergency Ser-vices online magazine.

In Community Grants News

Lunch time has become safer and more comfortable for the little ones at Mataranka School which now has three strong, safe, age appropriate tables and bench seats for the preschool/transition and younger pupils to be able to comfortably eat their lunches at. No more dangling legs or splinters, no more sitting on the hot ground. The photo shows they are obviously a winner with the kids.

The tables and bench seating were purchased through a $3000 Community Grant from the Roper Gulf Regional Council.

Aged Care woman clean up at Numbulwar.

This year’s Clean up Australia Day bought about 30 people out to do a clean up across Numbulwar, a small town located on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Numbulwar was on the edge of Cyclone Lam but managed to escape with little more than a bit of wind and some flooding. The annual Clean up event brightened the town up and strengthened a growing pride in the town. One of the teams of volunteers who cleaned around the town and airport was a team of staff from the Numbulwar Aged Care. The Aged Care team was recognized for the effort they put in by winning the encouragement prize of $100 provided by the NewTown Gen-eral Store. Aged Care Coordinator Kim Freeman praised her team, “They were champions and it was very hot. We picked up a fair whack of rubbish and the town looked so much better after the cleanup. Everybody involved in our Clean Up Australia

did a great job.” Well done Jackie, Faith, Ella, Riley and Kim. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ after the clean up and the feeling of a good job done.

New approach to managing emergencies tested at Beswick.

The small town of Beswick, located 100 kilometres east Katherine, was impacted by minor flooding when the tropi-cal low associated with the weakened ex Tropical Cy-clone Lan hit in mid February. There was initially serious concern about flooding poten-tial but the expected heavy rain in the catchment did not occur and Beswick was only affected for a couple of days. The Waterhouse River flood-ed over the bridge to a depth of 2.27 metres closing the Central Arnhem Highway but no property was damaged. As a precaution six aged com-munity members and about seven families moved up to the school. The flooding gave Police and Emergency Services and

Council officers an opportunity to manage the developing emergency on the ground at Beswick rather than from away from the town. Having the Police and Emer-gency Services personnel in the town was something new for the small town which has got used to dealing with flood-ing emergency alone. The relatively slow arrival of the storm front meant the emer-gency services were able to station two Police and two emergency Services Officers in the small town. “Police and Emergency Ser-vices gave us all a sense of safety knowing they were in control and not on the other side of the river”, Council Ser-vices Manager at Beswick Helen Hawkins said. “They kept me informed of any changes and the community was clearly more comfortable and settled knowing they were here”. Helen said the community was relieved to have them there, ….” It was great that they were monitoring the river lev-

els day and night and as the lead agency they were able to organise the evacuation to the school. Previously support and direction had come to us from the other side of the riv-er. The Waterhouse River floods regularly and the older part of Beswick is built on a flood plain so our residents are pretty use to flooding but it is still upsetting and unsettling for many people, so having the Police and Emergency Services here was very wel-come. Hopefully the same process will be included per-manently in the Emergency Management plan for future events in Beswick”. Ms Hawkins thanked the Po-lice and Emergency services for the in support during the

A Community Grant from Roper Gulf Regional Council has also enabled the Borroloola Amateur Race Club to put comfortable bench seating at the rodeo ground. The seating has been locat-ed in the shade of the big old fig Tree away from dust and noise, a great place for a breather away from the excitement of the arena.

The next Borroloola Rodeo is scheduled for August, so put this must see event in your diary!

Great seats available at the Borroloola Rodeo

In last edition of the newsletter we told the story of the suc-cessful RJCP Driver training program and how important it is in our small towns. We can now tell you about achieve-ments two of our Community Service workers, Revonna Ur-ban and Kaffie Rickson who have been taking lessons with RJCP Driving Instructor Ole Andersen. Kaffie passed her driving test at the end February and Revonna will be doing her test very soon. Not only will these women gain more independence by being able to drive it will also mean that Community Services in

Beswick will have two more drivers to help deliver their im-portant services for children, families and the elderly. The two learners have com-mented how supportive Ole has been, how much they have enjoyed their lessons and how much they have learnt. Congratulations Kaffie and all the best with your test Revon-na. The RJCP Driving program offers a rare opportunity for people in remote communities to get professional driving in-struction. With a driving licence people increase their oppor-tunity of finding work.

Beswick women are doing it for themselves.

In 1915, Albert Borella jour-neyed through 1,000 kilometres of NT’s outback from Tennant Creek to Darwin to enlist in World War I. He fought at Gal-lipoli and the Western Front;

was wounded, commissioned on the battlefield, and awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honour for valour in combat. A re-enactment celebrating the journey one hundred years ago has been undertaken by rela-tives of Albert Borella and oth-ers to celebrate the story of his journey to join the AIF at the start of World War I. The commemoration journey travelling party visited Daly Waters, Larrimah and Mata-ranka; all within the Roper Gulf Council Region. At each stop local residents and visitors were able to meet with the riders, horses and sup-port team and find out more about the ride and the Borella’s amazing story. Many children from local school came along and were informed

about Albert Borella’s life and times through activities and talks which bought to life the harsh times in the context of the Great War. A community evening was held at Mataranka in which young and old were able to meet the riders and horses, play games and enjoy a BBQ. The other real heroes of the ride must be the horses, “Walers”, descendants of the breed that provided the mounts of the Australian Light horse. These well trained horses and their handlers from the re-enactment ride were a popular part of the visits. The Borella Ride is the North-ern Territory Government’s flagship Anzac Centenary activ-ity, supported by the Australian Government.

The Borella Ride passed through the Never Never

Photos sourced from ABC

Ngukurr RJCP Team working hard

Ngukurr RJCP has been very busy over the past few months completing projects all around the community, bringing health and safety and some fun places for kids to occupy their afternoons and weekends, So far a park play set and the building of a chemical shed for the local pool to protect children from the caustic chemicals have been completed. Ngukurr RJCP has a total of 8 team at present comprising of 15 participants and one supervisor with another 4 teams to be filled, completing other civil projects like

cemetery restoration, lawns and maintenance, Shade and shelter for Park benches and BBQ areas, market garden and youth activities to name a few. All work is completed by local men and women of Ngukurr supporting the growth and development of their home lands, the RGRC RJCP has been received very well by the local population and looks set to accomplish great work. Submitted by Aaron Carroll, Senior Employment and Training Coordinator (RJCP Ngukurr/Numbulwar Region)

Community Vet Visits - Does your pet need a check-up?

A vet will be visiting:

Beswick: Monday 2nd March - Thursday 5th March 2015

Ngukurr and Urapunga: Monday 16th March - Friday 20th March 2015

Barunga: Monday 30th March - Wednesday 1st April 2015

Borroloola: Monday 13th April - Monday 20th April 2015

Numbulwar: Monday 27th April - Friday 1st May 2015

Bulman and Weemol: Monday 18th May - Thursday 21st May 2015

Here is the park play equipment completed in December 2014 (needs weeding)

Pool chemical shed at Ngukurr pool, completed by RJCP.

Upcoming Meetings of Council and Local Authorities

Contact Us RGRC Mayor Tony Jack Phone: 0428 793 132 Email: [email protected] RGRC Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane Phone: 0437 918 115 Em: [email protected]

Chief Executive Officer Michael Berto Phone: 0427 799 621 Email: [email protected] Roper Gulf Regional Council Reception Phone: (08) 8972 9000 Fax: (08) 8971 2607 Email: [email protected]

Job Opportunities

For current jobs go to www.ropergulf.nt.gov.au or email [email protected]

Do you have a story to tell or a photograph to share?

Roper Gulf Regional Council would like to showcase your stories and photographs from our Region. Residents and RGRC staff are invited to submit their articles and original photos to be considered for an upcoming edition of the RGRC Newsletter, RGRC Face-book Page and/or RGRC Website. Please submit your material to [email protected] or 08 8972 9000

Date Time Meeting Location

09 Mar 2014 5.30pm Mataranka Local Authority Meeting Lot 6282 Stuart Highway

05 Mar 2015 10.00am Borroloola Local Authority Meeting Borroloola Council Office

11 Mar 2015 10.30am Ngukurr Local Authority Meeting Ngukurr Council Office

12 Mar 2015 2.00pm Hodgson Downs Local Authority Mtg Alawa Board Room

16 Mar 2015 10.00am Beswick Local Authority Meeting Beswick Council Office

16 Mar 2015 2.00pm Manyallaluk Local Authority Meeting Manyallaluk Council Office

17 Mar 2015 10.00am Barunga Local Authority Meeting Barunga Council Office

18 Mar 2015 2.00pm Bulman Local Authority Meeting Bulman Council Office

19 Mar 2015 10.00am Numbulwar Local Authority Meeting Numbulwar Council Office

All Local Authority and Ordinary Meetings of Council are open to the Public to attend.

Please Note: Local Authority Meetings are subject to change

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