 Sense of family crosses all
bounds
"Despite our differences in culture, languages, remoteness,
size and geography, Local Government in the Territory displays a
clear sense of family," said Bob Beadman, Secretary Department of
Housing and Local Government. "This is particularly evident at the
regular Local Government Association of Northern Territory (LGANT)
meetings and the Department's regional training sessions."
Strategies for the future
Working in
partnership with LGANT, during 1994 the Department surveyed all
Councils. The aim was to ascertain what the industry identified as
key issues facing current and future operations of Local Government
in the Territory. As a result of this survey, the Minister for Local
Government, Mick Palmer, recently launched 'Focus For Change:
Strategic Planning for Local Government in the Northern Territory'.
The document, presented in plain English, is primarily a vehicle for
promoting further discussion in respect to reform.
Enhancing community self management
$1.5
million over the next three years, provided through the
Commonwealth's Local Government Development Fund, has lead to the
development of the Remote Area Management Project (RAMP). RAMP is a
training program designed to increase the skills of Aboriginal
elected members in remote area Councils. The aim is to enhance
community self management practices.
Timber Creek - tidiest town in the
Territory
Working together as a community proved a winning recipe
for the small town of Timber Creek which took out the Territory's
1996 Tidy Town Award. Located 280 kilometres south west of Katherine,
Timber Creek has a population of around 200 people. Formed as a
Community Government Council in 1992, the town capitalised on its
unique composition of equal numbers of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal
elected members to draw on the support of the whole community.
Training for remote area staff
As all
organisations are only as good as the people operating them, training
for staff and elected representatives is vital. To assist staff in
remote areas to enhance their skills, courses have been designed
providing on the job training.
$4m Mall upgrade for Darwin
Darwin's $4
million Mall upgrade follows a period of intense community
consultation. After obtaining input from many community groups,
organisations and individuals, sketch plans were drawn up. Residents,
retailers and property owners were then invited to have their say
about the plans and their particular needs.
Modern economy for an ancient culture
The Jawoyn people of the Katherine region of the Northern Territory
have recently launched their first five year plan. The Plan sets out
a comprehensive proposal for economic development consistent with the
social and cultural needs of the region's inhabitants.
Active in community life
In the remote
town of Timber Creek, Lorraine Jones' multiple roles have
significance beyond the boundaries of the small community. Lorraine
combines work as one of the few women Aboriginal Police Liaison
Officers in the Northern Territory, with her role as Councillor along
with active participation in numerous associations serving the local
area. Only 22 years of age, she has been an elected member on the
Timber Creek Community Government Council since its inception four
years ago.
So near so far
Located just eight
kilometres across the bay from the centre of Darwin, Cox Peninsula is
nonetheless in many ways a remote and vulnerable area in the
Territory. Prone to cyclones and in weather where boating conditions
are hazardous, the population of just 200 people must travel 130
kilometres by road to access emergency and other services available
in Darwin. In response to this risk, the Cox Peninsula Emergency
Service Volunteer Unit has been established.
Infrastructure program at Nguiu
On
Bathurst Island, Nguiu Community Government Council is taking a
proactive approach to community infrastructure. It is investing money
in facilities, not only needed by the community, but with a dual
advantage of providing a financial return on the investment.
Gaye Lawrence Territorian of the year
Like
many before her, Gaye Lawrence travelled to the Northern Territory
from Sydney with the intention of having a short working holiday.
Twenty years later she still lives in NT and is one of its most
active advocates. Gaye is not only the President of the Community
Government Council of Pine Creek, where she lives, but is the first
woman Vice President of LGANT.
The Titjikala story
With the Notice of
Approval of the draft Tapatjataka Community Government Scheme in the
Northern Territory Gazette in October last year, the story of the
Titjikala community located on the western edge of the Simpson desert
entered a new phase. Development of tourist facilities and the
setting up of a local building team, the success of which has seen
the idea spread to other communities, indicate the viability and
cohesion of the community. The goal of Titjikala has always been to
be among the best in Central Australia, meeting current needs and
providing future directions well into the 21st century.
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