ISSUE 3
JULY 2021
INSIDE THIS ISSUE... 50 Years of Council – page 2
Youth Climate Series – page 6
RWMF Open Day – page 7
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Alice Springs Town Council
Contents... Council Meetings
1
50 Years of Council
2
Your Council
3
Council Update from Cr Glen Auricht
3 Councillor Brendan Heenan
Council News
4
What’s on in July
5
Arts and Youth
6
Waste & Recycling
7
Public Library
8
Aquatic & Leisure Centre
9
Rangers Update
10
Local Government
11
Socials
13
Contacts
15
Alice Springs Town Council acknowledges the Central Arrernte people who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Alice Springs-Mparntwe. 1
Brendan Heenan Awarded OAM Alice Springs Town Council would like to congratulate former Councillor Brendan Heenan after being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia. Mr Heenan served the community as Councillor from 2008-2016 and also served as Deputy Mayor during his tenure as part of the eleventh and twelfth Councils. He was awarded as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours list for his significant service to the Central Australian tourism industry.
membership of Tourism Central Australia in 2015. During his time with Council, Mr Heenan was a member of a team that oversaw major improvements to Alice Springs including Stage 1 of the Aquatic and Leisure Centre upgrades and the establishment of the Transfer Station at the Regional Waste Management Facility. Mr Heenan also played a role in the completion of the indoor netball stadium, as well as the inclusive, all-faith chapel at the Alice Springs Garden Cemetery in 2017. Congratulations Brendan, an honour well deserved.
Some of that work included Brendan’s chairing of the NT Caravan Parks Association for 28 years and being awarded life
Council Meetings... Commence 5.30pm, in the Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 93 Todd Street.
July meetings: • Tuesday, 13 July 2021 • Tuesday, 27 July 2021
Council Connects July 2021
Celebrating 50 Years of Council in 2021 It’s time to bust out your dancing shoes and help Alice Springs Town Council celebrate as July marks 50 years of service to the community. Council will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Thursday 1 July, with the town officially becoming a municipality on this date in 1971. The very first meeting of Council was held on 5 July 1971 with successful candidates comprising the first Council going on to play key roles in the governance of the NT as a whole.
Marlene Brown, Allan Dunstan, Len Kittle, Brian Martin, Peter Leunig, Andrew McPhee, Dave Baldock, Jock Nelson (Mayor), and Paul Everingham were elected as Aldermen of the first Council. Jock Nelson went on to serve as the Northern Territory’s Administrator (1973 – 1975) and Paul Everingham the first Chief Minister (1978 – 1984), while many other names still pop up in every day life around Alice Springs – such as the Jock Nelson Centre, and Len Kittle Drive.
Council is celebrating the occasion in combination with its Territory Day Citizenship Ceremony, commencing at 9am, with an open invitation to the community to join us on the Council lawns for a free BBQ from 11am, Thursday 1 July. There will be a banner display of photographs from the last 50 years, featuring a few of Council’s significant achievements in Alice Springs. There may even be cupcakes on offer… Make sure you come and celebrate with your Council on Thursday 1 July 2021!
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Alice Springs Town Council
Your Council Mayor Damien Ryan 0428 825 392 dryan@astc.nt.gov.au Deputy Mayor Jacinta Price 0400 417 794 jprice@astc.nt.gov.au Councillor Glen Auricht 0438 598 892 grauricht@astc.nt.gov.au Councillor Marli Banks 0417 681 111 mbanks@astc.nt.gov.au Councillor Jimmy Cocking 0423 511 931 jcocking@astc.nt.gov.au Councillor Jamie de Brenni 0418 890 157 jdebrenni@astc.nt.gov.au Councillor Eli Melky 0427 012 699
Council Update from Cr Glen Auricht I was elected onto the Alice Springs Council in August 2017, following my retirement after serving 21 years in the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics in the field of civil construction and planning. Prior to this I worked with my family for 24 years at Hermannsburg supporting and resourcing Indigenous people moving back to country. My wish when elected to Council was to continue to support and contribute, through local government, to our community, utilising my extensive local knowledge and experience. The last 4 years on Council has certainly been an eye opener for me, and difficult at times, dealing with major issues in our town, while still supporting
emelky@astc.nt.gov.au Councillor Matt Paterson 0424 652 640 mpaterson@astc.nt.gov.au Councillor Catherine Satour 0423 566 920 csatour@astc.nt.gov.au New Todd Mall Southern entrance 3
the delivery of vital services for our community. In my time I have not brought to council any major new developments, but instead have concentrated on supporting and delivering sound financial management and good governance of the services and work that our Mayor and elected members approve, and which our council officers and staff deliver so well. With next Local Government elections looming in August, the major issues facing the new council are the ongoing management of the COVID-19 health response, efficient delivery of key services, climate change and managing our carbon footprint. Water management, supporting the growth and development of our town, growing indigenous inclusiveness, and working effectively with NTG and the Federal Government for funding various projects and programmes. I will not be contesting the next elections in August, but plan to spend more time with my family and other volunteering pursuits in our wonderful town. Councillor Glen Auricht
Council Connects July 2021
New Todd Mall Southern entrance, image by William C Thomson Photography
New Todd Mall entrance unveiled
Progress on park upgrades around Alice
with new play equipment to be installed at Oleander and Tucker Parks this coming year.
If you’ve taken a stroll down Todd Mall recently, you may have noticed something a little different waiting for you at the southern entrance.
Over the past 12 months, Alice Springs Town Council have been hard at work to complete upgrades to several public parks, in line with placemaking commitments outlined in last year’s Municipal Plan 2020/2021.
For those wanting to shoot hoops, you will find a new 6x7m basketball court at McCoy Park, along with a newly installed smart bin.
The recently completed Todd Mall entry statement brings a contemporary new look to a long-standing and iconic Alice Springs landmark. The entrance sign was completed in time for the recent Finke Street Party & Night Markets, with numerous visitors to our town capturing photographic mementos beside it, effectively promoting our Todd Mall across the country. The new sign is illuminated in the evening, highlighting the entrance to the Todd Mall and providing a twilight photo opportunity. So, if you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you check it out – we’d love to see your photos next to the sign on social media, just tag AliceSpringsTC!
Council’s Depot works included installation of a large shade structure over existing play equipment at Spencer Park, four outdoor fitness centres located along Barrett Drive and Sturt Terrace, dog-friendly bubblers and shade structures installed at Tucker Park, and the refurbishing of Rotaract Park into a designated off-leash exercise area for dogs, big and small, with no time restrictions.
Council would like to thank members of the Alice Springs community who contributed their feedback to these projects! Parks upgrades and place-making benefits our entire community – keep up with all future projects by downloading the Municipal Plan 2020/2022, available from Council’s website.
A new 1.25m wide concrete path and dog-friendly water bubblers were also recently completed at Oleander Park. In Council’s recently adopted Municipal Plan 2020/2022, place-making projects continue
Example of new shade structure 4
Alice Springs Town Council
What’s on in July WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE
5
THURSDAY 1 JULY
FRIDAY 2-3 JULY
COUNCIL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
ALICE SPRINGS SHOW alice-springs.com.au
SUNDAY 4 JULY
SUNDAY 11 JULY
MONDAY 12JULY
THURSDAY 15 JULY
SATURDAY 17-18 JULY
SUNDAY 25 JULY
Council Connects July 2021
Find Council @ the Show! It’s that time of year again where the town comes alive for the annual Alice Springs Show. Find us at the Council stand at our new location next to the Yellow Shed, where we will have FREE coffee, tea and biscuits available. The perfect spot to meet your friends or take a break from the chaos of sideshow alley! For tickets and info visit www.alice-springs.com.au
The creativity of Alice Springs’ young aspiring filmmakers will be on the big screen at the 2021 Phoney Film Festival screening and awards night this month. Entries into the film festival close on Thursday 1 July so there’s only a couple of days to submit your Phoney film!
Youth Climate Series
Akeyulerre Healing Centre, at 40 South Terrace, from 11am-3pm.
Planeteers Workshops Alice Springs Town Council’s youth climate workshop series – The Planeteers! – will conclude this month with the final two sessions open to young people, aged between 12-25 years. The next workshop will focus on Bush Medicine and Connecting to Country, and takes place on Sunday 4 July. Participants will receive a hands-on learning experience on the traditional healing properties of local plants used as bush medicine. The workshop will be held at
The final Planeteers workshop, facilitated by Lily Favrel, will focus on sustainable body products, teaching participants how to make natural moisturisers and body scrubs, and will be held at Olive Pink Botanic Garden on Sunday 25 July from 11.30am-2.30pm.
All entries will be screened at the Alice Springs Cinema on Thursday 15 July with awards to be announced on the night. The judging panel comprises film industry professionals who will determine the top three short films, but the audience gets to choose the People’s Choice winner! Tickets are FREE, but bookings are essential! For more information, visit alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Book your place early by contacting 8950 0547, or email YDO@astc.nt.gov.au
Planeteers Workshops
Planeteers Workshops 6
Alice Springs Town Council
Get your hands dirty at RWMF Open the RWMF Open Day! I’m Cactus Man Shanon Richter-Cross
Have you ever wondered what happens to your rubbish after drop-off at the Regional Waste Management Facility? Or maybe you’re curious about landfill operations beyond the public areas?
You can also get your hands dirty with a ‘Pallets for Posteriors’ workshop, teaching you how to turn old pallets into chairs, PLUS a ‘Wicked Wicking’ workshop, upskilling you to make your own water-efficient wicking beds at home. A free BBQ will be held on the day, as well as a free lucky dip for kids! The open day is open to all members of the community from 10am-1pm, Sunday 11 July. Don’t waste your Sunday – make your way down to the Regional Waste Management Facility, Commonage Road, instead!
Day
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Deadly Dog Will Ladson
The RWMF will open its gates to the public, with guided bus tours taking you behind the scenes and into the landfill area, so you can see for yourself how Alice Springs’ waste is managed.
The Malpa Chair Julie Anderson and Margaret Smith
This month you’ll get your opportunity to have those questions, and many more, answered with the first Regional Waste Management Facility Open Day coming up on Sunday 11 July.
Council Connects July 2021
Young Territory Author Awards Writing workshops with DECLAN MILLER Friday 9 July 3pm - 4pm Ages 12-18 Andy McNeill Room Alice Springs Town Council Bookings essential visit Eventbrite.com.au or call Alice Springs Public Library on 8950 0555
Book your spot at the Young Territory Author Awards Writing Workshop
the small town of Alice Springs. His family is from Arrernte and Anmatyerre Lands. He is the driving force behind Stick Mob creative which he established while still at school. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Head to Eventbrite.com.au or call the Library on 8950 0555 to secure your spot today.
Declan Miller The Alice Springs Public Library are hosting a writing workshop with popular authors including Declan Miller on Friday, 9 July. Aimed at ages 12-18, come along and get great tips, tricks, inspiration and advice to help you polish your YTAA entry. Declan Miller’s debut graphic novel Mixed Feelings shows the diversity of stories that make up
craft including ‘Healing Country’ flowerpots. Our regular Preschool Storytime and Baby Rhyme time programs continue throughout the school holidays. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited visit Eventbrite.com.au to register and follow us on Facebook @ASPLibrary to stay up to date this school holidays!
Find out What’s On @ your Library these School Holidays School holidays are upon us and as always, your Library has plenty of fun to keep the kids busy over the next couple of weeks. We have a wide range of activities to suit a variety of ages including, craft workshops, Lego, board games and STEAM. In recognition of NAIDOC week (4-11 July) you can enjoy Indigenous themed board games, as well as storytime and
Alice Springs Public Library will be CLOSED on the Show Day Public Holiday Friday, 2 July 2021. 8
Alice Springs Town Council
Waterslides open regularly between 10.30am 2.30pm every day these School Holidays!
FREE Introduction to Water Sessions for World Drowning Prevention Day In conjunction with World Drowning Prevention Day on Sunday 25 July, Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre will be offering FREE ‘Introduction to Water’ sessions for parents with babies under 6 months old. These short 20 minute sessions will run in the afternoon and are aimed at teaching parents how to safely introduce their children to water. Topics will include conditioning,
Learn to Swim Bookings remain open for our school holiday Learn to Swim Intensives. Intensives are a great way to keep the kids active over school holidays while accellerating skill development with one class everyday for 5 days. Intensives are aimed at school aged 9
back floating, how to hold your baby in the water, as well as highlighting the benefits of regular swimming lessons and water exposure.
ASALC Winter Hours Weekdays (MON-FRI)
6am- 6.30pm
Weekends (SAT-SUN, & Public Holidays)
9am - 3pm Water Slides operating 1pm-4pm
Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre will be CLOSED on Show Day Friday, 2 July 2021
Sessions will be for one parent and child with 10 spots open. Entry to the session is free, normal pool entry fees apply. Registration essential as numbers are limited. Register by visiting the front desk, or calling the Centre on 8950 4360. children from Courage 4 and above. Intensives will be held 5-9 July & 12-16 July. Cost is $95 for 5 lessons, bookings are essential. Learn to Swim Term 3 bookings will open on Monday, 12 July. Bookings can be made online via asalc.com.au or by calling 88950 4360.
SATURDAY 21 AUGUST 2km = $2000 cash prize 1km = $1000 cash prize 1. Choose your distance: ULTRA 2km or ULTRA 1km 2. Register by 5pm, Friday 13 August 2021 3. Start training for the desert’s ULTIMATE endurance swim event!
8950 4360 info@asalc.com.au asalc.com.au
Council Connects July 2021
When sharing open green spaces with others especially at parks and ovals... Please remember to keep your dog on a leash.
Where can you exercise your dog off-leash, any time? Council encourages dog owners to make the most of the newly re-appointed Rotaract Dog Park – the first park in Alice Springs where you can exercise your canine buddies (big and small) off-leash, 24/7! For all other grassed parks and ovals, please ensure your pet is only off-leash during the specified times. Off-leash times are between 5am and 8am every day of the week, excluding Anzac Oval and TIO Traeger Park where animals are not permitted. Rangers wish to remind pet
owners that dogs must remain under effective control at all times, whether off-leash or on, especially when sharing open green space with other users and sporting clubs. Any owner deemed by Rangers to be not effectively controlling their pet will be asked to place the animal on a leash. Refusal to do so may incur an infringement, under Council By-laws 2008. A full list of Council’s off-leash pet exercise parks can be found here. Visit alicesprings.nt.gov.au/ web/community/animalmanagement/pet-ownership for more information on caring for your pets, or about animal ownership in Alice Springs.
Keep your pets safe this Territory Day Territory Day celebrations are fast approaching on Thursday 1 July 2021!! Your Council Rangers wish to advise the pet-lovin’ community to keep pets safe indoors, or comfortable and secure on your property, during the fireworks permit period between 6pm-11pm only. You can enjoy a safe celebration this coming Territory Day by: • leaving pets at home, safe indoors with plenty of water (with a radio or TV on, if you’re heading out) • ensuring fireworks are only set off – one at a time – between 6pm-11pm, in a clear space (min. 10m clearing) • pointing fireworks away from trees, dry grass, buildings, neighbour’s homes, animals, other people • not allowing children under 12 years to handle fireworks For the NTG’s complete Safe Celebrations Guide, visit...
Pets on Parade 2021 © William C Thomson Photography
territoryday.nt.gov.au 10
Alice Springs Town Council
NTG SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS Visit www.youth.nt.gov.au/calendar
GAP YOUTH CENTRE | Brown Street drop in - Tangentyere | Monday Movies - The Y | Youth Sport Series - The Y | NAIDOC Week event @ the GAP | NAIDOC Week event @ Brown St | Get Crafty @ the Plaza | YORET 24/7 Youth Hub | Hip Hop @ The GAP | CodeGap Boot Camp @ The GAP | Bush Medicine Youth Workshop - ASTC | Phoney Film Festival -ASTC | Wet Wednesdays!
You can now choose to change from Income Management to the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) If you are on Income Management, or have a BasicsCard, you can now choose to get the CDC. The CDC uses newer technology than the BasicsCard. It works and looks like a regular bank card. It can be used everywhere except to buy alcohol, gambling products or to withdraw cash. The CDC works at over one million eftpos terminals across Australia, compared to the BasicsCard, with only around 17,000 shops. The CDC can be used to pay bills, make direct debits, shop online, book travel and transfer money between CDCs. The CDC can make contactless payments and your account balance gains interest. There are no account fees and you
can check your balance for free at most ATMs, online or through the CDC app. If you choose to change to the CDC, your payment split won’t change. For example, if you have a 50/50 split on Income Management, this stays the same on the CDC. Centrepay and the Rent Deduction Scheme are still available to you. If you choose to stay on Income Management, nothing will change. You can also volunteer for the CDC if you get a Centrelink payment. The Department of Social Services will visit your community in the coming months to talk about the CDC and answer questions. In the meantime, you can visit your local Centrelink office or call the CDC hotline on 1800 252 604. Visit this website for more information.
Make sure you are counted Centralians are being reminded that the 2021 Census date is fast approaching, falling on Tuesday August 10. The Census is vital to our region as it gives a snapshot of Central Australia and can dictate funding levels from the Federal Government. Filling out the Census is compulsory. Households can expect to begin receiving their Census instructions via mail in late July-early August and are required to fill out their forms on August 10. Your instructions will provide you with a unique code to access the Census form online. Physical forms will also be available for those without access to the internet, with locations to be finalised shortly.
For more information on the 2021 Census, visit www.census.abs.gov.au
NT.GOV.AU 11
BE the change! Become a candidate in the Local Government Elections, 28 August 2021. Love your town? If you’re considering becoming a local government representative for our town, and want to know a bit more about the role of Councillors, Alice Springs Town Council has you covered.
Council Connects July 2021
All four 1-hour sessions will be held in the Andy McNeill Room, at midday and after regular work hours, so there’s good opportunities to come along. Councillor Information Sessions – bookings not required Andy McNeill Room, Civic Centre, 93 Todd Street, Alice Springs • Tuesday 6 July • Tuesday 6 July • Wednesday 7 July • Wednesday 7 July
12pm 5.30pm 1pm 5.30pm
If you can’t make it to one of these Councillor Information Sessions, there’s more candidate information available at www.lgant.asn.au Nominations open on Friday 16 July and close on Thursday 5 August 2021.
In partnership with the NT Electoral Commission, we are hosting four Councillor Information Sessions in July for potential candidates in the upcoming local government elections. Sessions will give those considering a candidacy the information they need to know before nominating. This includes eligibility, expectations, time commitments as well as remuneration for the positions of Councillor and Mayor. You don’t need prior experience in government to be an Elected Member, nor do you have to be a born and bred Territorian to serve on Alice Springs Town Council. All you need are good social skills and a positive mindset, keen listening and consultation skills, interest in local issues and a willingness to put your town first.
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Alice Springs Town Council
Her Honour the Administrator, Vicki O’Halloran AO
VISITS ALICE SPRINGS Her Honour the Administrator, Vicki O’Halloran AO, visits the 50+ Centre
Her Honour the Administrator, Vicki O’Halloran AO, visits the 50+ Centre
Her Honour the Administrator, Vicki O’Halloran AO, with Petina Franklin
Her Honour the Administrator, Vicki O’Halloran AO, visits Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre
PLANETEERS WORKSHOPS
Planeteers workshops - How to compost 13
Council Connects July 2021
FINKE STREET PARTY & COUNCIL’S NIGHT MARKETS
2021 Local artist Dave Crowe
FMX, Finke Street Party 2021
FMX, Finke Street Party 2021
FMX, Finke Street Party 2021
Council’s Night Markets 14
Alice Springs Town Council
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Civic Centre & Administration 93 Todd Street, Alice Springs PO Box 1071 NT 0870 (08) 8950 0500 astc@astc.nt.gov.au Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm (ex. Public Holidays) Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre 10 Speed St, Alice Springs (08) 8950 4360 info@asalc.com.au | asalc.com.au Monday to Friday, 6am – 7pm Weekends & Public Holidays, 9am – 7pm Alice Springs Public Library cnr Gregory & Leichhardt Tces, Alice Springs (08) 8950 0555 library@astc.nt.gov.au alicesprings.nt.gov.au/library Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm Weekends, 10am – 1pm (ex. Public Holidays)
Regional Waste Management Facility Commonage Rd, Alice Springs (08) 8950 4340 astc@astc.nt.gov.au Open 7 days, 8am – 4pm (ex. Good Friday, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day) Rediscovery Centre Commonage Rd, Alice Springs (08) 8950 4340 astc@astc.nt.gov.au Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm Weekends, 9.30am – 2.30pm (ex. Good Friday, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day) Council Works Depot Wilkinson St, Alice Springs (08) 8950 4300 astc@astc.nt.gov.au Monday to Friday, 7am – 3.30pm Alice Springs Animal Shelter Len Kittle Dr, Alice Springs (08) 8953 4430
alicesprings.nt.gov.au 15
