ISSUE 14
JULY 2022
INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ASTC New Plans pg 2 Mayor Matt Paterson with Alice Upcyle Art Prize award winner, Shannon Richter-Cross
What’s On in July pg 10
Green Living Subsidy pg 15
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Alice Springs Town Council
Contents... New Plans
2
Council Meetings
2
Mayor’s Column
3
Operational News
4
myAlice Program
5
Phoney Film Festival
6
Diversity in Sport
7
What’s on in July
10
RHACA Update
11
Winter School Holiday Program
12
NAIDOC
14
Green Living
15
ASALC Update
16
ASTC @ The Show!
17
Socials
18
Contacts
[back cover]
Alice Springs Town Council acknowledges the Central Arrernte people who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Alice Springs-Mparntwe. 2
Municipal Plan 2022/2023 endorsed At the Council Meeting on Wednesday 29 June 2022, Councillors adopted a new 2022/2023 Municipal Plan, including estimated budget allocations for the upcoming financial year. At the Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted in favour of adopting the plan which will guide the organisation’s activity in Alice Springs for the next twelve months. At the meeting, a 4.7 percent rate increase was endorsed, as was an increase of 4.7 percent in Alice Springs Town Council fees and charges. “Rate rises of zero percent and 2 percent were necessary during the past two years to assist our ratepayers in managing the
financial impacts caused by the pandemic,” CEO Robert Jennings said. “This year, we are pleased to have developed a modest budget that will continue to support delivery of essential programs and services, as well as contribute to Council’s long-term financial goals.” “I’d like to acknowledge and thank all Council Officers who were involved in this process, and also our Elected Members for their dedicated work in bringing this plan to fruition.” An electronic copy of the plan is available from the Alice Springs Town Council website, and hard copies are available at all Council facilities and the 50+ Community Centre.
Upcoming Council Meetings... Commence 11.00am in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, 93 Todd Street. Public welcome to attend.
Tuesday 26 July Tuesday 23 August
Council Connects July 2022
Mayor’s Column
© Emma Murray Photography
Council adopts a new Strategic Plan Council’s strategic direction for Alice Springs has been envisioned with the 14th Alice Springs Town Council adopting a new Strategic Plan at the June Ordinary Meeting. Alice Springs Liveability and Sustainability 2030 showcases Council’s vision for Alice Springs, illustrating the different projects Council will fund, champion, facilitate, provide and advocate for, to enhance the liveability of the region. The forward-facing plan will run to the year 2030; the longest Strategic Plan Alice Springs Town Council has ever developed. As an Elected Member group, we know this plan is ambitious, but it is something we also know is necessary.
a benchmark for Alice Springs Town Council and will guide our strategic direction for the next eight years. We know our town continues to face significant challenges, but this plan can assist us to focus on solutions to those challenges, and to ultimately help our town prosper. Alice Springs Liveability and Sustainability 2030 focusses the needs of the Alice Springs community into five pillars: Liveability, Safety, Environment, Economy, and Governance & Civic. These pillars were developed by the Elected Members of the 14th Council with each pillar highlighting a range of targeted projects.
Much like Council’s role in the community, the plan takes a holistic look at Alice Springs and the needs of its residents.
Alice Springs Liveability and Sustainability 2030 is available for the public to view on the Alice Springs Town Council website, with hardcopies also available from Council facilities and the 50+ Community Centre.
Alice Springs Liveability and Sustainability 2030 sets
Matt Paterson, Mayor
Footy is BACK!
Conditions of entry to TIO Traeger Park Oval: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Hat, sunscreen, lots of WATER YES! You CAN bring: • Umbrellas • Water bottles / non-alcoholic drinks (no cans) • Food (no glass containers) • Eskys (for food/water) WILL be checked on entry
alicesprings.nt.gov.au
8950 0500
• Folding chairs NO! You CANNOT bring: • Alcoholic drinks • Glass or cans • Tents, gazebos, pop-up shade structures • Inflatables Enjoy the game!
astc@astc.nt.gov.au 3
Alice Springs Town Council
Your Council Mayor Matt Paterson 0424 652 640 mpaterson@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Deputy Mayor Eli Melky 0427 012 699 emelky@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Councillor Marli Banks 0417 681 111 mbanks@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Councillor Allison Bitar 0491 055 224 abitar@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Councillor Steve Brown 0427 792 194 sbrown@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Councillor Jimmy Cocking 0423 511 931 jcocking@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Councillor Mark Coffey 0401 116 166 mcoffey@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Councillor Kim Hopper 0423 397 235 khopper@alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Councillor Michael Liddle 0456 529 769 mliddle@alicesprings.nt.gov.au 4
© Emma Murray Photography
Operational News New Director welcomed to Council Alice Springs Town Council is pleased to announce the commencement of Nicole Battle in the role of Director Community Development. “Nicole comes to us with a wealth of knowledge, having had over a decade of experience working in local governments across Australia and held a number of positions in the not-for-profit sector,” CEO Robert Jennings said. “We are thrilled to welcome Nicole to Alice Springs Town Council and believe her appointment will significantly assist us in our goal of serving the community.” Ms Battle comes to Council from her most recent role as Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria and has spent time in a variety of previous roles at Wyndham City
Council, Hobsons Bay City Council and Moonee Valley City Council. She also has broad experience working in the not-for-profit sector with a strong focus on community support services and community development. “I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at Alice Springs Town Council,” Ms. Battle said. “Whilst relatively new to Alice, I have already been impressed by the warmth of the people and the strong sense of community. I look forward to being able to serve Council and the people of Alice Springs to take our town from strength to strength”. Ms Battle began as head of Council’s Community Development Directorate on Monday 20 June 2022.
astc@astc.nt.gov.au
Council Connects July 2022
Mayor Paterson with Minister Paech
First implemented in December 2020 to stimulate consumer spending, following the COVID pandemic’s devastating impact on local businesses, the myAlice Discount Voucher Program returned this year with the largest ever pool of funding to be injected into our local economy. The expanded 2022 myAlice program was made possible with $400,000 contributed by the Northern Territory Government, and topped up with a $200,000 contribution by Alice Springs Town Council, for a total initial investment of $600,000. After a total of 79 days and funds fully expended, the program closed on Friday 17 June 2022 with an incredible $4,159,539 returned to our local economy, representing a 6.9 return-on-investment – a clear step up in consumer spending compared with the previous myAlice program (at 6.8 ROI). “The generosity of the Alice Springs community never ceases to impress me,” said Mayor, Matt Paterson. “You have endured ongoing challenges and personal hardships since March 2020, yet over the past two years our community has faced and met those challenges, again and again. For every dollar we put into myAlice, you gave back an extra $6 – that’s outstanding!”. The 2022 myAlice statistics are as follows: • Total run-time, 79 days (31 March – 17 June 2022 inclusive) • 142 registered Merchants
alicesprings.nt.gov.au
• 17,611 registered Customers • From $600,000 invested, $4,159,539 was returned to local businesses (ROI 6.9) • Average spend of $52,652 per day
Following quote attributable to Minister for Local Government, Chansey Paech: “The Territory Labor Government knows businesses in Alice Springs have been doing it tough and the success of this year’s MyAlice voucher scheme is good news. “The vouchers not only gave shoppers a chance to make savings, they also supported local jobs and were a driving force for sales for local businesses. “Our Government teamed up with councils across the Territory to support the voucher scheme and it has been a huge hit, especially during the pandemic.” The 2022 implementation of the myAlice program has, once again, been a great success with significant increases in both local business and customer registrations, as well as a much-needed injection of over $4M back into the Alice Springs economy. “The results of this year’s myAlice program has highlighted the generosity of spirit of Central Australians,” said Mayor Paterson, “and to everyone who participated, a sincere thank you – you’re simply The Best!”
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astc@astc.nt.gov.au 5
Alice Springs Town Council
@AliceSpringsTC
Sam Mitchell – The Tall Bike
Magdalena Pereyra – Sifin Tomsum
2022 Alice Upcycle Art Prize
Local artists have turned trash into treasure once again for the second Alice Upcycle Art Prize. This year’s exhibition opened on Friday 17 June at the Rediscovery Centre with beautiful, crazy and humorous sculptures now on show until 3 July. Shannon Richter-Cross walked away from the evening with two awards – first place in the non-welded category for his piece Rare as a Rocking Horse, and second place in the welded category for Twiggy’s Speed Car. Will Ladson made it back to back wins in the AUAP welded category, winning this year’s prize money for his sculpture titled ‘Shelly & Daewoo ‘Bad Dog’. Second place in the non-welded category went to Magdalena Pereyra for Sifin Tomsum, and Sam Mitchell won the Climate Change Award for The Tall Bike. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will be open for the duration of the exhibition, make sure you get down to the Rediscovery Centre on Commonage Road and cast your vote before closing at 2.30pm, Sunday 3 July 2022!
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8950 0500
astc@astc.nt.gov.au
Council Connects July 2022
@AliceSpringsTC
Shannon Richter-Cross – Twiggy’s Speed Car Shannon Richter-Cross – Rare as a Rocking Horse
Will Ladson – Shelly & Daewoo ‘Bad Dog’
2022 ALICE UPCYCLE ART PRIZE
AWARD WINNERS
Climate Change Award $500 prize
Sam Mitchell – The Tall Bike
2nd Place for Non-Welded $500 prize
Magdalena Pereyra – Sifin Tomsum
1st Place for Non-Welded $2500 prize
Shannon Richter-Cross – Rare as a Rocking Horse
2nd Place for Welded $500 prize
Shannon Richter-Cross – Twiggy’s Speed Car
1st Place for Welded $2500 prize
alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Will Ladson – Shelly & Daewoo ‘Bad Dog’
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Alice Springs Town Council
@AliceSpringsTC
Last chance for Phoney glory! This year’s Phoney Film Festival is almost here. If you haven’t made your entry there is still a little time! Just shoot a film of up to five minutes on a smart device and sent it to YDO@astc.nt.gov.au before 6pm, Wednesday 6 July 2022. You could win a share in prize pool totalling $2,000!! The categories for this year’s Phoney Film Festival are: • Stop motion/animation • My dance story • My sport story • No limits The Alice Springs community is invited to attend the 2022 Phoney Film Festival Screening & Awards Night from 6pm, Thursday 14 July at the Alice Springs Cinema – entry is FREE but registrations essential to YDO@astc.nt.gov.au or call 8950 0547. All PFF prize winners will be announced on the night and, after all film entries have been screened, the audience will get to vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award! For more information visit Council’s Youth Program webpage, here...
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8950 0500
astc@astc.nt.gov.au
Council Connects July 2022
@AliceSpringsTC
Everyone Belongs in Sport!
In line with a motion from the April Ordinary Council Meeting, Alice Springs Town Council releases the following statement: Alice Springs is a sporting town. Whether it’s junior, senior, social or competitive sport, it is part of the fabric of life in Central Australia. Alice Springs is also a diverse town - something that we take great pride in. We are a melting pot where people from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders and ethnicities live together in a welcoming environment. Alice Springs Town Council firmly believe these two sentiments go together. Diversity and inclusion belong in sport. Council is of the belief that everyone living in Alice Springs should be able to participate in sport and physical activity in a welcoming and inclusive way – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, cultural background, ethnicity, location or life stage. Sport has significant health and wellbeing outcomes, both physical and mental. It is a place that offers a sense of belonging and family, often to those that need a safe space. No one should miss out on that opportunity. Transphobia has no place in our community or sporting organisations. Alice Springs Town Council
alicesprings.nt.gov.au
acknowledges that members of the transgender community face discrimination or exclusion in a sporting context, whether that is conscious or subconscious. When this happens, these members of our community miss out on the significant health and wellbeing benefits of sport that everyone has the right to access. This exclusion can also lead to people feeling as though they are not welcome or safe in our community. That is not acceptable. Alice Springs Town Council supports inclusion in all sports and we urge sporting organisations across Central Australia to ensure they create a safe and welcoming environment for all Centralians. There is no question: sport is for everyone. Alice Springs Town Council is proud to represent a diverse town and pursue best practice inclusivity. Alice Springs Town Council is committed to increasing inclusivity by undertaking a review of policies and attending workshops to become better informed as an organisation. We look forward to working alongside the LGBTQIAP+ community to ensure everyone feels welcome in Central Australia.
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Alice Springs Town Council
What’s on in July FRI-SAT 1 & 2
SUN-SUN 3–10
THURSDAY 7
MONDAY 11
THURSDAY 14
FRIDAY 15
SATURDAY 26
GATES OPEN 9am-8pm SUNDAY 10
TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC 10am-2pm Council Lawns THURSDAY 14
10
Council Connects July 2022
LAUNCH PARTY THURSDAY 28 JULY 2022
Photographer Oliver Eclipse
Warm up by chillin’ out!
As the crisp weather takes hold of Mparntwe, the Red Hot Arts team have been busy preparing for three lively and warming events this July – our Winter Chill series and the Desert Festival Launch Party! On Saturday 16th and Saturday 23rd July, Winter Chill will see Red Hot Arts open our cosy arts space for two nights of stories, music and campfire chats under the stars and in our converted workshop. Featuring a line-up of NT musicians, spoken word artists and filmmakers, come sample some mouth‑watering and heart-warming treats, tales and tunes under the stars. Last year we featured our converted workshop space at 67 Bath Street as the Desert Festival Hub, so we are excited to once again share this unique and vibrant centrally-located space with the public! Tickets are $15 at the door. And then on Thursday 28th July, the 2022 Desert Festival Launch Party will be held at Yubu Napa Art Red Hot Arts Central Australia
Gallery, from 5.30pm. Featuring live entertainment, bites and drinks for purchase, the much anticipated Desert Festival program will be announced. This year’s festival, themed BLOOM and running for eleven days from 22nd September to 2nd October, will feature dance, theatre, music, art installations and more! This is a free event. Head to redhotarts.com.au for more information on any of these events. RHACA 67 Bath Street Alice Springs NT 0870 P: (08) 8952 2392 E: admin@redhotarts.com.au W: redhotarts.com.au
8952 2392
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Alice Springs Town Council
Follow us on
@ASPLibrary for updates!
cnr Gregory & Leichhardt Tces 12
8950 0555
library@astc.nt.gov.au
Council Connects July 2022
Follow us on
@ASPLibrary for updates!
cnr Gregory & Leichhardt Tces
8950 0555
library@astc.nt.gov.au 13
Alice Springs Town Council
Follow us on
@ASPLibrary for updates!
cnr Gregory & Leichhardt Tces 14
8950 0555
library@astc.nt.gov.au
Council Connects July 2022
Council introduces its first Green Living Subsidy Cloth Nappy Rebate
Did you know that a baby will use upwards of 4,000 disposable nappies before they are toilet‑trained? These all end up in landfill, which emits harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This is a lot of landfill, with conventional disposable nappies estimated to take up to 150 years to break down.
Living Subsidy Form available from Council’s website and send it in with proof of purchase (receipt) and residency to astc@astc.nt.gov.au For full Terms & Conditions, visit the Green Living Subsidy webpage on Council’s website
Through this rebate, Alice Springs residents will be able to claim some of the cost of buying cloth nappies. This rebate encourages our residents to think and act sustainably and to reduce household waste. Households can apply for rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies. For example, spend $50, get $25 back, spend $100, get $50 back, spend $200 and over you get $100. ‘Cloth nappies’ include cloth nappies, reusable swim nappies, reusable training nappies, reusable inner liner for nappies, reusable wet bags, and reusable wipes for cloth nappy use.
Cloth Nappy Workshops Council will be offering a number of FREE cloth nappy workshops to ensure you have the information and support needed to successfully transition to using cloth nappies. These workshops will cover types and materials of modern cloth nappies and include fitting demonstrations, cost‑savings, nappy care, and environmental benefits.
Eligibility To claim your rebates, you must provide: a copy of the receipt of purchase (the proof of purchase must be no older than 3 months and be for ‘cloth nappy’ purchases); and, proof that you live in Alice Springs (the proof of residency can be in the form of a rates notice, utility bill or drivers’ licence). To claim your rebate simply complete the Green
astc@astc.nt.gov.au
8950 0594
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Alice Springs Town Council
Follow us on
@AliceAquatic for updates!
Learn to Swim Winter Intensives – enrolments now open! Get ahead of the swimming crowd during these school holidays with our learn to swim winter intensives courses. Morning and afternoon sessions are available and enrolments are now open. The first week of LTS Intensives run from 4 – 8 July, the second week will run from 11 – 15 July. Take advantage of 20% off our winter pricing at just $73.60 per week and give your child’s swimming a boost. For more information www.asalc.com.au, email info@asalc.com.au or call 8950 4360.
LTS Open Day T3! Enjoy free entry to the Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre and lock in your enrolment for Term 3 Learn to Swim on Saturday 16 July from 10.30am – 4.30pm.
NTG Sports Vouchers released 1 July! Apply for NTG vouchers here – www.nt.gov.au/ leisure/sport www.watersafety.nt.gov.au – then submit them to info@asalc.com.au to have the credit applied to your LTS account BEFORE 5pm, 15 July 2022 and you will go into the...
Voucher Early Birds Prize Draw!* Submit your NTG vouchers early to be one of 5 lucky winners to win back their paid LTS-T3 lesson fees! Winners announced 8.30am at the Open Day. Current LTS members! Get your NTG Sports, LTS or Water Safety Vouchers NOW! Submit them to ASALC before 15 July for a chance to win back your paid LTS lesson fees!
4. Bring kid(s) over 4 years to the Open Day for a swim assessment!
ENROL ONLINE with your existing LTS account from 10.30am on the day. This is the fastest, most convenient way to enrol and NO waiting in line!
Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre’s recruitment campaign for life guards is still open.
New to LTS or, taken a break? 1. Apply for NTG Vouchers, released 1 July 2022 – www.nt.gov.au/leisure/sport www.watersafety. nt.gov.au 2. Visit ASALC in person before 5pm 15 July to set up an online family LTS account for enrolments 3. Submit vouchers by email before 5pm 15 July to enter the Voucher Early Birds Prize Draw!* 10 Speed Street, The Gap 16
Lifeguards wanted!
If you’re looking for a rewarding job that pays well, and is located in the most beautiful office in Alice Springs, visit Council’s Jobs webpage for more information and How to Apply!
Outdoor 50m pool closed With the cold weather settling in, the outdoor 50m pool is now closed, and will reopen on 1 September.
8950 4369
info@asalc.com.au
Council Connects July 2022
Have a cuppa on Council! 1ST & 2ND JULY 2022
After a two-year hiatus, the winter show is back! We’re so excited to see you all at the Council stand, outside and north-west of the western oval, at Blatherskite Park this weekend! Pop in to find out about Council services, hear about our programs, and relax with a FREE cuppa and a biscuit. We’re also a designated stop on the Yellow Brick Road, so make sure you come and see us to get your FREE item!
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Alice Springs Town Council
BIG Day Out in Harmony!
Finke Street Party & Night Markets
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Council Connects July 2022
Mountain-boarding @ your Library
Alice Upcycle Art Prize 19
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Contact Council... Alice Springs Town Council ABN 45 863 481 471
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 *SUMMER HOURS (1 September to 30 April) Weekdays, 6am – 7pm Weekends & Public Holidays, 9am – 7pm *WINTER HOURS (1 May to 31 August) Weekdays, 6am – 6.30pm Weekends & Public Holidays, 9am – 3pm *Outdoor 50m pool closed for a time in August for annual maintenance. Hours exclude Good Friday, Alice Springs Show Day, Christmas Day
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 | alicesprings.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 | alicesprings.nt.gov.au Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm Weekends, 9.30am – 2.30pm (ex. Good Friday, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day) Alice Springs Animal Shelter Len Kittle Dr, Alice Springs (08) 8953 4430
alicesprings.nt.gov.au
