oc 06062014 agn at 1 - central desert region€¦ · councillor facilities, benefits and allowances...

Attachment 1 Income and Expenditure Report - April 2014

Attachment 1 Page 69


Attachment 1 5

Attachment 2 Balance Sheet - April 2014


Attachment 3 Aged Debtors - April 2014


ORDINARY COUNCIL 6 JUNE 2014

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CORPORATE SERVICES REPORTS

ITEM NUMBER 11.4 TITLE Elected Member and Local Authority Allowances REFERENCE \COUNCIL AGENDAS AND MINUTES\2014\2014 - 3

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6 ALICE SPRINGS - 239431

AUTHOR Edward Fraser, Director Finance and Corporate Services

COMPLETION DATE : 1 July 2014 LINKS TO STRATEGIC PLAN

Goal 05: Management and Governance

RECOMMENDATION: That Council:

1) Adopt the new elected member allowance & rates for the 2014/2015 financial year and include within the 2014/2015 budget.

2) Endorse the setting of the Extra Meeting Allowance for 2014/2015 at $119 per nominated meeting.

3) Note the new fees for Local Authority members of $159 for the Chair and $119 for other eligible members per meeting that has a quorum.

SUMMARY: Councillors are provided with an allowance for their position on the Council. A review of these allowances was undertaken by the Department of Local Government and in response to this review an updated allowances has been developed.

BACKGROUND Councillors are entitled to receive allowances paid by the Council in regards to their activities as Councillors. The Minister for Local Government establishes the maximum allowances according to a schedule based on the size of the Council and the issues experienced by Councillors. The Minister has determined that the Central Desert Regional Council is a Category 3 Council. Councillors may only receive extra meeting allowances if the Council has a policy in place that determines which meetings will attract the allowance. The current Councillor Facilities, Benefits and Allowances Policy identifies the following meetings for which this extra allowance is payable:


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Special Council meetings. Council Committee meetings (this will include Finance Committee

meetings, CEO Performance Review Committee and Audit and Risk Committee.

Local Authority meetings, LGANT meetings. Approved professional development activities and conferences in line

with Council’s Professional Development Policy. Council is being asked to also include Local Authority meetings in the Councillor Facilities, Benefits and Allowances Policy as of the June 2014 meeting which means these will be included as of the 1st of July 2014.

ISSUES, CONSEQUENCES AND OPTIONS The new meeting fee proposed is an increase from the current meeting fee of $75 to $119 to be in line with the new fee for Local Board member attendance. A Council must resolve allowances for the financial year on adopting its budget for the financial year as per section 71(3) of the Local Government Act. Council may resolve to pay less that the maximum listed in the schedule and must consider allowances in the overall budget context. Once Councillor Allowances have been resolved for a financial year they can not be changed by amendment as per section 128(2) of the Local Government Act.

ATTACHMENTS: 1 Maximum Council Member Allowances per1July2014.pdf

Attachment 1 Maximum Council Member Allowances per1July2014.pdf



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CORPORATE SERVICES REPORTS

ITEM NUMBER 11.5 TITLE Policy Updates REFERENCE \COUNCIL AGENDAS AND MINUTES\2014\2014 - 3



COMPLETION DATE : June 2014 LINKS TO STRATEGIC PLAN


RECOMMENDATION: That Council adopt the following new and revised policies:

1. Abandonment of Work 2. Employee training & Development 3. Workplace Bullying 4. Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination 5. Councillor Facilities, benefits & Allowances Policy

SUMMARY: The Council adopts policies to provide guidance to the community and or Council staff. Policies are reviewed to ensure that they reflect current circumstances, changes in terminology and changes in legislation. Four policies have been reviewed and one split into two to emphasize importance and are presented for Council’s approval.

BACKGROUND The following is a summary of the following policies shared with Council for approval. 1. Abandonment of Work Policy Policy reviewed and bench marked. Minor changes were made refer to the highlighted sections. It is recommended that a three year renewal period is noted for this policy. 2. Employee Training and Development Policy


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The current draft is still relevant and must be readopted with minimal changes highlighted. It is recommended that a three year renewal period be noted for this policy. 3. Workplace Bullying Policy The policy has been modified following changes to the Fair Work Act which now allow the Fair Commission to deal with all workplace bullying cases. It is recommended that a three year renewal period be noted for this policy. This policy used to be fused with the Sexual harassment policy. 4. Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination Policy This policy has been decoupled from the workplace bullying one in order to ensure clarity and better compliance with the Sex Discrimination Acts. It is recommended that a three year renewal period be noted for this policy. 5.Councillor Facilities, Benefits & Allowances Policy Local Authority Meetings have been included in section 5. It is recommended that a three year renewal period be noted for this policy. ISSUES, CONSEQUENCES AND OPTIONS The policies have been reviewed and are in accordance with current legislation. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS NIL

ATTACHMENTS: 1 P15 Abandonment of Work 2014.pdf 2 P54 Employee Training and Development Policy 2014.pdf 3 P38 Workplace Bullying Policy 2014.pdf


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4 Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination Policy.pdf 5 P23 Councillor Facilities Benefits and Allowances Policy.pdf

Attachment 1 P15 Abandonment of Work 2014.pdf


Attachment 2 P54 Employee Training and Development Policy 2014.pdf


Attachment 3 P38 Workplace Bullying Policy 2014.pdf


Attachment 4 Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination Policy.pdf


Attachment 5 P23 Councillor Facilities Benefits and Allowances Policy.pdf



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COMMUNITY SERVICES

ITEM NUMBER 12.1 TITLE Director of Community Services Report REFERENCE \COUNCIL AGENDAS AND MINUTES\2014\2014 - 3


AUTHOR John Gaynor, Director Community Services RECOMMENDATION: That Council receive and note the report from the Director of Community Services.

SUMMARY: The Director of Community Services reports to Council about matters of significance since the last Council Meeting.

BACKGROUND The Director of Community Services reports on each service since the last Council Meeting. Community Services Directorate – General On Thursday 15 May all Community Services Directorate Managers, Coordinators, Team Leaders and some community service workers (Childcare, Night Patrol, Aged Care, Youth Sport & Recreation, RJCP) came together to plan our work for 2014/2015. This is the 1st time that the Directorate has gathered together to work out what our priorities are going to be and how we can work better together and with other organisations on community. The outcome of the day has helped us revise our parts of the Corporate Plan and our Service Delivery Plans. It was a very successful day with 55 staff and 7 kids in attendance at the Alice Springs Chifley resort. Youth, Sport & Recreation

YSR Professional Development: March 2014: Youth, Sport & Recreation (YSR) held a week long ‘Pow Wow’ training camp at Hamilton Downs for all Team Leader’s & CSRO’s over the second week of March. The Pow Wow included a day on Behavior Management Strategies & Approaches


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when working with young people, First Aid Certificates, and the YSR Strategic Planning Session was facilitated. In addition to certified training, a number of team development and recreational activities were held in the evenings, and enjoyed by all.

May 2014: On the days on either side of the CDRC Community Services Strategic Planning day, YSR coordinated Child Mandatory Reporting training through a partnership with Child Australia, and also a Team Mentoring & Development Session in collaboration with CDRC Mentors. YSR Youth Tunes Roadshow 2014: Between the 8th – 13th April 2014 The Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Youth, Sport & Recreation (YSR) program delivered the highly engaging Youth Tunes Road Show in the remote communities of Yuelamu, Laramba, Ti Tree, Engawala and Harts Range. The Road show complimented existing comprehensive Youth School Holiday program’s in the Central Desert Region, and held live youth concerts for one night each in the above communities, in collaboration with the young people in local bands. Concerts on community were a great success and saw hundreds of young people and community members dancing to the spirited sounds of local bands.

April School Holiday Programs: Once again, CDRC Youth Sport & Recreation program deliver an interactive and comprehensive program full of activities over the school holidays between the 7th and 13th of April; in Ti Tree, Laramba, Yuelamu, Lajamanu, Engawala and Atitjere. Due to the rain around this period, bush trips and swimming at the waterholes was one of the highlights among many. YSR Regional Softball Competition: Professional Women’s Sporting Pathways. CDRC YSR has coordinated a Regional Softball Competition over all 9 communities in the region, which commences on the 24th May 2014. In addition to the communities of Mt Allen, Lajamanu, Laramba, Ti Tree, Engawala and Atitjere; CDRC YSR is working in partnership with WYDAC YSR programs in the communities of Nyirripi, Willowra and Yuendumu. The competition will run through to the finals being held between the 18 – 24th July. Similarly to last year CDRC YSR will be sending the winners through to the NT Softball Championships over the first weekend of August. YSR is also working in partnership in funding support from the NT Sport & Recreation Department. YSR Team at the Community Services Strategic Planning Day May 2014

Community Media


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The Indigenous Remote Communication Association (IRCA) is conducting a review of RIBS resources on behalf of the Australian Government Dept. of Prime Minister and Cabinet. We hope that this review will lead to recognition by the Govt. of the need to fund some of our existing unfunded liabilities for remote community broadcasting such as the cost of electricity for the transmitter stations. At the same time, PM&C has also contracted another consultant, Hugh Watson, to conduct a review of RIBS operations in remote communities. The Director of Community Services met with Hugh Watson on May 20, 2014. It is possible that the Government may decide to consolidate all RIBS programs under a smaller number of Remote Indigenous Media Organisations (in Central Australia PAW & CAAMA) taking any responsibility for broadcasting and associated services away from councils. Children’s Services A Mandatory Reporting Workshop was held on 14th May 2014 – 6 Early Childhood staff attended. A Training visit to both ‘Little Antz’ Childcare Centre’s in Alice Springs occurred on 16th May 2014 – 9 Early Childhood staff attended. Staff visited 2 Childcare Centre’s in Alice Springs. There was lots of discussion and ideas that the staff will take back to there services out bush. These visits are also part of there Cert 3 in Children Services studies.

Atitjere and Yuelamu new Early Childhood buildings Building companies are currently fixing all defects and will be operational in the near future. Staff and families on communities have begun discussing what furniture and equipment will need to be purchased to set up the programs. Current issues around the coordination and supervision of unqualified staff in a much bigger facility are being discussed with Australian Government Department of Education. RJCP On Friday 2 May the RJCP program hosted a Structured Training Activities Planning Day in Alice Springs. The aim was to develop a program of


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activities for each community across a 12 month period so that RJCP Participants as well as community members have a clear understanding of what training and work activities are to be run, where and when.

Night Patrol The Night Patrol program strength is at 33, in addition to this are the Manager and 10 casuals workers. They are performing effectively though we are still waiting for the training shortfall to re rectified by the funding provider. The Night Patrol Manager is visiting Ti Tree on Tuesday the 20/05/14 to meet with Police and the GBM re any local issues. At the time of writing one Field Supervisor is at Lajamanu and the other is at Ti Tree. The Night Patrol Manager is currently attending Local Board meetings to consult on the establishment of local reference groups. He has met with Yuendumu and Yuelamu at this stage. On the 16th of May the Night Patrol Manager and the Area Co-ordinators will be conducting training on the new reporting requirements and daily activity reports formats. Specifically ensuring that events, critical incidents and school attendance contacts are correctly recorded and reported as the new policy requires. On Friday 16/05/14 the Night Patrol Manager met with representatives of the Night Patrol to train them in the reporting format re daily reports and getting children home at 8.30OM and to school as discussed. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy – assisting with after school activities and getting kids home by 8:30PM. We are required to report the figures weekly. It is the intention of Night Patrol to spend more time in the Communities particularly on weekends where possible. Overall this will be the duty of the Area Coordinators. This will provide assistance and instruction where required to the local Night Patrol as required. We expect to receive advice from the Funding Body regarding the budget and the expected process that we might have to follow to secure funding beyond December 2014. Aged & Disability Services The Director of Community Services is currently developing restructuring options and an alternative financial model for more efficient delivery of aged care services across the region with the hope of securing additional funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Specifically we are seeking funding to fully fund the services at Engawala and Willowra


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and increase funding available for Yuelamu. In addition we are seeking funding to improve the level of professional supervision, support and capacity building that remote aged and disability workers receive. This will improve their skill base and improve the quality of service that our region’s old people receive on a day to day basis. The consultants assisting us develop Polices and Procedures and the strategic plan were again in Alice Springs and communities over the last 2 months. Training was held for all Service Coordinators on 13 & 14 May to introduce new recording and reporting formats and finalise the draft Policy and Procedures manual. The Manual & Strategic Plan for Aged Care will be completed by 30 June.

The consultants employed to assist develop more accurate data collection methods to help us work out the cost of aged and disability service reviews were in Alice Springs during the week of 19 May. Their report and recommendations will be provided to CDRC by 30 June 2015. We hope that this information will help us justify an increase in funding that better reflects the real cost of delivery aged care services in remote communities. . Program Report by Community Yuendumu Post Office As of July 1st 2014, the Post Officer will no

longer have accommodation in Yuendumu. The current arrangement has been to stay in accommodation provided by the Yuendumu School. The accommodation will no longer be available due to the Post Officer’s wife ceasing her role at the school at this time. CDRC is aiming to sell/outsource the Post Office by the 1st October 2014. EOI to be distributed in early June 2014.

DV and Mediation Yuendumu is now celebrating over 500 days of peace, which is a great success. Yuendumu Elders are going to Darwin between the 20 – 25th May for the NT Elders forum, and it is a part of the Elders visiting program in prison.

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Community Peace park progress: in April, 16 community people including local leaders and elders went to Alice Springs and visited the Desert Park, Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, and the Community Garden’s in East Side.

On the 9th April, 10 community leaders and Elders had a meeting with the Department of Correctional Services from Alice Spring and Darwin, to discuss approaches & strategies to the reduction of imprisonment of Indigenous people. Community Meetings: The Mediation Program in Yuendumu has organised 3 community meetings in the last 3 months, and have addressed some local concerns including community break-ins and community safety issues. The Mediation program team will be moving from the blue bullet to the old CDEP building over the next month.

Childcare Childcare Building has begun - expected completion date July 201. DoE and CDRC are talking with community about how we can all work together within the new building. Childcare training - Training week in Yuendumu for Certificate 3 in Children Services – 5th 9th May 2014 - 7 Childcare and Playgroup staff participated. Playgroup - running out of school grounds 3 days a week staff are discussing where we will run playgroup once the new Child and Family building is open.

RJCP Three local people appointed in February and April continue to work as Activity Liaison and Engagement Officers in Yuendumu. These ALEO’s are overseeing The Breakfast Club, Oval Redevelopment and Yuendumu Proud.


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All of which are RJCP Activities. Activities – ‘Yuendumu Proud’ continues to run successfully with a focus on community beautification. The redevelopment of Yuendumu Oval has commenced with momentum being gained slowly among RJCP participants and transportation of materials. RJCP participants are also engaged In Certificate I in Resource & Infrastructure. ‘Cool Kitty’ activity continues to run from the RJCP Activity Centre with the supervision of Willow Tree. RJCP are exploring alternate supervision as the funding period for Willow Tree ends in May. The Yuendumu Breakfast Club has commenced as an RJCP activity. The Breakfast Club provides lunches to local Yuendumu Works Crews and participants engaged in activities. Local construction contractors have been engaged to supervise an RJCP activity conducting repairs & maintenance on three community buildings. RJCP have filled 6 places in Youth Corps. RJCP are working with WYDAC to make referrals. Peace Park The Yuendumu Peace Park Committee in consultation with the Mediation and Justice Committee, Local Authority members and other community members, have reached a decision on the location of the Peace Park. The location as been decided as the vacant part of land beside the post office in


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Yuendumu. RJCP and the Mediation and Justice Committee and Committee are preparing to open discussions with Central Land Council around S19 lease and engage a designer to proceed with the scoping and development of the Park design. RJCP will refer participants to be involved in activities and casual employments with the design and construction of Yuendumu Peace Park. RJCP are seeking support and endorsement from the Local Authority to have the Peace Park built on the block of land beside the Post Office

Night Patrol 8 Staff. Full strength. Recently worked in Alice Springs over Easter and at Lajamanu Sports. May’s training in reporting formats covered any training shortfalls in the reporting cycle. The hours are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday. The Night Patrol is currently based in the old CDEP Building. Meetings were held with Police in May re security issues and Police requested that the Night Patrol change the worked hours. Our budget restrictions mean that this is unlikely to occur. The NPTL meets with Police each week. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

Lajamanu Youth Sport and Recreation

With its 4 dynamic Softball teams, Lajamanu YSR is taking an active part in the Regional Softball Competition, and in partnering with WYDAC to do so.

Community Media One Local Broadcasting Officer has engaged in animation training in Adelaide thanks to our


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partnership with PAW Media. The other broadcaster has been on extended medical leave, however the Radio program continues to air on working days in Lajamanu, the community newsletters in Lajamanu continue to be produced each month.

Library In the last week of April, a CDRC staff member travelled to Katherine and engaged in RIPIA (remote indigenous program of Internet access) training with NT Libraries, and developed their skills in providing an up to date and efficient library service.

Aged & Disability Care

Resignation of Coordinator-Feb 2014 recruitment successful with the placement of a highly skilled person. Commenced in April 2014, relief Coordinators had been appointed in the interim.

Night Patrol 8 Staff. Full strength. Sports over weekend of 17/05/14 assisted by Yuendumu Night Patrol at Lajamanu. Mays training covered any training shortfalls. The hours are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

Yuelumu Youth Sport and Recreation

Healthy Cooking Program:

Over the past 3 months, the YSR Team Leader in Yuelamu has facilitated the inception of a “Healthy Cooking Program”, which is done in partnership as an RJCP activity once a week. Young people aged between 16 and 25 years old have been learning not only about nutritional information, but have also been honing their skills in hygiene, food production and learning delicious recipes to share with the whole family. Recently a local person has taken on a supervisor role in co-facilitating the Healthy


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Cooking Program, of whom is being mentored by the YSR Team Leader. Armtour Role Models The National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) flagship program: Athletes as Role Models on Tour (ARMtour), returned again to Yuelamu, from April 28th until May 1st 2014. This was ARMtour's 13th visit in just over 4 years to Yuelamu..

Community Media The entire office in Yuelamu, including the radio broadcasting station is currently under construction. The local RIBS officer was also involved in Media training with PAW Media conducted in Adelaide.

Child Care Yuelamu Creche – Bush Medicine Crèche - Staff and community members are currently creating lists of new furniture and toys for the service. Successfully recruited a new local Early Childhood Educator Yuelamu Crèche spent a day collecting and preparing bush medicine with the kids. Working with the clinic staff talking about healthy life styles and culture with children and families Successfully recruited a new Area Coordinator based in Yuendumu

School Nutrition Program - running in conjunction with Aged Care

RJCP Yuelamu has a continuous presence due to the appointment of a roving Case Coordinator. Activities - Local construction contractors in partnership with Civil Train have been engaged to supervise an RJCP activity conducting a demolition of the Council Office. There are


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currently 4 participants currently involved in this activity who are simultaneously completing a Certificate 1 in Resource and Infrastructure CDRC Youth, Sport and Community Services team have formed an alliance where YSCS are hosting a Health & Nutrition activity. This activity continues to operate weekly and currently has 7-10 participants involved. The RJCP Activity Centre in partnership with Willow Tree is hosting a ‘Cool Kitty” activity which runs fortnightly. A Landscaping and beautification activity has recently commenced. Referrals are in the process with the aim of having 10 participants engaged. Areas of focus for this activity will be landscaping at the RJCP activity centre and other areas within the community. Projects include BBW areas, landscaping, shade structures and outdoor furniture.


Minor capital improvements in the kitchen are being actioned. Seeking additional funds form the Australian Government to ensure the financial sustainability of the service. This is a Home and Community Care funded service meaning we receive money for low level care only. At least 8 clients in Yuelamu have been assessed as having higher level care needs and the service is doing everything it can to meet those needs despite not having the required funding.

Night Patrol 3 Staff and 6 casuals. Going well. Mays training covered any training shortfalls. The hours are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

Nyirripi


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Early Childhood Crèche - Building upgrade has begun – Approx. 9 weeks of building Crèche and Preschool are now working together and will both programs will move over to the new building once completed. Successfully recruited two new local Early Childhood Educators Crèche training – World Vision is offering staff support to continue working through the ‘learning at work books’ so that staff keep working towards there cert 3 in Children Services. Family Engagement day – Crèche, World Vision, Pre-School and RRACCSU working together to encourage family attendance. School Nutrition Program - Running in conjunction with Aged Care


Coordinator was away on annual leave and a relief coordinator was contracted for a three week period. We are currently working on developing a better working relationship with the clinic and clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities as there are clients with complex care needs that need Aged Care and Clinic to work well together.

Youth Sport & Recreation

Working in partnership with WYDAC to facilitate the Regional Softball Comp.

Night Patrol 4 Staff. New vehicle rules issued. Working with SSM to ensure that they are supervised and managed closely. Mays training covered any training shortfalls. The hours are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

Ti Tree


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Youth Sport and Recreation

Partnerships between CDRC YSR, the Department of Sport & Recreation and also Ti Tree Primary School, it was arranged for the Adelaide United Football team to visit Ti Tree School in March. This visit was exciting and enthusiastically received by school students as seen above. Music Ranger’s in Ti Tree: For over 2 years, CDRC YSR continues to work closely with CAAMA Radio in the Music Ranger’s program.

Library In March CDRC and NT Libraries had some computer repairs arranged to ensure a good service provision to the community. The Ti Tree Library continues make reading material and internet access to the public from 8am – 12pm Monday to Friday.

Early Childhood School Nutrition Program – Wilora - running in conjunction with Aged Care at Ti-Tree

RJCP RJCP’s ability to deliver activities in Ti Tree has been limited owing to the difficulty in filling the vacancy of the Case Coordinator position. An offer has recently been made for this position. In the interim, RJCP’s roving coordinator from Willowra will provide relief services in Ti Tree until the Coordinator commences. Activities RJCP participants are engaged in Certificate II in Music through CAAMA. Learning outcomes include repairs and maintenance to music equipment, team building, time management and other life skills.


The Coordinator has celebrated 10 years of service in April 2014. A fantastic achievement. The Council’s longest serving employee. She is now entitled to Long Service Leave.

Night Patrol 7 Staff. 4 Casual. Wilora have no issues. Discipline issues at 6 Mile to be investigated by the end of May. Wilora weren’t present for training in May due to a funeral. The Night


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Patrol Manager met with them on 20/5/14 at Wilora to cover the training requirements. The hours are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

Atitjere Youth Sport and Recreation

From the 4 – 13th April, Atitjere YSR was a part of National Youth Week, which included a series of Disco’s, educational Bush Trips, community BBQ and athletics competition. The YSR team distributed National Youth Week merchandise in the community including water bottles and bags for the young people.

Early Childhood Crèche - Crèche building defects are being addressed and building will be open approx July 2014. Staff and community members are currently creating lists of new furniture and toys for the service.

In early April the Atitjere Crèche staff held an Easter themed morning tea and welcomed a number of new children and their mums to the Atitjere crèche. The staff served the children a healthy morning fruit snack and a lunch as well as organising a number of interesting activities for the children. The little kids had lots of fun playing, gluing, drawing and decorating boiled eggs. The mums also had a nice time enjoying their morning cup of tea with hot cross buns and took the opportunity to chat with Frances Turner (Aboriginal Health Promotions officer) about healthy food for small children and babies. The special day was made even more exciting due to everyone being picked up and dropped back home by the new crèche bus which had


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only arrived on the community the day before.

Aged & Disability Night Patrol 3 Staff. No issues The hours are 6:00PM to

Midnight Tuesday to Saturday. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

Laramba Youth Sport and Recreation

Linkz volunteer will complete 2 months of service on Monday the 26th May, 2014 and the Team Leader will return from annual leave. Over the last two weeks of the Linx Volunteer’s service, her sister also volunteered in delivery an engaging Youth program to the young people of Laramba. Local CSRO attended the Music Ranger program in Ti Tree in May.

Early Childhood Childcare - Staff are currently planning a major celebration for the opening of the Upgraded Laramba Childcare Centre – Expected to be 6 June 2014. School Nutrition Program - currently running out of school kitchen

RJCP 10 participants commenced in First Aid in Laramba with 8 achieving completion of this certificate. Certificate I Resource and Infrastructure commenced in May with 12 participants engaged. Taking Music to Community is attached to this Certificate involving the fabrication of a trailer to safely store musical equipment being transported to communities.


Facility has had improvements to kitchen. New industrial stove, sink, work bench,


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cleaners/chemical storage room, knee operated hand wash basin-food safety requirements, nurses hand wash basin.

Night Patrol 3 Staff. 2 retiring over next 2 months. Will recruit in the next 3 weeks. No issues. The hours are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

Willowra Mediation and Domestic Violence Project

A new CDRC employee will commence in the Willowra Mediation Program Mediator role on the Monday 26th May. Elder’s Meeting: On the 4th June the Regional Elders Meeting will be held in Willowra. Elders from 8 communities will come together to discuss important matters and current issues. Elders will be coming from Willowra, Lajamanu, Yuendumu, Mount Allen, Nyirripi, Ali Curung, Papunya, and Alice Springs.

Youth Sport & Recreation

Working in partnership with WYDAC to facilitate the Regional Softball Comp

School Nutrition Program

SNP- currently running out of school kitchen

RJCP A roving Case Coordinator visits Willowra on a fortnightly basis. Certificate I & II in Business has reached completion with 6 RJCP participants going through. A fencing activity is due to commence in May.


Recruitment of an Aged Care Service complete with commencement of new Coordinator in early May 2014. Service will commence as a basic meals service initially. Will operate out of Activity Centre. We are still in negotiation with Australian


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Government Dept. of Social Services to secure ongoing funding to run this service.

Night Patrol One Staff. Local problems. Arrangements made to interview & recruit new staff following the next Local Board meeting. While the hours when fully operational are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday, the sole Night Patrol officer is currently assisting with a day time School Attendance Program.

Engawala Youth Sport and Recreation

The Jimmy Little Foundation ‘Thumb’s Up’ Program CDRC YSR worked with the Jimmy Little Foundation ‘Thumbs Up’ program, the School Nutrition Program and the School to support education around healthy food choices towards long-term health improvements in Indigenous communities. YSR CSRO Carl Inkamala and young people who engage in the YSR music activities joined the “Thumbs Up’ band to provide a concert to the community of Engawala, whilst others supported the School Nutrition ladies to provide healthy food to the whole community. The Lift For Life Program:

CDRC YSR has partnered with the YMCA and NT Govt to deliver the ‘Lift for Life’ program in Engawala. The Lift For Life program is designed around exercise specifically for people who have diabetes or chronic disease. The activity is held on a weekly basis at two different events in order to offer the activity to a young women’s group and a young man’s group.

Early Childhood School Nutrition Program - Running out of Women’s Centre in conjunction with new Aged Care service. SNP ladies helping Aged Care to prepare meals.


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Manager of Aged & Disability Services will focus on improving Service consistency and response to needs of clients. Coordinator will receive improved mentoring, coaching & support.

Night Patrol 4 Staff. Inexperienced. I have the Night Patrol Team Leader from Atitjere assisting as a leading hand. Fridays training should cover any training shortfalls. The hours are 6:00PM to Midnight Monday to Friday. The Night Patrol have been assisting the Community with the School Attendance Policy that is assisting with getting kids home after 8.30PM on Sunday through to Thursday nights. At any time where there is school the following day.

ISSUES, CONSEQUENCES AND OPTIONS Please refer to comments contained within the body of the report.

ATTACHMENTS:


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COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT

ITEM NUMBER 12.2 TITLE Atitjere and Yuelamu Creche Operational Funding REFERENCE \COUNCIL AGENDAS AND MINUTES\2014\2014 - 3


AUTHOR John Gaynor, Director Community Services

COMPLETION DATE 6 June 2014 LINKS TO STRATEGIC PLAN

Goal 01: Social and Cultural - Maintain and improve the health, culture and well being of the community

RECOMMENDATION: That Council decline the offer to operate the Atitjere Crèche and Yuelamu Crèche programs from the new buildings until such time as DoE offers sufficient funding to enable CDRC to appropriately staff the facilities ensuring it can discharge its duty of care to children and families who use the service. Programs will continue to run from current buildings.

SUMMARY: To ensure all children and families who use CDRC Early Childhood programs are safe and secure and all staff are coordinated and supported to ensure child supervision, hygiene and safety requirements are met.

BACKGROUND CDRC are currently running Atitjere Crèche from a shed and ablutions block and Yuelamu Crèche from an old transportable. As a result of limited funding, neither of these services can currently operate with a dedicated Coordinator. A limited amount of day to day oversight and supervision at Yuelamu Crèche is provided by the Aged Care Coordinator to assist planning for the maintenance hygiene standards. Ensuring Child supervision and meeting Environmental Health, hygiene and cleaning requirements is a huge focus for these Programs. Under current funding arrangements, staff find it difficult to maintain and monitor these the existing facilities, despite their size, to meet requirements. Environmental Health has again raised concerns about the standards and has suggested more on the ground co-ordination, training and support at childcare would improve capacity to monitor building hygiene standards.


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Yuelamu Crèche was closed for 9 days in May 2013 whilst Environmental Health concerns were addressed. The Atitjere Crèche was closed for almost 3 weeks in August 2013 due to clinic and Environmental Health concerns around potential spread of a dangerous stomach bug. Yuelamu and Atitjere staff work very hard to maintain standards however they find it difficult to keep up to date with new procedures to ensure all cleaning and hygiene requirements are met. Staff in both sites have been asking for a coordinator position for a number of years to support, up skill and assist them with training. The current facilities are much smaller and require fewer staff to ensure all children are supervised. The new facilities are well over 6 times the size of the old buildings and have a number of new child free areas that the staff are not accustomed to working with i.e. office, staff room, laundry and store room. Child supervision will need a coordinated approach to ensure children are safe. ISSUES, CONSEQUENCES AND OPTIONS Due to the size of the new buildings there is a high risk that children may not be supervised at all times breaching our funding agreement. A whole new set of cleaning procedures and practices need to be implemented and monitored to ensure child and family duty of care is maintained. Atitjere Housing – There are two local people interested in the position who have the skills and are working towards there qualifications living in Atitjere therefore no house would be needed. Yuelamu Housing – there is currently a house available in Yuelamu that was allocated for the Aged Care that isn’t being used. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Additional Financial request per community from the Australian Government Item Detail Indicative Cost Salary & On costs 0.5FTE Level 4, step 4 $75, 525 IT and Phone $4,000 Training & other Professional Development and

other employee costs (including recruitment, public and professional liability, office space

$7,300


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etc.) Total funding required for each coordinator position $86,825 Alternative Recommendation: That the council accepts the offer to operate the Atitjere Crèche and Yuelamu Crèche services from the new buildings under current funding arrangements, noting that with limited staff allocations and staff supervision, CDRCs duty of care to children and their guardians may be compromised. ATTACHMENTS: There are no attachments for this report.


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WORKS

ITEM NUMBER 13.1 TITLE Director Works' Report REFERENCE \COUNCIL AGENDAS AND MINUTES\2014\2014 - 3


AUTHOR Glenn Marshall, Director Works RECOMMENDATION: That Council receive and note the Director Works’ Report.

SUMMARY: The Director Works’ report provides information on the activities undertaken at Service Delivery Centres since the last report to Council.

BACKGROUND Site Visits 9 May Engawala Core Services Staff Morale remains good amongst Works staff despite further budget cuts announced for the next financial year. Adrian Munckton was appointed Council Services Manager at Engawala in March and has settled into his role very well. All works positions at Atitjere and Engawala are now filled by Indigenous staff reflecting Council’s strong commitment to Indigenous employment. David Stokes, RSM at Ti Tree, is retiring in October 2014 after living and working in government in the Anmatjere region for 25 years and he will be missed by Council. Administration Managers continue to meet every second month to support each other and develop more efficient work processes. Staff Training Certificate II Rural Operations training is progressing well for Yuendumu and Ti Tree region field staff. Upcoming training includes plumbing & septic management and landfill operations. Heavy Plant competency assessments and ticketing is planned for June-July at all locations, as is Fire Fighter 1 training that will provide refresher training to staff on


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operating the fire trucks/trailers and backburning around community fire breaks. Finances and budget The Works Directorate is on track to acquit its 2013/14 budget fully and sensibly. The 2014/2015 budget is extremely tight. Staff numbers have been retained in all locations due to Council’s commitment to local employment and the fact that field staff are already at minimum numbers. However, the capital works budget has been reduced to zero for 2014/15 and Works will have to rely on securing grants, contracts or RJCP partnerships in order to achieve substantial capital developments. Despite this, there is much to be done with smaller capital upgrades that are on the Works Matrix and this will be a focus for the year. RJCP engagement with Works program Works and Council’s RJCP program have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which sets out the way that both parties can cooperate in communities to ensure maximum benefits to RJCP participants, community services and infrastructure. Council is putting the same MoU to the other RJCP providers in Nyirripi, Atitjere, Engawala and Lajamanu. Already RJCP participants have undertaken projects such as demolition of the Yuelamu Council office, slashing grass, Fire Management After summer rains, Works crews have been busy in all communities slashing grass and maintaining fire breaks. A Fire Fighter 1 training course is being organised for all Works crews in June-July, delivered by Bushfires NT. This is to ensure staff are competent in using Council’s fire trucks/trailers, backburning off community firebreaks, inspecting fire hydrants and tanks, how to operate safely around a grass fire, using fire extinguishers and identifying hazardous materials in case of a truck rollover. Roads The Australian Government has announced that Roads to Recovery funding will continue for the next 5 years, after the current program ends at 30 June 2014. Whilst the exact amount allocated to Council is not yet known, it is expected to be equivalent to current funding, being $1.5 million over 5 years ($300,000 per year). This is good news. A Rural Roads Maintenance training course was arranged by Council in mid May, attended by 20 participants from various local organisations. Six Council staff attended. Valuable knowledge was gained, and was


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followed by a Roads Planning session to prioritise the Council’s Road Grading Crew work program for the next 12 months. The Grading Crew will continue their regular maintenance runs over western roads and outstations. They will also reconstruct bitumen road shoulders in Yuelamu, Yuendumu, Willowra and Nyirripi as well as commence a realignment of the Yuendumu-Nyirripi road to decommission sandy sections of that road. Those upgrade works will be funded by Roads to Recovery funds.

Council works staff at Rural Roads Workshop field trip. May 2014. The resealing of Laramba’s bitumen roads is scheduled for late May. The Engawala creek crossing is also being upgraded in late May, involving levelling of the road back down to natural creek level, cement stabilisation of the carriageway and downstream erosion protection works. The contractor is Remote Area Machinery Hire Pty Ltd at a tender price of $73,652.


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Lajamanu - 450 square metres of road resurfaced at Holy Ground Landfills & Waste Council’s landfill’s continue to be well-managed by works staff, using the system developed by Council over the last 18 months. Additional funding is expected to be provided by the NT Health Department to continue the role of the Regional Waste Management Coordinator, until approximately Feb 2015. He is currently completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and will be providing formal Cert II training to Field Officers in Waste Identification and Landfill Management.


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Lajamanu works crew erecting stock fence around their landfill site. Parks and Ovals A Special Purpose Grant of $70,000 was received by Council in May 2014 to purchase playground equipment for parks in Lajamanu and Laramba, as well as shade structures in Lajamanu, Atitjere and Nyirripi. Local Authorities will be consulted about the best locations for the equipment before it is purchased and installed. Council will determine RJCP’s ability to install the equipment as focused training for participants. Dog Management The Animal Management Bylaw is currently being slightly amended after receiving comments back from the Northern Territory Government’s legal team, and will be put up to the Minister by the end of June for approval. The Animal Management Coordinator (AMC) continues to visit all communities to ensure vets are maximising their time. The first trip of the Canberra Vets to Atitjere, Engawala and Mulga Bore was very successful, with 47 dogs desexed and 80 given Ivermectum that controls ticks, mange and other conditions. At Willowra, a resident asked the Council Services Manager whether 6 of her 12 dogs could be put to sleep. The AMC arrived the next day and did this, as well as treating a further 90 dogs with Ivermectum. At Ti Tree, there were 6 dogs put to sleep after their owner had gone to Tennant Creek for several months and the dogs were unsupervised and hanging around the roadhouse menacing people. The Ti Tree Local Board chair was consulted prior to this occurring, and agreed with the action.


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Capital Projects Ranil Herath finished his role as Capital Projects Manager in late April 2014. Council thanks him for his professional contribution to the organisation. Naleenda Chamara has been recruited into the role and commenced in mid May. He brings 8 years experience as a roads engineer. Yuelamu office upgrade. Demolition of the old half of the office has been completed by the Works team and an RJCP team. They did a professional job and received formal working at heights training. Pedersens NT is commencing construction of the new office in late May. Lajamanu Lot 250 units upgrade. The Section 19 lease for Lot 250 was approved for Council by the CLC Executive Committee in April. Council is now working with the CLC (as the funder of this project) to undertake the works. The job was tendered in late May and is expected to proceed in July. Staff house Engawala. Council is still awaiting granting of the Section 19 lease before any works can commence. Wilora stormwater drainage. This drain will stop floodwater inundating houses on the east side of Wilora. The design is complete and sacred sites clearance obtained. Works will be done by the Ti Tree works crew and is scheduled for June. Laramba road reseal. This is scheduled to be done in the last week of May. Engawala creek crossing. Se ‘Roads’ section above.

BI-MONTHLY SUMMARIES SERVICE DELIVERY CENTRES: APRIL – MAY 2014

ATITJERE Main Achievements:

Basketball area given clean up Atitjere and outstations grass slashed Landfill front gates installed, restricting public access Depot shed safe and tidy due to ongoing clean up

ENGAWALA Main Achievements:

New CSM Adrian Munckton settled in and operating effectively with his staff Cemetery carpark area created next to cemetery entrance Water supply installed to Depot Area outside landfill cleaned up and car bodies collected from around community New hot water system fitted to Women’s Centre Potholes repaired around community


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LARAMBA Main Achievements:

Road resealing completed Pedestrian and vehicle gates installed at landfill RJCP participants conducting good works around Laramba Laramba Child Care septic issues fixed including restricting vehicle traffic over

trenches

TI TREE Main Achievements:

6 Mile Women's Centre & Community Hall repaired & operational, but then vandalised again

Grass slashed and firebreaks completed around all communities and outstations

WILLOWRA Main Achievements:

Council Office painted, fenced and gated, front lawn growing well Budget secured for new bobcat Slashing of grass ongoing and fire risk under control Dog health steady and improving due to visits by Animal Management

Coordinator

YUENDUMU Main Achievements:

New 140H grader arrived and being used by Roads Crew Mt Bennett outstation track cleared and graded as contract to CLC Ranger

Program Grass slashing ongoing New cardboard burning pit constructed at landfill. Landfill operating well. Football oval upgrade being done by RJCP & Civil Train, supported by Council Roads and Works Depots now fully set up Stormwater drain maintenance being done within community

YUELAMU Main Achievements:

Demolition of old office completed by Works crew and RJCP. New office construction commenced BBQ and shade shelter completed in north park. Second BBQ started in south

park. Traffic trouble spot closed off as per community wishes Shade structures completed by Tangentyere Construction near oval

NYIRRIPI Main Achievements:

Field Officers operating the landfill very effectively and consistent with Council’s procedures

Machinery pre-start checks and maintenance occurring consistently and well Community very clean due to Field Officers taking good responsibility for this Water supply soon to be connected to new Depot shed


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LAJAMANU Main Achievements:

Workshop now fully secured after installation of roller doors at front Main garbage truck is back on road after significant down time 450 square metres of road resurfaced at Holy Ground Landfill perimeter fence complete and traxcavator operational RJCP program is starting to operate effectively, with benefits to Works area S19 lease granted on Lot 250 flats, so work can commence on upgrading last 2

units. ‘Restricted Area’ signage erected at cultural areas and map erected at store ISSUES, CONSEQUENCES AND OPTIONS Nil.

ATTACHMENTS:


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FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS

ITEM NUMBER 14.1 TITLE Finance Committee Report REFERENCE \COUNCIL AGENDAS AND MINUTES\2014\2014 - 3



COMPLETION DATE LINKS TO STRATEGIC PLAN


RECOMMENDATION: That Council receive and note the Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting held on 1st May 2014 and ratify the recommendations contained therein.

SUMMARY: The Finance Committee convenes on a bimonthly basis to carry out the financial functions of the Council. The minutes of the meeting held on the 1st May 2014 are attached for the Council’s information.

BACKGROUND The Council has appointed the Finance Committee, under Section 11 of the Local Government (Accounting) Regulations 2008, to undertake the financial functions of the Council in the months that the Council does not hold an ordinary meeting. The Finance Committee met on the 1st May 2014. The decisions were made under delegation: ISSUES, CONSEQUENCES AND OPTIONS NIL

ATTACHMENTS: 1 20140501 Finance Committee meeting minutes.pdf

Attachment 1 20140501 Finance Committee meeting minutes.pdf


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