Commissioner calls for human rights for NT women and children

While International Women’s Day is seen by many as a day to celebrate the milestones of gender equality, for far too many Northern Territory women discrimination remains a frightening fact of life.

The Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sally Sievers says equality is not being achieved in the Territory, particularly when women and children are deprived of the fundamental right to be safe and free from violence.

“Violence against women is the worst form of discrimination against women,” Ms Sievers said.

“Hospital and crime statistics paint a gruesome picture of domestic and family violence in the Northern Territory, and it is not just women that are suffering. Territory children often witness family violence which impacts their childhood development and results in long term consequences for their health.”

In Australia a woman is killed by a current or former partner each week.*

One in three Australia women have experienced violence since the age of 15 and almost one in five have experienced sexual violence. (ABS 2012)

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) statistics from 2010 reveal in 2009/2010 that 27 non-indigenous women in the Northern Territory were admitted to hospital for treatment after being assaulted. In the same period and for same reason over 840 Aboriginal women were admitted, Territory Aboriginal women are 80 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of assault.

Homicide rates in the Northern Territory show that 61% of homicides occur in a domestic context. The Territory homicide rate is also starkly higher than other jurisdictions, with 8.2 per 100 000 compared to the national rate of 1.2 per 100 000 people.

“The solutions need to be long term and day to day,” Ms Sievers said.

“The NT Government is currently working on a Domestic and Family Violence Reduction Strategy to meet its national obligations and arrive at a multi-facet approach to meet the needs of our diverse community.

“It is crucial that this plan includes and expands the reach of programs that are known to work in the NT, such as the Outreach Program at the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter -providing early intervention and support for women and their children.

“Domestic and family violence is a community problem and needs the whole community to be involved in the solutions. We must look at a number of ways to prevent this situation, we need to educate people of respectful relationships right from our school children through to our leaders.

“As we approach International Women’s Day let’s reflect on what we as individuals and as a community can do to ensure all women and children are afforded this basic human right to be safe and free from violence.”

The Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commissioner will speak at the Working Women’s Centre showing of the film Girl Rising on Friday 7 March 2014 and the International Women’s Day Walk – Saturday 8 March 2014 at Parliament House.

For further information on International Women’s Day activities in the Northern Territory go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/OfficeOfWomensAdvancement

*Chan, A and Payne, J (2013). Homicide in Australia: 2008 -09 to 2009-10 National Homicide Monitoring Program annual report. Canberra. Australian Institute of Criminology. <http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/mr/21/mr21.pdf>

Future of NT badminton to be debated

The home of badminton in Darwin will be discussed at the NT Badminton Association (NTBA) Annual General Meeting on Monday 25 November 2013.

The AGM will be held at Sports House, Waratah Crescent in Fannie Bay from 7:45pm and is open to the public.

Earlier this week the NT Government granted badminton an extension of tenure at Sports House until 31 March 2014 and proposed the NTBA take on a 5 year commercial lease on a warehouse in Woolner at a cost of $165,000 per year, shared equally between badminton and the government.

But NT Badminton’s Dr Di Symonds said the NTBA rejected the lease proposal as it was too expensive.

“A lease of that value would without doubt destroy the sport and leave us financially ruined,” she said.

“We understand that most sport associations in the NT have peppercorn lease arrangements with government, or pay negligible sums of money, if anything, to ensure sports develop and the community benefits.

“We're not aware of any major sport associations in the NT with a commercial lease.”

Dr Symonds said the NT government also asked NT Badminton to reassess using community halls located on school grounds.

“To be told to go back and look at school halls again is very frustrating and  especially since we outgrew school halls back in the late 1970s, which led to the CLP Government at the time to allocate badminton Sports House,” she said.

“Sports House itself doesn’t meet our current needs or plan for development and growth."

NTBA continues to urge the government to support its proposal for a new, multi-purpose facility at Marrara.

Dr Symonds said the facility would address badminton’s need for a new home and allow table tennis, gymnastics and judo to meet current demand.

“Sixteen years ago NTG came up with a plan for a new multi-purpose facility at Marrara, incorporating badminton, table tennis, basketball and netball but the project was shelved,” she said.

“But the timing is now right. Please help us to save our sport!”

For more information visit or follow NT Badminton on:

www.saveoursport.org.au

www.facebook.com/SaveOurSportNT

twitter.com/SaveOurSportNT

Spare a thought for those experiencing mental health issues

Mission Australia NT State Leader Sue Kendrick calls on the community to consider friends and family faced by mental health issues this week.

 “Most people will know someone who has faced mental health issues. It can affect anyone and every aspect of their life including relationships, study and work.

“During challenging times it is important that people know that they are not alone and support is available to help get them back on track,” Ms Kendrick said.

A 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that an estimated 3.2 million Australians (20% of the population aged between 16 and 85) had a mental disorder in the twelve months prior to the survey.

For the past five years Mission Australia has run a Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) service aimed at helping people such as these maintain or regain their independence.

The program assists people with severe mental illness aged 16 years and over to manage their daily activities and to live independently in the community. Activities include behavioural work and skills training in things many of us would easily take for granted, such as domestic chores or getting dressed correctly in the morning.

 “Mental illness should not be a barrier to community and social participation,” Ms Kendrick said.

“We need to do a better job at helping more mentally ill people into the workforce.”

Research shows that up to 85 per cent of people experiencing serious mental health issues can return to work or study with the right help.

“Mission Australia understands that supporting people through their recovery requires a holistic approach. We ensure that services accessed by participants are coordinated, integrated and complementary to other services in the community. We help participants better manage their daily activities and develop personal recovery plans as they regain their independence.”

People requiring assistance in dealing with mental illness can contact Mission Australia on 08 8935 0900.

Mental Health Week runs from 7 to 13 October and aims to raise awareness and understanding of the needs, experiences and issues concerning people with a mental illness.

Aboriginal Territorians who were abused encouraged to access support service

With the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses in Child Sexual Abuse due in Darwin in two weeks, Relationships Australia NT said it’s important Aboriginal Territorians aren’t forgotten.

The organisation says that many of the victims, survivors and people affected by institutional childhood abuse in the Territory are Aboriginal and Islander peoples.

“We have Indigenous advisors, cultural consultants and Aboriginal family workers who can, where appropriate, work with Aboriginal people who were abused in coming forward to give evidence,” Ms Morrison said.

“But we also want people to know that we are here for them whether or not they choose to share their story with the Commission.

“We can answer any questions about the process, be a friendly and supportive ear and also help those who want to tell their story.”

Relationships Australia NT was the only NT support service to be given Federal funding to support victims presenting at the Royal Commission.

Know More was funded to provide legal support across Australia, while the Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice Association (NAAJA) will provide community education in the Top End.

Relationships Australia NT is meeting and working with these agencies and others, including Aboriginal services to ensure the most culturally sensitive and appropriate response.

Ms Morrison said Relationship Australia NT’s services are free to victims, survivors and people affected by childhood institutional abuse.

“Our staff will be there for people before, during and after the Commission,” she said.

“On the Tiwi Islands alone, including Nguiu, Milikapiti and Pirlingimpi, we have a qualified counsellor and three Aboriginal staff who can talk with people.

“People who live more than 50Km away from where they are scheduled to share their experiences in a private sitting can also apply to the Commission to assist with their  travel and accommodation costs.”

The Royal Commission will be in Darwin on Tuesday 15 October as part of its national tour to hear from victims and survivors of institutional childhood sexual abuse.

Territorians who want to present their story to the Commission are required to register their interest via www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au  but Ms Morrison said her staff can help people through this process.

To contact Relationships Australia NT for more information or support please visit www.nt.relationships.org.au or call 1300 364 277.

Darwin Cup Carnival racegoers urged to go home safely

Darwin Cup Carnival racegoers who don’t plan ahead can leave their car at the track safely if they have a few drinks.

TIO is again sponsoring the provision of overnight security at the Darwin Turf Club as an initiative under its PartySafe road safety program.

The program raises awareness of the dangers of drink driving and encourages Territorians who have a few drinks to find alternative ways to get home.

TIO Community Relations Manager Chris Thiel said the car park security was one of a number of measures to give people peace of mind.

“Our aim is not to stop people having a good time but to make the right choices before getting behind the wheel,” she said.

“If they know their vehicle is going to safe if they leave it overnight, they will be more likely to leave it there and find another way home.”

The PartySafe program has teamed up with Darwin Cup Carnival since 2009 to drive home the road safety message.

On Darwin Cup Day the PartySafe tent will be at the races offering free breath testing and advice on getting home safely.

New manual to help manage teenage offenders

Relationships Australia NT has teamed up with the NT Police to release a case management resource for people working with young offenders in the Territory.

The Youth Diversion Case Management Resource is the first of its kind in the Northern Territory and was launched by the Honourable Chief Minister Adam Giles in Alice Springs yesterday.

Relationships Australia NT Chief Executive Officer Marie Morrison said the resource will achieve better outcomes for young people going through the NT justice system.

“Relationships Australia NT is delighted to share this resource with other community based organisations who provide Youth Diversion Programs throughout the NT,” Ms Morrison said.

“The resource is built on our 10 year history of working with offenders under 18 years in Alice Springs and providing programs that lead them away from crime and disadvantage.”

Ms Morrison said Relationships Australia NT’s youth diversion program is modelled on restorative justice community programs, which include offenders meeting and apologising to the victims of their crimes.

“There is clear evidence that restorative justice community programs produce significantly less rates of recidivism and reoffending than incarceration,” she said.

“The model produces better long-term results for offenders, their families and the community.”

Relationships Australian NT services approximately 3500 Territorians annually with more than 20 per cent of whom are Aboriginal.

Youth Diversion caseloads that the organisation manages have doubled over the past ten years, with up to 80 per cent young Aboriginal males aged between 10 and 17 years.

“The Youth Diversion Case Management Resource is for all workers in case management and is hoped to better help these young people and produce lasting change.”  

Youth diversion programs managed by Relationships Australia NT have included drum making, drum  beat workshops, a Desert Park Leadership Program and a young women’s leadership program.

This year Relationships Australia NT will work with other community organisations and extend its youth diversion programs to remote communities in the MacDonnell Shire region.

For more information please visit www.nt.relationships.org.au/.

New flights available from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek and Kiwirrkurra

Outback Central Australia has been opened up to more travellers with the commencement of new flights from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek and Kiwirrkurra.

Territory company Chartair has commenced twice weekly services between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek and weekly services between Alice Springs and Kiwirrkurra.

Chartair Alice Springs General Manager Chris Nguyen said seven passengers could be accommodated on each flight, although the company would upgrade to larger aircraft if demand increased.

“It’s great to be able to offer these new services to travellers,” Chris said.

“For people travelling to Tennant Creek it cuts a five hour drive down to less than two hours in the air.”

Chris said the services were supported by the Australian Government’s Remote Area Subsidy Scheme and began this week.

Flight details are as follows:

·        Alice Springs to Tennant Creek departs Mondays at 7am and Wednesdays at 3pm.

·        Tennant Creek to Darwin departs Mondays at 9.30am and Wednesdays at 5.30pm.

·        Alice Springs to Kiwirrkurra departs Tuesdays at 8am.

·        Kiwirrkurra to Alice Springs departs Tuesdays 11am.

The Alice Springs-Kiwirrkurra route is $120 and the Alice Springs-Tennant Creek route is $385, which is higher due to operating costs.

LinkedIn growth continues to outpace Facebook in the NT

Territorians are flocking to LinkedIn at three times the rate they are joining Facebook, according to the latest social media statistics for the NT compiled by Creative Territory.

While Facebook membership now stands at 92,720 against LinkedIn’s 19,352, Facebook has not been able to match LinkedIn’s growth rate. LinkedIn membership grew by 67 per cent in the 12 months to March 31 against Facebook’s 21 per cent.

As shown on the graph, Facebook membership tends to rise steadily in the lead up to Christmas and new year before suffering in a nose dive as people return to work from holidays. LinkedIn, while smaller in numbers, has continued steady growth over the past two years.

The latest statistics for the Northern Territory should dispel any doubts about the importance of social media in the public relations mix. More than half of Territorians aged 13 years and over are on Facebook and almost 1 in 5 of Territorians in the workforce are members of LinkedIn.

While younger Territorians are far more likely to interact on Facebook than older Territorians, usage is still high as people age, with around 1 in 4 people aged over 65 years remaining Facebook members.

The graph below shows the number of Facebook users in the Northern Territory in particular age groups. The red line graphs users in each group as a percentage of the NT population in that age group.

 

Honourable mentions for Creative Territory in CSR Awrds

Creative Territory has received two honourable mentions in PR Daily's Corporate Social Responsibility Awards announced today.

Our work during and after Cyclone Carlos in 2011 was honoured in the categories of Grand Prize CSR Campaign of the Year and CSR on a Shoestring.


Managing director Tracy Jones said it was an honour for the whole Creative Territory team to be selected among the world’s top public relations campaigns for CSR.


Entries come from a wide range of industries and organisations, from multi-national corporations, local governmental agencies and communication companies in industries as broad as energy, finance, entertainment, insurance, mining and healthcare.

PR Daily is a web-based publication read by more than 800,000 communication professionals in every country in the world.

More information is available on PR Daily's website.

10 things to do when a journalist phones

When a journalist knocks on your door looking for a comment, it is tempting to simply answer their questions. But you need to be much more organised if you want to build and protect your brand and reputation.

Here is our list of 10 must do actions to take when a journalist asks you for a comment:

1.      Ask what they want: Don’t assume you know what they want to talk to you about.

2.      Ask what they already know: What information do they already have? Do they have a concrete basis for the story already or are they on a fishing expedition?

3.      Ask who else they have spoken to: Knowing this can help you figure out what other people may have already said. Have they spoken with someone who is likely to be critical of you or an action you have taken?

4.      Ask what angle they are taking: Okay – many journalists aren’t going to tell you, but it’s worth asking the question anyway.

5.      Ask what their deadline is: You need to know how fast you need to move. Making them miss their deadline is not conducive to building a good working relationship.

6.      Tell them you will call back: That’s right – never do an interview on the spot. You need to do some homework first. While journalists on a tight deadline won’t be happy, they will appreciate the fact that you can talk to them armed with facts.

7.      Do your homework: Gather the facts, Google recent news stories on the topic and prepare yourself for the interview. Look at what is being said on social media, particularly news Facebook pages. Think about questions the journalist might put to you and prepare answers.

8.      Practice with a friend: It doesn’t matter whether it is a work colleague, your partner or a media advisor; it makes sense to have at least five minutes practice before you head into the real interview. Other people will also think of questions that slipped your mind.

9.      Call the journalist back: Even if you decide you are not going to provide any comment on the story, have the courtesy to let the journalist know before their deadline has passed.

10.   Review the result: Make sure you watch the news or read the paper to see the result. Critically review your own performance so you can do better next time.

Tracy Jones started her career as a journalist 30 years ago before moving to public relations. She is principal of Creative Territory and runs the company’s Intensive Media Training for Executives course.

Six top online and social sources for Top End cyclone information

By Tracy Jones

With the cyclone season now upon us, all of us in the Top End need to be prepared. With your cyclone kit packed, your insurance updated and your family emergency plan updated, you need to think about how you will access the information you need to get through.

Our research at Creative Territory has shown us that up to 90 per cent of Top Enders are now using the web and social media to find out what is going on. The problem is, the social media space is now so overcrowded with “experts” it is hard to know who to trust.

Here’s our advice on where to go, depending on the type of information you are looking for:

1.       For official weather information go to www.bom.gov.au The Bureau of Meteorology issues all official cyclone watches and warnings. It is also the place to watch the latest radar information. You can also see radar images by downloading the Rain? app on your mobile phone or tablet device.

2.       For official updates on government information and services, go to www.secureNT.nt.gov.au This site aggregates information from all NT Government agencies in one place. It also includes useful tips to help you get ready for the season. You can also like secureNT on Facebook (www.facebook.com/secureNT) or follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/@secureterritory). This is a trusted source for official information.

3.       If you are looking for more colour and interest but still want to have a reasonable level of trust in the information, use local traditional media outlets. ABC regularly updates its website with the latest information. ABC Darwin, The NT News and Nine News Darwin have very active social media channels through both Facebook and Twitter.

4.       A number of websites provide great professional and para-professional commentary on weather conditions as they change. Try www.northauschasers.com , the Weather Channel or Weather Zone.

5.       In Twitter, do a search for hashtags that will help you sift through information. For example, in the Top End, search for #topend which is used by many locals to help index their Tweets. Once a cyclone is declared, many Tweets will use the appropriate hashtag – for example, during Cyclone Carlos in Darwin many people used #Carlos or #TCCarlos  Just be aware that not all this information can be trusted – not because people are trying to fool you, but because not everyone has accurate information.

6.       Watch out for what your friends are saying and see what people you follow are saying. They’ll provide you with a very local weather forecast right from their own home.

Sherwin Iron and NLC reach historic agreement for mine

Sherwin Iron Limited and the Northern Land Council have reached an agreement on the terms under which Sherwin may mine the Roper River Iron Ore Project.

 

The agreement, ratified at a full council meeting of the NLC today, is a critical milestone in securing the future of the mine as well as providing substantial benefits to the traditional owners and native title holders of the mine.

The Roper River Iron Ore Project, which is 500km south east of Darwin, has a current resource of 488 million tonnes. The project includes several major deposits including Hodgson Downs, Mount Fisher, Sherwin Creek, Mount Scott and Yumanji.

The NLC agreement is subject to Ministerial approval.

The agreement covers mining and exploration over all Sherwin tenements and includes royalty payments and Indigenous employment targets.

Sherwin Iron Executive Chairman Barry Coulter paid tribute to the NLC and traditional owners for their commitment to the project.

“There has been a real spirit of openness and trust throughout the negotiations,” Mr Coulter said.

“We are all committed to achieving an outcome that brings benefits to the traditional owners, local people and the broader Territory community.”

Up to 200 people will be employed during construction of the mine, with 400 jobs created once fully operational. At least 200 million tonnes of ore will be produced over the mine life, including initial 40 million tonnes of high value Direct Shipping Ore.

Direct investment in the mine is estimated to be $800 million over the life of the project, which includes mine infrastructure, beneficiation facilities, camp, transport infrastructure and environmental control processes.

In broader Territory terms, assessment by Perth-based Prime Research estimates a boost of between $2,500 million and $2,900 million to the economy over the next eight years.

Sherwin Iron is currently moving through environmental assessment and community consultation ahead of lodging a Notice of Intent with the Northern Territory Government later this month.
 

The project was granted Major Project Status by the Northern Territory Government earlier this year. Work is continuing on completing an Environmental Impact Statement and working towards receiving regulatory approval.

Creative Territory shortlisted for international social media award

Creative Territory has been shortlisted for an international award for social media.

The Darwin-based company has been named as one of three shortlisted entries in the Public Affairs Asia Gold Standard Awards, which recognise excellence in public affairs throughout the Asia Pacific region.

The company is up against campaigns by global companies Adidas and IBM in the Social Media Communications category, the winner of which will be announced in Hong Kong on December 6.

Creative Territory has been recognised for its use of social media during Cyclone Carlos in February 2011, including the provision of information through Facebook and Twitter during the storm and its research into community information sources afterwards.

Managing director and social media commentator Tracy Jones said her company’s work has led to a greater understanding of how people in the Top End access information during emergencies in the social media age.
 

“Our research has shown that Territorians are increasingly switching to their smartphones and computers in an emergency,” Tracy said.

“When Cyclone Carlos hit Darwin, Territorians were looking to Facebook and Twitter to find out what was going on but few local organisations were there with them.

“We’ve seen an amazing turnaround since then, with authorities and the media now providing a complete social media service that not only provides information but engages Territorians in the recovery process.

“The use of Facebook and Twitter during Cyclone Carlos was 22 per cent. Just 10 months later during Cyclone Grant that had jumped to 38 per cent. More importantly, Territorians feel much better informed about what is going on as the use of social media grows.”

Creative Territory has shared its research with the local community, media and government as well as interstate and international colleagues. This work has contributed to creating a better understanding about how people access and use information during emergencies and recovery.

For more information about the awards: http://www.publicaffairsasia.net/goldstandard/index.html.

Facebook just keeps growing in the NT

By Tracy Jones

Following a dip in Northern TerritoryFacebook membership post Christmas, membership has surged again to increase by 32 per cent over the past 12 months.

There are 95,320 Territorians on Facebook, up from around 72,000 on 30 September last year and well ahead of the previous peak in December of 84,580.

Most interesting is where that growth is coming from. While teens and those in their thirties and forties have left Facebook since June, people in their twenties and those aged 50 and over have flocked to the social media network.

The green and red bars in the graph below shows the current break-up by age and gender of Facebook users as at 30 September 2012. The blue line shows total Facebook members in each age bracket as at 30 June 2012.

Perhaps it's all the new parents in their twenties sharing baby photos with their parents.

While the number of LinkedIn members remains relatively small, it has maintained its place as the fastest-growing social media platform in the Northern Territory with an annual growth rate of almost 60 per cent over the past 12 months. In Katherine, growth was 72 per cent as shown in the graph below.

It's a shame we are unable to produce reasonably reliable statistics for Twitter. Anecdotally, it appears to have experienced steadt growth, particularly among opinion makers and shapers.

Sherwin Iron welcomes certainty from Limmen National Park announcement

Sherwin Iron Executive Chairman Barry Coulter has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s decision on the establishment of the Limmen National Park in the Roper River region.

“We welcome the certainty this decision brings to our operations in the area,” Mr Coulter said.

“Sherwin has a number of smaller tenements within the Park boundary and we understand these will require a higher level of scrutiny should we proceed to develop these in the future.

“In the meantime this decision gives us the confidence to take our exciting project forward.”

Sherwin Iron is exploring and developing the Roper River Iron Ore Project, which covers 4000 sq km, 500km south east of Darwin. The project has a current resource of 488 million tonnes.

twittercue: Sherwin Iron welcomes certainty from Limmen National Park announcement http://bit.ly/yUiaqW

Share your cyclone experience with us

How do people access information during severe weather events in the Top End? And has this changed since Cyclone Carlos last year? We’re trying to find out.

Creative Territory is encouraging people to tell us about their experiences during the recent cyclone and floods so we can find the best ways to communicate in the future.

This survey follows a similar one undertaken after Cyclone Carlos battered Darwin in February 2011, flooding properties and bringing down thousands of trees. That survey showed a growing reliance on the internet and social media as a means of accessing information. (You can see the results from that survey here)

This survey will help us understand if the trend has continued.

You can access this new survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z9DQN7Z

We will publish the results of the survey along with an analysis of how information access has changed since Cyclone Carlos in February 2011 based on the survey we conducted then.

The Art of Event Staging

By Jeannette Button
Many people have a misguided view of PR people as champagne popping, event staging socialites. If only that could be closer to the truth. With over twenty years in PR I have had my share of campaign launches, Lord Mayor “dos”, community events and official openings. My Dad says I would go to the opening of an envelope – but that’s just not true.

I am currently organising an official opening for a client and my stomach is in knots. You would think by now I could do it with my eyes closed but every event is different and comes with its own idiosyncrasies or clients?

There are six things I am reminded of however with every event:

1. Have a clear purpose: What are we here for, announcing or opening and will anyone else be interested.

2. Be organised: There is nothing worse than pulling guests and suppliers together at the last minute. An event template works wonders for me while others prefer a more organic approach. The main thing is to try to think of every aspect of the event from the invitation to the closing ceremony and make sure you have it covered. Step though the event if it helps as it is amazing what we sometimes simply overlook.

3. Consider the timing: What other events will you be competing with? Is it just me or are the Christmas parties held earlier every year? No matter how devoted people are to your cause, be realistic about how much time we can expect of them and what other obligations they will already have.

4. Follow up invitations: RSVPs are not everyone’s strong point. Be prepared to follow up on invitations, especially if sent via email. Despite the benefits of an electronic invite, they are easily lost in the Inbox, are seldom printed out and are often overlooked as junk mail. And everyone in the Top End knows that Territorians are notoriously bad at replying to RSVPs.

5. Be flexible and creative: Even the best laid plans can go astray for one reason or another. Be prepared to reformat, revamp or reschedule an event so that it delivers the best outcomes for your client.

6. Relax and celebrate: Once the event is over take a deep breath, remind yourself that the knots in your stomach were worth it and maybe, in a few weeks or so, you may consider managing another plaque-revealing, champagne-popping event.
Twittercue: 6 tips for successful event staging http://bit.ly/tBFE5v #topend #events

Cars beat buses and trains in Northern Territory Brolga Tourism Awards

A small business offering digital audio travel guides for self-drive tourists in Outback Australia has won a prestigious 2011 Northern Territory Brolga Tourism Award in the category of Specialised Tourism Services at the weekend.


DIY Tourguide’s GPS triggered iPhone app, MP3 and CD audio tours are the first of their type and this niche product for the Northern Territory reinforced its acceptance by the marketplace by rising to the top of the Brolga Award category over national companies offering tourist products for buses and trains.
The Brolga Awards are the tourism industry’s highest accolade and recognises tourism businesses that strive for excellence in every area of their operation. Winners represent the best products and services in the Northern Territory.
“I am thrilled to receive the Brolga Award and see innovation and small products recognised,” said Alice Springs based Laurelle Halford, who is the director for DIY Tourguide and the only employee in the business. She is also Creative Territory's Alice Springs consultant.
“More and more tourists coming to the Outback are travelling independently in their own or rental cars rather than in a group with an on-board tour guide, meaning they miss out on vital information to help them fully appreciate the region.
“We wanted to better entertain self-drive tourists and help them to interpret the Outback landscape as they drive through it and not see the centre of our country as an empty, barren place.”
Along with CD and MP3 tours, DIY Tourguide’s unique iPhone application offers detailed, location aware audio commentary over a distance of hundreds of kilometres giving self-drive tourists a new appreciation of the region as they travel.
“For the tech-savvy tourist lack of mobile phone and internet coverage in Outback Australia no longer needs to be a barrier to accessing latest technology.”
Ms Halford says work is underway to expand the company’s self-drive routes beyond the West MacDonnell Ranges and between Alice Springs and Uluru to other routes across the Northern Territory and Australia.

DIY Tourguide is one of the many Brolga Award winners who will represent the Northern Territory in the Australian Tourism Awards in Cairns on 2 March 2012.

Twittercue: DIY Tourguide app helps Alice company win Brolga Tourism award. #alicesprings #topend #tourismnt http://tiny.cc/diybrolga

Leak Detectives Save One Bucket of Water per Second

A water pipeline that connects Alice Springs with its main water source at the Roe Creek borefield has undergone a leak repair, saving around 10 litres (about one bucket) of water per second.
The leak repair, four metres below the Tom Browne roundabout near Heavitree Gap has saved the equivalent of 300 Megalitres per year or half an Olympic swimming pool per day.

Power and Water Manager Sustainable Development Water Services, Mark Wiltshire said that whilst leak detection has always been a priority, there is now has a dedicated Leak Detection Officer for the town through the Alice Water Smart plan.

“Fixing water leaks from key piping infrastructure, households and businesses is paramount if we are to preserve Alice Springs’ precious water source and the extra funding through Alice Water Smart provides us with dedicated resources and detecting ability.”

Alice Water Smart is a two year project to help Alice Springs reduce its water use by 1600 million litres per year, equivalent to two months average water supply.

“The Leak Detection Officer will work with the community to help identify leaks around town, no matter how big or small”, Mr Wiltshire said.

“If residents or businesses notice unusual ground water pools or unusually high water bills they can contact Power and Water and we will send the Leak Detection Officer to investigate.”

“Alice Water Smart auditors have already conducted water audits on 19 tourist accommodation properties, detecting some major leaks that will save businesses large amounts off their annual power bills.”

“We are also working with owners and managers to help them become their own on-site leak detectives and the signs to look for should a suspected leak occur.”

For more information on Alice Water Smart visit www.alicewatersmart.com.au or call 8951 7315.

Who is involved in Alice Water Smart?

Funding of $7.5 million is being provided under the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns, a key component of the Australian Government’s long-term Water for the Future initiative. This was matched by Power and Water Corporation with contributions from consortium members, including Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport; Alice Springs Town Council; Arid Lands Environment Centre and Tourism NT.

Alice Springs Getting Smart with Water during National Water Week

It’s National Water Week this week and through Alice Water Smart, there has been a tidal surge of activity to help Alice Springs businesses and residents save water.

Alice Water Smart is a two year project that will help Alice Springs reduce its water use by 1600 million litres per year, equivalent to two months average water supply.

Power and Water Manager Sustainable Development Water Services, Mark Wiltshire said, “Alice Springs has a finite underground water source in Alice, so together through the Alice Water Smart project we can help to protect our water source into the future.”

“Everyone can start by doing one less laundry wash per day, or get a leaking tap fixed or installing smart irrigators in your garden.”

“National Water Week is a fantastic opportunity for residents and businesses to find out more at our lunchtime display stand at the Alice Plaza Shopping Centre.”

Already, through Tourism NT, 19 large tourist accommodation properties have completed water efficiency audits, and other large commercial businesses such as the Alice Springs airport and the hospital are working with Alice Water Smart to develop their water saving plans.

Water efficiency consultants are ramping up to conduct hundreds of home and business consultations to offer practical advice and financial rebates to help people save water in their homes and gardens.

The Alice Water Smart Homes and Businesses project team is also looking for homeowners who consider their garden to be water smart. People can nominate for their garden to be a showcase to others in the community in future public open days.

Power and water's Leak Detection Van has been out identifying leaks saving potentially 300 Megalitres per year.

The Alice Springs Town Council is preparing to install smart irrigation technology in over 70 local parks and ovals.

“The average Alice Springs person uses 564 litres per person per day in their home which makes us among the highest water users in Australia, and Alice Water Smart provides a great opportunity to save water through all the incentives and rebates on offer.”, says Mark Wiltshire.

“Many of us believe our water supply will last forever, as it is drawn from the ancient Amadeus basin. However our water is precious and must be used wisely. Alice Water Smart aims to preserve our finite groundwater source and secure the long term sustainability of Alice Springs.”

For more information on Alice Water Smart visit www.alicewatersmart.com.au or call 8951 7315.
Who is involved in Alice Water Smart?

Funding of $7.5 million is being provided under the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns, a key component of the Australian Government’s long-term Water for the Future initiative. This was matched by Power and Water Corporation with contributions from consortium members, including the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport; Alice Springs Town Council; Arid Lands Environment Centre and Tourism NT.