Juggling youth affairs

Once he belted out ballads and performed circus tricks to help kids beat petrol sniffing.

Now Adrian McCann will juggle his biggest role yet as Mission Australia’s new Youth Services Manager for Darwin and Palmerston.

The laid back father of two, has more than ten years industry experience and developed the highly successful Desert ED project, which brought music, circus and positive health messages to young indigenous people in communities across Western and South Australia.  

“It was a great program that engaged young people in healthy living in a fun and entertaining way,” Mr McCann said.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, his childhood memories full of frosty mornings are poles apart from the hot and humid weather that Territorians experience for most of the year.

With a double degree in Social Science and Community Development, Adrian’s passion for working with young people stems from teaching placements and creating youth development projects.

“I’m really looking forward to working with my new team and other youth service providers across the region to identify what areas and programs need improvement or expansion.”

Mission Australia has offices in Darwin and Palmerston and run a range of programs that help young people engaged in dangerous behaviour or at risk of homelessness, stay on the straight and narrow.

They also manage popular singing competition, Urban Quest, which aims to help young people build self esteem through music and mentoring.

“I want to be proactive, and make and contribute to programs so they count and help the lives of young people.”

Whether or not that means circus acts for Darwin and Palmerston kids, we’ll have to wait and see.

Young Territorians wanted for national survey

Mission Australia is calling on young Territorians to help highlight important issues in their lives by taking part in the charity’s 2012 Youth Survey – the nation’s leading annual stocktake of the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 15-19.

In launching the 2012 survey, Mission Australia’s NT Director, Phillip Leslie, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.

“Mission Australia’s annual national youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,” said Mr Leslie.

“Responses to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

When asked to rank their personal concerns from 15 issues, NT participants in last year’s survey believed school/study problems was the most pressing issue, placed in the top three by 33.0 per cent of respondents.

This was followed by body image at 28.6 per cent and family conflict at 28.1 per cent.

Concern for school/study problems among young Territorians increased by more than 17 per cent since the 2009 survey.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – so it’s important we conduct this survey annually to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from school to stress, family conflict and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

“We’ve also taken the opportunity to refresh the survey – now in its 11^th year – and make it more relevant than ever.

“In addition to the questions we’ve asked every survey, this year we’re also asking young Territorians for their thoughts on their financial situation, family connectedness, neighbourhood safety and health,” said Mr Leslie.

Mission Australia’s 2012 Youth Survey can be completed online: www.mayouthsurvey.com.au.

The survey closes on Friday, 27 July with the results to be published later this year.

 

ZUCCOLI - master planned community goes on sale

The first release of land in the new suburb of Zuccoli will be made available to the market this week.

The land forms part of a new master planned suburb in Palmerston that will eventually contain over 2,300 dwellings for more than 6,000 Territorians.

Stage 1 of the suburb, to be developed by Urbex in partnership with the Northern Territory Government’s Land Development Corporation, is on track to deliver more housing as the Territory prepares for an increase in demand as a result of recently announced major projects.

Urbex Project Director Andrew Bartington said that over 100 registrations of interest in the land had already been received to date.

“Zuccoli lots will enable Territorians to choose from a variety of housing options, from acreage lots through to duplexes, and unit style developments.

“We will encourage purchasers to choose designs that are energy efficient, considerate of the topography and the natural aspect Zuccoli offers,” he said.

More than 30 per cent of the first stage of Zuccoli will be dedicated to parks and conservation.

Boardwalks and cycle paths will traverse the native bushland and Mitchell Creek that fringe the suburb.

Zuccoli will be well serviced with public transport and education facilities, including the recently opened Mackillop Catholic College, and includes plans for a village centre and commercial hub.

“We invite Territorians to be part of the village life,” Mr Bartington said.

Zuccoli is located to the south of Lambrick Avenue between the Stuart Highway and Mitchell Creek.

Residents looking to buy land in Zuccoli can visit Urbex Realty, Sales and Information Centre at 18 Cavenagh Street, Darwin.

For further information visit www.zuccolivillage.com.au or call Janzey Pratt on 1300 662 746.

AAco to proceed with acquisition of land for Darwin Meat Processing Facility

AAco has decided to proceed with the acquisition of the site at Livingstone Farm for a price of $13.275 million, subject to satisfaction of conditions precedent with settlement expected to occur by late June 2012. The Company is confident that outstanding conditions precedents will be satisfied shortly and then the contract can proceed to completion.

In May 2012, AAco announced that it had received an Exceptional Development Permit (EDP) approving the development of an abattoir south of Darwin. The approval contains 5 conditions precedent that must be met to enable the development to proceed. The Company has satisfied itself that these EDP conditions precedent have either been met or are capable of being met as part of the final development and approval processes.

The Livingstone site is approximately 600ha in size, of which approximately 14ha will be occupied by the abattoir. The balance of the site will comprise irrigation zones, natural wetlands, ponds and other areas providing facility and amenity to the site. The additional land purchased will ensure a sufficient buffer zone between the abattoir and adjoining areas.

CEO of AAco, Mr David Farley, said: “The project fundamentals around a processing plant in the Northern Territory are compelling, and will secure the long term future of Australia’s northern pastoral industry.”

“The economic benefits extend well beyond northern Australia and we believe will also have substantial positive flow on effects for our northern neighbours,” Mr Farley said.

Subject to final project endorsement by the AAco Board to proceed with the development, the proposed Darwin Meat Processing Facility will be developed at a total estimated capital cost of circa $83 million (including land). This plant will be built as a Hot Boning plant with flexibility to incorporate chillers when required, and a design capacity of up to 225,000 head pa. It is proposed that the plant will process circa 180,000 head pa once full production levels commence.

The project is forecast to meet return criteria established by the AAco Board. The Board will review the final tendered delivery costs prior to construction commencing to ensure these benchmarks are achievable.

While AAco is prepared to invest 100% of the required capital, the Company will seek investment partners in the facility and will hold a minimum of 50% of the equity in the company developing the Darwin Meat Processing Facility, “Northern Australian Beef Limited”, which is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of AAco.

The new facility will be state‐of‐the‐art and when operational, will have the capacity to process up to 1,000 head per day at full production, create up to 260 full time jobs including substantial new opportunities for indigenous and female workers in the region. It will be efficient from a carbon emissions standpoint, and improve animal welfare outcomes.

Mr David Farley said, “A possible move by AAco into meat processing is a natural next step in vertical integration, particularly given our proximity to the growing Asian markets and the quality of our end product.”

*ends*

http://www.aaco.com.au/_upload/20120530121841859.pdf

Dundee gets behind cancer research

The small community of Dundee has got behind Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, raising more than $700 for cancer research and support.

The community raised almost $2 per local resident – if their efforts were repeated across Australia that would equate to around $44 million for this great cause.

The Biggest Morning Tea was held at Dundee Beach Markets today with freshly baked cakes and slices from local cooks.

Organiser Tracy Jones said it was a great effort from such a small community.

“Our community really got behind the cause to support cancer research and services,” she said.

“It was a mammoth effort and a real testament to what individuals can do when we get together.

“Virtually every one of us has been touched by cancer at some stage and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea gives us all an opportunity to say thanks to those who have been there for us when one of our own family or friends has been affected by this terrible disease.”

Australia’s Biggest Morning tea is an annual event and the community of Dundee is already planning its event or next year.

“We’ve had great support from local businesses, including the Lodge of Dundee, Dundee Boat Hire and the Dundee Beach Tractor Pull,” Tracy said.

Vista Gold Corp. reports drilling and test results for historic heap leach pad at Mt. Todd

Denver, Colorado, May 16, 2012 - Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE MKT: VGZ) (“Vista” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the initial results of a sampling and metallurgical testing program on the existing heap leach pad at its Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.

To date, the existing heap leach pad has been considered an environmental liability; however, as part of the ongoing feasibility study, Vista completed a review of the historic blast hole and production data associated with the heap leach pad and concluded that there may be potential to recover additional gold from the existing heap leach pad.

Fred Earnest, Vista’s President & CEO, stated “the drilling and subsequent bottle roll test results from the existing Mt. Todd heap leach pad are causing us to consider some new aspects of the Mt. Todd gold project.

The potential to convert what we had previously considered to be a brownfield site liability to a potential revenue generating component of the project could represent a potentially significant source of additional value.

We are in the process of evaluating the potentially favorable implications and timing of gold production from the existing heap leach pad and believe that the heap leach pad should be incorporated into the definitive Mt. Todd feasibility study. We are currently evaluating the impact this may have on our current feasibility study.”

http://www.mttodd.com.au/news

Pop icon to launch Private Pop exhibition

International singer-songwriter, Leo Sayer will launch an exhibition of prints and ephemera from the sixties and seventies in Darwin this week.

The exhibition showcases the personal art collection of locally-based artist Geoff Todd and includes prints by Andy Warhol and Sydney Nolan, an original painting that became a Leo Sayer Album Cover 'Just a Boy', pop memorabilia and his own works.

The catalogue for the “Private Pop” exhibition is based around a discussion recorded in Bali between Geoff Todd and Leo Sayer Leo about art, fans and idols and living through the sixties to the eighties with "art awareness".

Having met in 2006, the two artists now consider themselves to be close friends who share an intellectual connection and understanding of what art is about.

Todd says that he and Sayer were similarly art trained, the same age and seemed to share the same interests over their lives, “we seemed to connect”.

“Together we have worked on lots of things and shared ideas and compared life notes and influences. One of the outcomes has been the exhibition "Private Pop" which happily has found its way to Darwin.”

The collection is not for sale however the limited edition collectors book can be bought and signed by Sayer and Todd.

“Private Pop” will be on exhibition until 31 May at the Vault Gallery, 51 Smith Street from 10am - 4pm weekdays.

Soulful seventeen year old takes out Urban Quest title

Seventeen year old Gabby Wright has won the 2012 Mission Australia Urban Quest youth talent competition.

Gabby stole the show with a soulful rendition of Adele’s “Make you feel my love”. The Palmerston student has been singing since the age of five and plans to pursue a career in music after finishing year twelve.

Urban Quest judges Mark Holden, Deni Hines and Paul Costa were captivated by the talent of all of the young contestants at the Sunday night grand final.

Mark Holden awarded his famous “touchdown” to four of the performers, while Deni and Paul created their own special “touchdown” for ten year old rap sensation Monique Chong of Alice Springs.

Mission Australia Operations Manager Jillian Smith said she was amazed with the wealth of talent they had discovered through the Urban Quest program.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for Mission Australia to work with young people in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs and help them achieve their potential. Be it the heats, mentoring sessions or the finals, they have all had a chance to put themselves forward and grow through the experience.”

In what was a truly hard job for the judges, second place was awarded to Monique Chong for “Hit ‘em high” and third went to 14 year old Shiane Hawke with a heartfelt performance of Whitney Houston’s “I will always love you”.

This is the second year Mission Australia has run the Urban Quest competition. Winners receive $1000 from Bendigo Community Bank Nightcliff for first place, and $250 and $150 from Amity Community Services for second and third.

During the Urban Quest events Mission Australia also raised funds towards a program against Cyber Bullying, with all donations collected at the finals going towards the two-week self-esteem program.

Urban Quest is proudly supported by Quest Serviced Apartments Parap, Argus Apartments Darwin, Bendigo Community Bank Nightcliff, Amity Community Services, Independent Grocers, Coca Cola, Local hirers subsidy, Dream Media, Casuarina Square and the Darwin Entertainment Centre.

For more information on Urban Quest go to www.missionaustralia.com or http://www.facebook.com/#!/MissionAust

Judges make tough call on Urban Quest finalists

For two years running the judges of Mission Australia's Urban Quest have been faced with the near impossible task of choosing the Top End finalists for the youth talent competition.
Once again breaking the rules, they have selected nine finalists instead of the required eight.
Performances at the Casuarina Square semi finals last night displayed a wealth of talent, creativity and inspiration. Songs performed included classic numbers from the stage and theatre, country ballads, soul, pop and original rap tunes.
The Urban Quest Top End finalists will be joined by Alice Springs finalists at the Darwin Entertainment Centre this Sunday night as the young performers strive for the 2012 Urban Quest title and $1000 prize money from Bendigo Bank.

Sunday night's finalists are:

First Name	Last Name	Age	School
Andrea	Carvolth	17	Darwin High School
Brandon	Folino-Driver	15	Darwin High School
Charlee	Mullins	13	Taminmin College
Gabby	Wright	17	Palmerston Senior College
Jayde	Schluter	15	Darwin High School
Jenaya	Allen	13	St Phillips College
Karina	Williams	16	Darwin High School
Kaiyah	Chadwick	12
Monique	Chong	10	Ross Park Primary School
Shiane	Hawke	14	Dripstone Middle School
VJ	Bumanlag	16	Marrara Christian College

Urban Quest is judged by Australian  by Australian music idols Mark Holden, Deni Hines and Paul Costa. Deni, Paul and last year’s Urban Quest winner, Tevita Moala, will also perform at Sunday’s finals.
The singing competition celebrates young talent, music and community and aims to help young Territorians build self-­‐esteem and confidence.
The event is proudly supported by Bendigo Bank, Amity, Argus Apartments Darwin, Quest Serviced Apartments Parap, Independent Grocers and Coca Cola.
The Urban Quest Finals will be held at the Darwin Entertainment Centre at 7pm, tickets are available from the box office.

6 Facebook tips to protect your reputation

By Tracy Jones

Facebook can be a booby trap for people in the public eye. And you don’t have to be famous to get caught out. I’ve seen public servants, senior executives, front-line staff and company representatives all find themselves in hot water with a simple slip of the mouse.

1.       Check your security settings regularly. Facebook is constantly changing its security settings. You need to stay on top of what you are and are not allowing others to see. Pay particular attention to the Timeline and Tagging settings, which control the level of privacy on what others are saying about you.

2.       Ditch the funny profile photo. I know of a case where two men were killed in a tragic accident. The media sourced photos of them from their Facebook profiles and plastered them all over the news – one posing in his uniform and the other obviously taken during a long Sunday-afternoon session with the boys.

3.       Be careful what you Like. Yep. That new Facebook page “I think the Government sucks and should be thrown out at the next election” was really funny. It’s just a shame you’re a public servant and your boss doesn’t agree. You might also want to think twice before Liking “I’m not an alcoholic – I’m Australian” or “If I could punch you without getting in trouble, believe me, I would”.

4.     Keep track of your friends. Remember your second cousin’s ex-girlfriend who befriended you on Facebook a few years back? She now works as a journalist for the local newspaper.

5.     Your friends have other friends. It’s a great lark when you and your friends share a “private” joke about what you got up to on the weekend. Just be aware that they have other friends who may not see the funny side. You particularly need to watch for this one if you missed point number 1.

6.     Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive a car, a keyboard or a mouse.