New book tells tales of Relationships Australia’s beginning in the NT

Relationships Australian NT is a service that Territorians can depend on in trying times, yet a new book chronicling its 40 year history shows it too was lucky to survive Cyclone Tracy.

 In 1977 Secretary Alan Schreiber accounts, ‘The Darwin Marriage Guidance Council has gone through a very difficult and trying year. By about the middle of the year we lost the services of our Director, who was our only counsellor. The only lay counsellors that had served us, all left after the cyclone. After repeated and very costly advertising for a replacement, all applicants were found unsuitable.’

 The tale of the organisation’s recovery and other trials and tribulations will be unveiled at the launch of A history of Relationships Australia Northern Territory on the occasion of its fortieth anniversary on Monday 21 October.  

 Researched and authored by local historian Mickey Dewar, the book accounts for the organisation’s beginning in 1973 when it was deemed ‘the needs of the Northern Territory population at that time were so urgent that the normal requirement for a state council to self-fund for the first few years of operation were waived’.

 "In the beginning, the Marriage Guidance Council was an organisation which sought to provide advice and counsel for married couples living in Darwin who were separating,” Ms Dewar said.

 “Forty years later it is now a reflexive, multi-faceted support service providing assistance to the people of the Northern Territory across diverse areas of social need. This book is the story of how these changes took place.”  

 Renamed in 1995, Relationships Australia NT today has a broader emphasis on helping children and families in need and working with disadvantaged people.

 “We provide assistance to families in various ways including strengthening relationships, mediation, counselling and support for people going through difficult times,” Relationships Australia NT Marie Morrison said.

 “We also provide specialised services such as professional development and training through formal and informal courses, partnerships and community based programs for migrants and refugees, and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal families, delivered by Aboriginal staff members.

 “Increasingly we’re also working with young people and have programs to divert them away from crime and disadvantage, through restorative justice community programs.”

 The launch of A history of Relationships Australia Northern Territory on the occasion of its fortieth anniversary will be held at Relationships Australia NT, ground floor 43 Cavenagh Street on Monday 21 October at 5:30pm, preceded by the organisation’s AGM.

 The public are invited to attend with light refreshments and canapés available. Please call to RSVP on call 8923 4999.

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

 

Get advanced warning this Wet Season

TIO is helping Territorians be prepared this wet season with “TIO Weather Alerts,” an SMS and e-mail alert program that will be available free of charge to all Territorians.

“Almost 3000 Territorians are already benefiting from this free service, which alerts those registered to potentially dangerous weather systems by sending an SMS or an Email,” said Michael Hoare, TIO General Manager of Insurance.

The advance warnings allow residents to ensure that windows are shut, cars are moved under cover and loose outdoor items are properly secured to minimize the chance of damage,” he said.

The TIO Weather Alerts will also warn of impending or approaching cyclonic weather systems. The TIO alert is meant to act as a first warning, with homeowners then urged to monitor the Bureau of Meteorology’s website as events unfold. 

The alerts can be tailored to postcodes, ensuring that those in harm’s way are given timely warning and the opportunity to prepare for potential dangers.

For example, the most common warnings issued last wet season gave Darwin residents warnings on imminent severe thunderstorms. A typical thunderstorm alert will warn of flash flooding, damaging or destructive winds and large hail.

TIO has contracted the Australian Early Warning Network to deliver the alerts which are based on information generated by the Bureau of Meteorology. 

Simply go to www.tiofi.com.au/alerts to register.

TIO will also promote the service via in-branch brochures, on facebook and twitter and through community cyclone briefings.

Alice Springs garden watering planner a first for arid Australia

Alice Water Smart has today launched a new web-based tool that works out the ideal garden watering schedule for Alice Springs’ gardens and the local environment.

It is the first tool of its kind for arid Australia, and was developed in partnership with the national savewater!^® Alliance. Its launch also coincides with the launch of Alice Water Smart’s new website.

 In just a couple of minutes, anyone who owns a garden in Alice Springs, whether they be home or business owners, can find out how much water to use and when. It also compares the recommended schedule with current use, so gardeners can see how much water they can save.

 Alice Water Smart Project Manager Les Seddon says that more than half of all water wasted in Alice Springs is through overwatering plants.

 We have completed more than 1000 Water Efficiency Consultations and found that overwatering is the biggest culprit in water waste.”

 “The Garden Watering Planner will help Alice Springs garden owners save water, money and time. It is incredibly easy to use and each homeowner can print out a personalised watering schedule for their garden.”

 “For a long time, Alice residents have found it difficult to work out how much water their garden actually needs and very few were getting it right.”

 There are so many variables, such as plant age, size and root depth, as well as the types of irrigation being used and our unique climate. No wonder it is confusing!”

 “The Planner takes into account our varying climate, such as the mid-February heat when plants are under the most stress, and the mid-winter frosts when water in irrigation pipes is at risk of freezing.”

 It also works out the best watering schedule for different types of plants, such as natives and drought tolerant plants, grape vines, citrus, palm trees, vegetables and lawn areas.

 For example, if you want to know the recommended frequency and duration to water native shrubs that are between 3-12 months old, the Garden Watering Planner will do that for you.

 The personalised report details the ideal watering schedule for each season and offers advice on the best types of irrigation to use for those plants.

 The average water saved from making a simple irrigation change, such as scheduling or the type of sprinkler pop-up used, is around 224 kilolitres, or $390 per year.

 Garden design, local Alice Springs plants, and the importance of root depth are also features of the Water Planner.

 “Many residents water their gardens every day. This is encouraging shallow roots, which are prone to heat stress, dry out quickly and can only access a small amount of water.”

“We recommend watering longer and less often to encourage deep-rooted plants.  The roots live in cooler soil and can access more water so they help the plant better cope with hot, dry periods.”

The Alice Springs Garden Watering Planner can be found at www.alicewatersmart.com.au

Alice Water Smart is supported by the Australian Government.

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.

Alice Springs’ new recycled water scheme ready for testing

New water recycling facilities have been commissioned in Alice Springs this week and will undergo three months of testing before the water is supplied to businesses and institutions south of Heavitree Gap.

 As part of the Alice Water Smart Reuse Project, the new treatment processes at the Alice Springs wastewater plant will improve the quality of recycled water available.

 Around ten large businesses and institutions south of The Gap will use the water for irrigation and horticultural purposes, such as watering gardens at caravan parks and the cemetery, as well as road and civil construction works.

 “It will save around 220 million litres of the drinking water that is currently used for these purposes each year. That’s equivalent to 100 Olympic sized swimming pools”, says Alice Water Smart Project Manager Les Seddon.

The new facilities include an architecturally designed building to house gravity filters and UV reactors, as well as 3.5km of new network distribution pipe and an additional 2.5 Megalitre storage tank.

 As part of the three-month testing period, Power and Water Corporation and the Department of Health will carry out a series of validation checks to ensure the system is robust.

 "Along with water quality testing, we’ll be monitoring how the system works under various operational conditions, such as when there is peak demand or low water levels in the tanks.”

 “We are currently in discussions with businesses and institutions south of the Gap about how they can access the scheme and we look forward to that first turn of the tap.”

 95 tonnes of special sand media has been brought in from NSW for use in the system’s new gravity filters; which has some irony for a place that is surrounded by sand.”

 "The certified sand has a high quartz content, so it is quite strong and won’t break down into powder form to clog the system. The sand grains are uniform in size to allow wastewater to filter through, and small enough to pick up tiny solid particles along the way.”

 After the sewerage has travelled through several wastewater ponds over a 70-day period, the recycling process takes about one hour, which includes the following five steps:

 Acid and coagulant is added to a reactor tank to modfy pH and bind fine solids together

Waste water enters a Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) tank to inject air and allow solid particles to float to the top (which are scraped off and sent to waste)

Partially treated water enters the new gravity media (sand) filters to remove more solid particles and further improve quality

Pumps push the water through 80 high intensity UV lamps to disinfect pathogens (disease forming bacteria)

Recycled water is then injected with chlorine and stored in two 2.5 megalitre storage tanks, from where it is accessed by the end user.

 Testing is expected to be complete by mid December and will be available for customers straight away.

 Alice Water Smart is supported by the Australian Government.

 

Residents move into Zuccoli

While residential construction continues at Zuccoli its first residents have moved in.

A handful of Territorians now call the Palmerston East suburb home after the finishing touches on their houses were recently completed.

They are the first of more than 6000 people who will live in master planned community, which is fringed by bushland and adjacent to the Stuart Highway and Lambrick Avenue. 

Urbex, in partnership with the Land Development Corporation, developed Stage 1 of the neighbourhood and spent more than $6 million on the installation of electrical, sewage, water and telecommunications networks.

Urbex General Manager Wayne Rex said it was a momentous day for the project and for the joint venture partners Urbex and the Land Development Corporation.. 

“Our team has worked diligently with the government and local builders to keep the project on track and on target,” Mr Rex said.

“We are passionate about what we do and committed to building communities that are affordable and maintain the Territory way of life.

“Zuccoli has been designed for life with flexibility, diversity and room for growth and it’s wonderful to see residents moving in and fulfilling the joint ventures’ vision of urban development in the Territory.”

Miriam Smith and her partner Chris Ryan are one of the first Territory families to call Zuccoli home after purchasing land in December last year.

 
They rented in Moulden to save for a deposit and haven’t looked back since moving into their new address, built by Vanguard Homes, last week.

“It was the best decision we’ve ever made,” Ms Smith said.

“I love the area and at night time it’s so peaceful and there’s lots of nature sounds.

“It (Zuccoli) has a semi-rural feeling with the surrounding bush, and it’s great having the parks so close by for my girls and our dogs.”

 
Zuccoli features lots ranging in size from 577 sqm to more than 1000 sqm, a variety of cycling and walking paths, and easy access to the amenities of Palmerston and Coolalinga.
 
More than 30 per cent of Stage 1 has been dedicated to parks and conservation with Mitchell Creek and the 17 Mile Camp WWII Heritage Trail on its doorstep.

Large lots are currently available at Zuccoli and residents looking to buy land are encouraged to visit the Urbex Realty, Sales and Information Centre at 18 Cavenagh Street, Darwin.

For more information visit www.zuccolivillage.com.au.

Sex abuse victims told to seek support

Territorians affected by childhood sexual abuse are encouraged to connect with Relationships Australia NT ahead of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses in Child Sexual Abuse, which comes to Darwin on Tuesday 15 October for the first round of private hearings.

The Commission, which started in Western Australia last month and held the first public hearing was in Sydney this week, will be in town to hear from victims and survivors in private sessions over several days.

 Relationships Australia NT CEO Marie Morrison said the organisation can support anyone who has experienced institutional childhood sexual abuse including people who wish to share their story with the Commission.

“It can be a very emotional, challenging and confronting experience for people to talk about what happened to them,” Ms Morrison said.

“We have been counselling in the Territory for 40 years and worked with many people affected by childhood sexual abuse and abuse experienced in a variety of intuitional settings.  

“Our counsellors are available to help victims explore and collate their story, provide referrals where appropriate and in addition we can provide appropriate liaison through our Aboriginal advisors.”

During the private sessions, people will have one hour to present their story to one or two commissioners in a confidential and informal setting.

Ms Morrison said a high number of those sexually abused as children in the Northern Territory are Aboriginal and/or living in remote Territory communities.

“Where appropriate our Indigenous advisors, cultural consultants and Aboriginal family workers assist in connecting counsellors with victims,” she said.

“On the Tiwi Islands alone, including Nguiu, Milikapiti and Pirlingimpi, we have a qualified counsellor and three Aboriginal staff who will help those who were abused in coming forward to give evidence.”

Relationships Australia NT was awarded $650 000 in funding over the next three years by the federal government to support survivors of childhood sexual abuse that will take part in the Commission.

It was the only support service for victims presenting at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses in Child Sexual Abuse to be funded in the Northern Territory.

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

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 victims 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.

 

TIO partners with CareFlight to support rescue helicopter

TIO and CareFlight have announced a partnership to support a life-saving community service in Darwin today.

 

TIO will sponsor CareFlight’s Darwin based Rescue Helicopter for a minimum of three years.

 

TIO Chief Executive Richard Harding said the cost of road trauma in the Territory is more than triple the national average and rapid response was key to survival and to minimise injury.

 

“Evidence shows the severity of injury can be lessened by reducing the time it takes emergency medical services to start treating injured people,” Mr Harding said.

 

“Rapid medical intervention, particularly for people with internal, spinal or head injuries, can save lives and reduce the risk of catastrophic and permanent impairment.

 

“CareFlight’s rapid response capability supports TIO’s goal for personal injury management and improving health outcomes.

 

“The work they do further supports our understanding of the unique challenges created by great distance and remoteness for communities in the Top End.”

 

Mr Harding said TIO already made a significant investment in road safety awareness and behavioural change programs and the new partnership would complement this work.

 

“We see this partnership as a way to support the needs of Territorians which will ultimately deliver benefits to the wider motor accidents compensation scheme,” Mr Harding said.

 

CareFlight Chief Executive Officer Derek Colenbrander said TIO’s sponsorship of the rescue helicopter would help meet the running costs of the rapid-response helicopter service which forms part of the Top End Medical Retrieval Service which CareFlight operates for the NT Health Department.

 

Mr Colenbrander said the partnership will enable TIO and CareFlight to coordinate with the broader “road trauma” sector to improve outcomes for people involved in motor vehicle crashes.

 

“The helicopter is an integral component of our charity’s aeromedical service as it allows our flight nurses and doctors to respond direct to motor vehicle crashes and other trauma patients,” Mr Colenbrander said.

 

“Patients can be stabilised by our medical team working with health clinic nurses and St John Ambulance officers then given intensive care treatment as they are flown direct to Royal Darwin Hospital.”

 

The helicopter will now be known as the CareFlight TIO Rescue Helicopter.

Change the story, change your life

 

A leading American counsellor is in Top End to train local therapists on the power of narrative therapy and helping clients ‘re-author’ their lives.

Relationships Australian NT invited preeminent Chicago-based Narrative Counsellor Jill Freedman to Darwin to lead an intensive four-day workshop on ‘Working with Families from a Narrative Perspective’ this week.

Narrative therapy was developed in the late 1970s and is based on the concept that peoples’ identity is shaped by the events in their lives and their interpretation of these accounts.

A narrative therapist will work with people’s life stories, the effects, meanings and the context in which they were formed.

“We want to work with people to bring forth and thicken stories that do not support or sustain problems in their lives. We help them facilitate the development of new stories about themselves or events, which are more empowering and satisfying,” Ms Freedman said.

“As people begin to inhabit and live out alternative stories on an event, the results are beyond solving problems. Within the new stories, people live out new self-images, new possibilities for relationships and new futures.”

Ms Freedman explains that narrative therapy empowers people and takes into consideration the broader cultural explanations for their life.

“Parents may bring their son to counselling because of concerns about attention seeking behaviour. This behaviour may make it hard for both the parents and the child to notice other positive behaviours. An exploration of alternative stories can create space for change, such as those on how the boy overcame troubles in earlier times in his life.”

Relationships Australia NT Chief Executive Officer Marie Morrison said around 20 local counsellors have registered for the workshop, with places still available.

“We are very excited and honoured to have Jill Freedman here,” Ms Morrison said.

“This is a great opportunity for our counsellors and those in the community to enhance their skills and learn more about this practice from the very best and enrich their narrative practice.”

Jill Freedman is a Director of Evanston Family Therapy Centre in Chicago and co-authored three books and more than 30 journal articles and book chapters on alternative methodology.

She teaches Narrative Therapy internationally and in 2009 won the award for Innovative Contribution to Family Therapy by the American Therapy Academy with her partner Gene Combs.

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