6 minute read
Northern Field Officer’s Report
Steven Langdon
Three quarters of another year gone, and it seemed only yesterday 2021 was beginning.
Our world here in the NT had returned to a relatively normal way of life, no lock downs, everything open and mostly everyone going about their normal daily routine. Then as the months progressed we started to hear about the Delta Strain of Covid. What does this mean? Well, for the main part nothing, just carrying on with life as normal. A couple of bumps in the road with two lock downs and out the other side.
The NT as a whole is a little wiser and hopefully better prepared than it was before the lockdown, and we all got through the issue “on overtime mostly”. So, thank you to all for the effort that it has taken across our members to do the normal work with Covid happening alongside. It would be great if the road map out included travel at Christmas so we can all catch up with friends and family that are interstate, so let’s wait and see. As I travelled around the NT the old chestnut of discipline continues to create conversation. It doesn't matter where I am within Darwin or across the NT, many members speak to me about the current disciplinary process. Yes, most definitely the NTPA has seen a greater number of requests for assistance in this space in the past two years. While there is movement that is underway to see Part IV improved, I would like to provide some quick tips if you are involved in a CAP or Part IV. All the NTPF internal processes are just that - processes. Members can read how the system works and what steps are next as the process moves forward. The process when in these situations can seem daunting and never ending, however it is a process. The NTPA have over many years helped members through this process and will continue to do so for many more. First and foremost, if you find yourself in this space, please contact our office so we can assist immediately and guide you through. The second point of contact I would recommend is with Support and Wellbeing, even if you feel you are fine just letting them know will ensure you are followed up as the process moves forward. We all react different when under stress and in an uncommon environment, so the NTPA believe it is important that you seek your guidance from us. Because of the added stress to an already stressful workplace remaining calm and composed is beneficial. Anger towards the situation is understandable, however hard to work with. So please seek our advice and guidance. Unfortunately we too often come across the "I was told by" "to do this". Once a process has started with incorrect advice it is hard to roll back.
I have mentioned over the last 12 months working with PFES housing to ensure we see the growth promised from 2 person to 3 person stations. It is pleasing to see that over this last 12 months stations have grown. Permanent housing has
been sourced and completed at Milikapiti, extra housing sourced in Borroloola, Adelaide River, Lajamanu, Oenpeli, Mataranka with some changes in Numbulwar. I will continue to work on this with PFES Housing to ensure growth in our remote areas. Some will be longer projects than others given the circumstances in their respective areas but will not be forgotten. At the time of writing I have had conversation in relation to Kalkarindji and what can be done there, Timber Creek has had a residence become available with a trip planned to view in the coming days (will be done by time of print). Along with new housing we have seen finally the soil turned and the new station and housing at Ngukurr get underway. Maningrida also has a new station planned – no soil turned as yet but coming. I implore the NTPF and the NT Government to continue to fund the up grading of our old stations to improve the resources for our members in an ever increasing stressful, busy and sometimes hostile environment. The NTPA appreciate the dedication it takes from our members' partners to make the best of these old houses turning them into homes for the family while their spouse is out at all hours of the day and night providing a service to the community. It was pleasing to see the number of motions from the NTPA regions this year during conference. Having active discussion at region level helps bring new ideas to the table for all the NTPA regions to listen to and benefit from. October sees our regional delegate positions up for their biennial election, I encourage all current regional delegates and those wishing to join to nominate. The period of office is from October 2021 to October 2023, I am sure that the election period will be almost under way when this article is released – but if you have any questions feel free to give me a call or email. Wall to Wall 2021 was unfortunately struck down by that Covid pandemic once again. That however did not take away from the numbers of NT riders that registered for the 2021 event. At last count we had 23 registered riders which was up 6 from 2020 for the National Event. The fund raising conducted by the NT Long Riders goes towards NT Police Legacy. R/Sgt Tom Chalk and Retired member Bob Pedersen did a truck load of work down in Mataranka and they alone contributed approximately $10,000 straight to NT Police Legacy. Given Covid and the restrictions in place and uncertainty around what would happen, the NT Long Riders only did an overnight rider again for 2021, this year out to Adelaide River for the night after a small blessing at the NT Police Memorial Wall and stop at Huey’s memorial. During the beers and tall stories Big O (Sgt Owen Blackwell) conducted a fine session for some of the NT Long Riders passed indiscretions and new ones committed, this total was exactly $303. This amount was fitting given that we were drinking at the 303 bar at the Adelaide River Inn… Freaky, but that total did not stay for long as a rider who did not make the overnight spot coughed his outstanding fines at lunch on the return leg and a total of $403 was handed over to NT Police Legacy for the weekend. The Baton holder for 2021 was retired member Scott “Pumba” Manley. 2022 is all ready being planned, so if your keen save the dates, (ie: apply for gazetted leave) the NT Long Riders will be leaving Darwin on 8 September 2022 for the national service on 17 September. If we are still in a state of Covid there will be an alternate run to the Rock for those looking to ride. Further details will be posted on the NT Long Riders FB page, or give me an email.
Houses at Milikapiti
Glen Huitson Memorial
Wall to Wall evening
