April 11th 2012
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Eylandt Echo
Fortnightly news for the Groote Eylandt community proudly produced by GEMCO
Celebrations at Alyangula Area School
News Alert! Australian Record pending for Groote Eylandt Small Fry…details on page eight
Students at the Alyangula Area School got creative with the Easter spirit, enjoying a Easter Bonnet Parade. The parade was run by the Student Representative Council of the school to raise funds for shade structures on the school oval. Students from Pre-school to year 9 participated in the parade. Congratulations to all the winners!
Top: Easter Bonnet Parade winners. Below: cheering on at the Alyangula School swimming carnival.
Students also enjoyed the sunshine at their swimming carnival the following day on the 5th April. The Redbacks took out the Scorpions 644 points to 593. “The kids really swam their hearts out,” said teacher, Taryn Rose. “They had a great time.”
Island Imagination: An ants life Again it was a tough pick this week, with many great photographs to choose from in the Island Imagination Photography Competition. We usually don't think twice about ’pesky’ green ants, but we couldn't go past this cute little guy...on a leaf stem with a mouthful of nectar sent in by Annabelle and Andrew Stanway. Next deadline is April 18th so send in your favourite shots taken over the Easter break.
INS ID E TH IS I SSU E: Editorial
2
Environmental news
3
Golf club news
5
Ghost Net Weavers
4
Interview of the week
5
Health and wellbeing
6
Tides & Fishing Classifieds
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 1
7/8 9
Pets
10
Puzzles
11
Sports
12
April 11th 2012
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Greetings Eylandters, Welcome back from the Easter break. We hope you are all feeling refreshed and renewed! Congratulations to Alison Crombie who takes home the cool doggy beach pack from last weeks competition. Alison guessed correctly, there were 10 dogs on the board with Chris. The Echo is looking for older photographs taken on Groote Eylandt between the 50’s—80’s. If you have any photographs or know of someone who does, let us know. Until next time. Happy reading Contact us: Eylandt Echo
Runners raise money for sex crime victims Several Alyangula women who are raising money for sex trafficking victims have been overwhelmed by support from the community. Sharon Asplin, Tessa Moriarty, Carolyn Fletcher and Daniela Cooper are training for a half marathon to raise money for Project Futures, a charity for raising money to stop human sex slave trafficking. Between them, they hope to raise $20,000 to help children as young as five years old. “It’s just devastating what these children have had forced on them,” Sharon said. “All the money we raise will help to rescue and rehabilitate them so they can have a second chance at a better life.” Daniela said the Alyangula community was working together to help the victims. “As we have been sharing the stories of these victims, people have been so quick to get involved and to help make a difference. It’s actually really touching.” Tessa said they had come off to a good start, selling hundreds of packets of hot cross buns over the past few weeks. Upcoming events include the Eylandt Clothing Party on April 21 (see page six), a fun run on April 29 (see page 12), a bingo night, a big Barefoot Bowls bash, a Learn A New Skill Day and much more. The women are looking for people to donate new items that can be used as prizes and volunteers to help at events. Contact Sharon Asplin 0488 180 025 asplins@hotmail.com, Carolyn Fletcher 0407 615 915, Daniela Cooper 0400551155 danielacooper@gmx.com or Tessa Mccredie 0403563038.
Police Beat: Groote Eylandt
Phone: (08) 8987 4137 Postal: Eylandt Echo, Alyangula NT 0885 The Eylandt Echo newsletter is produced each fortnight for the benefit of everyone on Groote Eylandt. The Eylandt Echo is sponsored by GEMCO as a community service. The contributions and advertisements contained within the Eylandt Echo are not necessarily the views and opinions shared by either the Editor or GEMCO, but are presented for the community’s interest at large.
NEXT DEADLINE: April 18th 2012
Quote of the week: We must not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time.” – T. S. Eliot
The Golf Club was broken into on the evening of the 4th April. Police have three people currently in custody. They are expected to be charged shortly. There was another single vehicle rollover on the road to Umbakumba (minor injuries). There have been 3 in the last month on that road. Alyangula Police urge all drivers to please take care, particularly on the dirt where there are washouts and potholes. There have been 3 break-ins to the laundry areas under houses in Alyangula where alcohol has mainly been targeted. Police have the names of a couple of suspects and expect to catch up with them soon. With the Easter break upon us and more people being away, we are reminding people to remain vigilant and look out for each other's property. A staff member had every window of his car except the front window smashed whilst parked at the Angurugu Clinic. A male person has been arrested and charged in relation to this. He will attend the Alyangula court next week. A Police Officer was bitten whilst effecting the arrest of a male person who had breached his Domestic Violence Order. This person was charged with Breach of DVO, Assault of Police and Resistance to arrest and refused bail. He will reappear in court later this month in Darwin. Nation wide Easter traffic campaign started today - finishing Monday 9th of April - Police are particularly targeting drink drivers. A reminder that there are strict liquor restrictions on Groote Eylandt. We would particularly like to remind people that it is an offence to supply liquor to a person who is not the holder of a current liquor permit.
Groote Eylandt Flora and Fauna survey update The GEMCO Environmental Flora and Fauna teams have been hard at work over the past few weeks collecting and cataloguing many different types of plants and animals with visiting scientists. GEMCO’s environmental team are searching high and low for new and rare species that might exist on Groote Eylandt. The knowledge of these species and their habitats will help GEMCO continue a sustainable relationship with the environment and ensure their populations continue to thrive on Groote Eylandt. Below are a few examples of what we have been finding! Below: Sugar Glider. Photo taken by ecologist Paul Barden EMS (Ecological Management Services) Right: Green Tree Frog by Colin Burns GEMCO
Above: Tawny Frogmouth, photo by Martine Ripcke, GEMCO. Middle: Brown Tree Snake photo by Paul Barden EMS. Left: Northern Spotted Quoll, photo by Paul Barden EMS. Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 2
April 11th 2012
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New Chefs aboard Eylandt The delicious aroma of fresh pizza is wafting from the Golf Club as two new chefs cook up a storm in the kitchen. Chef, Martin Hergatt and assistant chef, Vicki Mahone, both from Queensland bring a breath of fresh air and some great new food into Alyangula. “We have both worked in small communities before,” said Vicki, “and we know that people love to try new dishes. We are cooking it up with weekly new dishes Below: Duty manager Michael Morgan, with new chefs, Martin and Vicki for Groote Eylandters”.
Giant snake fossils have been
discovered during excavation at the Cerrejon open-face coal mine in northern Colombia. The fossils indicated that the relative of the boa and anaconda, named Titanoboa, would have weighed more than a ton, measuring 14m (approximately 50 feet). The giant reptile would have been able to swallow a whole crocodile without showing a bulge. Osama Bin Laden's three widows and two eldest daughters have been charged and sentenced for living in Pakistan illegally, their lawyer has confirmed. They have received a jail term of 45 days in prison and been fined 10,000 rupees ($114) each. Former Mexican drug cartel boss Benjamin Arellano Felix has been jailed for 25 years by a US judge. Felix, 58, considered one of the world's most powerful drug lords in the 1990s, had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money and racketeering. Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party has won a landslide victory in by-elections with partial results announced, the National League for Democracy (NLD) won at least 40 of the 45 seats being contested. (BBCWorld)
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Come on down to the Golfie & see what is on offer this week! Hawaiian
New bar s time pecial s : 5-7p mM on-F ri
BBQ Chicken Supreme Meatlovers Complete menu is on offer for lunch an dinner. Dine in or take away. (no wraps or burgers at dinner)
Sewing their way to success
Umbakumba School's Mikmaburra Sewing Room, as part of the 3-9 initiative, Schools our Community Heart is going from strength to strength. Fabric design inspired by tiny shells, unique to Umbakumba town beach, will feature on the new lines. As well as soft furnishings and the infamous Zipper dresses, look out for other garments. Ngakwurra Langwa College Director, Mark Monaghan, said that the success of this initiative at Umbakumba highlights the potential of growing local business and providing negotiated pathways into employment and training for students and community members. He thanked the generosity of Groote Eylandt Milyakburra Youth Development Unit (GEMYDU) for a $5 000 grant which enabled the enterprise to purchase an industrial sewing machine. Keep your eyes out for the famous bags and the new fleece blankets. All items can be purchased at the Anindilyakwa Land Council store in Alyangula's arcade and at the Umbakumba School Fair in May.
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 3
April 11th 2012
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Ghost Net weavers find their creative spark The GEBIE Anindiliakwa Arts and Culture Center came alive with creativity last week as the Ghost Net Weaving Workshop filled the verandas with artists, young and old . People from all over Eylandt came together with workshop teachers to express their creative sides as part of the 9 day weaving extravaganza.
“We call it Ghost Net Weaving because we use collected old nets which are drifting around in the sea, not belonging to anyone. Just like ghosts,” explained workshop teacher, Thisbe Purich. “It’s really great because it cleans up the beaches and helps marine life from getting tangled. It’s a very exciting medium to work with—strong, versatile, colourful and free. Fantastic for sculpture. It’s also a very tangible way to get our message about Ghost Nets across to communities.” Left: Jean watches on as Liz puts the finishing touches on her basket. Right: A goanna made from recycled “junk”, old fishing nets retrieved from the ocean Below: Workshop teacher, Thisbe Purich demonstrates sewing on a life-size sculpture of a woman. “The money goes straight to the artist and some to the various arts centres,” Thisbe said. “A sculpture of this size will take around a week to complete.”
The Ghost Nets Australia Programme was established in 2004 and unites over 22 indigenous communities in Queensland, Torres Straight and Northern Territory in their shared goal to remove ghost nets from the sea. The fantastic array of colourful bags, baskets and sculptures will make their way to museums and galleries around the country, helping spread the message of Ghost Net weavers. Left: Gayangwa Lalara works on her second doll. Below right: Gayangwa and Suzanne proudly display their work. The workshop was organised and assisted by Co-ordinator, Cheryl Zovko and Centre Manager, Vianetta Chapman.
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 4
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Interview of the week: This week the Echo caught up with Cecile Williams, a visiting visual artist from Western Australia and workshop teacher at the Ghost Net Weaving workshop. Cecile’s enthusiasm for using recycled and found materials has led her to explore installation and experimental environmental and fine arts, theatre design and community arts. Echo: How did you become involved in the Ghost Net program? Cecile: I was working on Christmas Island with marine debris and someone from Ghost Nets heard about my exhibition and contacted me, the relationship was born! Echo: What drew you to work on this particular project? Cecile: I love scrounging, even more than making things sometimes! The place I find something has a story to it and that story determines the art which is created. This medium, fishing nets, is fantastic... great colours, textures and has a strong history to it. It has been floating around at sea and now rather than being destructive, is used creatively to make something positive. You even get a feel for what nets are ‘rare’ and which are common. Once you have used one type of net, you may never find it again so you have to make the most of each piece. Echo: How do you find the nets? Cecile: It’s very tough work. Rangers from all round the Top End collect the nets from the beaches and sea. I have been out to Cape York to see how its done and it takes a lot of organisation to get them out - people, quad bikes, boats, food, petrol. It’s hot and it’s difficult work.
Above: Cecile with workshop participant Suzanne Wurramara
There’s also a lot of marine life trapped in them which can be difficult, as well as hooks, coral and other sharp objects. Echo: What inspires you to create art? Cecile: I love it. There are no rules in art, you only need to make things secure and that’s it. I love finding materials and the journey that they have been on. I love hearing peoples stories and making a connection with them. Its great because I get to pass on my knowledge at workshops and share these stories. The creative sprit spreads too and you learn from the people around you Echo: Any advice for budding Groote Eylandt Artists? Cecile: Get out there and get into it. Experiment with texture, style, colour, the list goes on. When you go out on a walk keep your eyes open for what you can find.
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 5
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Get a new wardrobe at clothing party Renew and refresh your wardrobe and make an impact in the lives of sex trafficking victims at the Eylandt Clothing Party on April 21. Aside from the clothing exchange, the event at the Director’s Cottages in Alyangula is a lovely afternoon to relax, watch a fashion parade, eat delicious food, listen to live music and bid on items in a silent auction. Co-coordinator, Daniela Cooper, said participants could bring up to eight well -kept items that are ready for a new life. “The quality of the clothing being exchanged is important,” Daniela said. “People can also swap accessories such as hats, scarves, belts and shoes which are in good condition and likely to be valued by others.” Items are “checked in” and once they are all racked, participants will be invited to enjoy a fun 'shopping' experience. Tickets cost $30 pre-sale or $35 at the door and there is no extra charge for the clothing items. All proceeds will be supporting Project Futures: End Sex Trafficking. The event is from 3-6pm and there will be a lucky door prize. Tickets are available from Sharon, 0488 180 025 asplins@hotmail.com, Carolyn 0407 615 915, Daniela 0400551155 danielacooper@gmx.com or Tessa 0403563038.
Setting goals for your success
Weekly health and fitness with Rachel Van Oosten
The time has come, the gun has sounded and the Great Groote Body Challenge has begun. You are off and running…. wait – have you worked out where you are running to? To know where you are running to you need to have set your goals! 95% of people do not set goals and fail. The 5% of people who do set goals, succeed. If you don’t set goals then how will you know what direction you are heading in? You may recall a scene from Alice in Wonderland. As Alice stumbles out of the hole she comes across the Cheshire cat with his great big grin. Alice is wandering aimlessly as she looks to the cat for advice, she asks “which way do I go from here” and the Cheshire cat answers, “well that depends where you want to go” and she answers “somewhere”, to which the Cheshire cat replies “in that case you can go in any direction, if you walk long enough you will get there eventually.” “The tragedy in To know which direction you are heading in is key, otherlife doesn’t lie in wise you’ll be wandering aimlessly and taking a long time to get there! Here are 3 simple steps to get you not reaching your setting goals for your success: goals, the tragedy What is your SMART goal? lie’s in having no S – Specific: Your goal needs to be clear and well degoals to reach.” fined. A specific goal is more likely to be achieved than a general one, the more specific you are the better. M – Measurable: Your goal needs to be quantifiable . A – Achievable: Your goal must stretch you beyond your comfort zone but still be very attainable in your world. R – Realistic: Goals must be personal and be highly relevant to you. They must take into account real constraints on time and resources, what is possible under the circumstances? T – Time-bound: Your goal must have a deadline. Following is an example of a goal that has used these principles. The key is to write the goal as if you have already achieved it, putting yourself at that time and imagining where you will be, what you will see, hear and feel at this time. “It is 28 June 2012 and I am standing in front of my mirror getting ready to go out to dinner with my partner seeing myself wearing my new outfit (describe) weighing 70kg. I feel full of energy and can hear my family and friends who are telling me how wonderful I look. I am doing fitness 3 times a week and walking twice a week with friends. I am eating small frequent meals made up of vegetables, fruit, grains and protein. I am looking forward to dinner with my partner knowing that I will be making choices that are good for me and that I enjoy.” Why do you want to achieve it? Now that you have your goal, we need to ensure that you have a compelling why. It has been said that if the why is strong enough, the how will take care of itself. To know why you want to achieve this goal you need to identify where you are at right now. What do you want to change about you? What is it that isn’t working for you? Are you 100% committed to making the changes to get different results. If not, what’s missing? What is achieving this goal going to give you? Your “why” is the reason that is going to motivate you to take action every single day. It is seeing what achieving this goal is going to give you that will enable you to be the person that you want to be. It is knowing what you stand to lose if you don’t achieve it, what have you missed out on in the past, what is not achieving this goal costing you right now? What will it cost you in the future – where will you be 5 years from now if you do not achieve this goal? How are you going to stay focussed? I am guessing that you are probably time poor and have a lot of different balls that you are constantly juggling. Do you think wanting to achieve this goal is going to be enough to keep you focussed on a daily basis? It’s been said that it is the small steps you take on a consistent basis that will lead to your success. That means taking action everyday to move you closer towards your goals. There are many ways you can focus on your goal daily, it’s a matter of finding what will work best for you. Examples are: Create a vision board of pictures and words that represent what you want to achieve Writing your goal down and put it where you can see it Take a before photo and have it up where you can see it as a reminder As you are walking or driving remind yourself what you want to achieve and why You’ve read the steps, now its time to take action. What are the 3 actions you are going to commit to right now? Now that you’ve committed yourself, who are you going to tell to help keep you accountable? Find your accountability buddy and check in with them regularly to maintain your focus and commitment to you and your goals. Remember, “Success is a journey not a destination” so make sure you are enjoying the Challenge and making the most of the lifestyle changes you are making to improve your health & happiness. Warm regards, Rachel Van Oosten Active Symmetry
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 6
April 11th 2012
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Integrated Waste Facility set to open Anybody who has driven into the Wet Tip over the last month will have seen the works being conducted on the entrance road. In order to improve tracking and disposal of waste on Groote Eylandt, and to help GEMCO develop waste minimisation targets, GEMCO is constructing an Integrated Waste Facility. In the future, this facility will incorporate the Wet Tip (household rubbish), the Dry Tip (industrial rubbish) and the Green Tip (gardening waste as well as weeds). In order to develop targets, first we need to know how much waste Groote Eylandters are disposing of each year. Therefore, after the facility opens in April, you will only be able to dispose of your rubbish during set opening times. You will need to go over a weighbridge to obtain entrance into the facility, and you will be asked what type of waste you are disposing of, and where it has come from. The weigh bridge operator will be able to give you direction and advice but it is important that you remain within your vehicle whilst on the Weigh Bridge. After unloading your waste, you will be required to weigh your vehicle again so that we can record the weight of the waste. In addition recording waste and setting waste reduction targets, the new facility will benefit the public by making the tip a lot safer. In the past we have had health, safety and environmental issues resulting from inappropriately dumped wastes such as gas cylinders, batteries, and oil contaminated waste. Other issues including scavenging, fires, feral animals, and weeds will also be able to be addressed.
Milner bay times and heights of high and low waters Wednesday 11
Thursday 12
Friday 13
Saturday 14
Sunday 15
Monday 16
Tuesday 17
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
0250
1.05
1401
1.98
0058
0.74
0212
0.75
0328
0.78
0437
0.84
0524
0.92
0344
1.05
1447
1.95
1536
1.87
1630
1.75
1736
1.62
1911
1.49
1321
1.94
2346
0.77
Wednesday 18
Thursday 19
Friday 20
Saturday 21
Sunday 22
Monday 23
Tuesday 24
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
Time
Height
0549
1.02
0552
1.10
0529
1.16
0153
1.12
0216
1.05
0242
1.01
0045
1.03
1439
1.30
1429
1.31
1101
1.35
1108
1.45
1129
1.55
1154
1.63
0307
0.98
1621
1.29
1747
1.21
1851
1.14
1950
1.06
2042
0.99
2130
0.91
1219
1.70
2028
1.39
2124
1.30
2212
1.23
2259
1.16
2350
1.09
2216
0.84
The above information is sourced from the Bureau of Meterology and is available at www.bom.gov.au. It is advised to check any current National Weather Warnings at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/index.shtml. The tide heights are in metres above Prediction Datum, red for low water and blue for high water. The times stated are Australian Central Standard Time (24 hour clock). Daylight Saving Time is not observed
Tidal stream predictions for Milner Bay
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 7
April 11th 2012
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FISHING CLUB NEWS AND NOTICES
Set to hit the record books!
Riley Mcconachy wins fish of the month with his 14cm Queenie. Riley wins the $100 voucher which is up for grabs every month for Small Fry, Junior and Senior Anglers. Riley is also set to hit the record books with two pending Australian records for Barracuda. Riley is following in the foot steps of his older sister Hannah who is a dual world record holder and 5 time Australian record holder. Riley recently caught these two fish down south of the Eylandt on a Billfishing adventure. It won't be long till he finds out if both of his claims are successful. Great efforts Riley! JUNIOR FISHING CLINICS The Groote Eylandt Game and Sports Fishing Club are conducting Junior Fishing Clinics. WHERE: ASEC building WHEN: Saturday the 2nd of June TIME: 9.30am We are asking for a donation of $70.00 to The Groote Eylandt Game and Sports Fishing Club. The money raised will be used through the BHP Billiton Match giving program to go towards the development of junior fishing. The juniors will receive a free membership to the Groote Eylandt Game and Sports Fishing Club, a fishing rod and reel combo from Shimano, lures, hat and much more. A BBQ will be provided after the clinic is complete. Children in Transition to 15yrs are eligible to attend, first in best dressed (Max 80 juniors). The registration day will be held at the Arcade on Sat 19th May from 8.30am. Club Memberships can be renewed on the day. For further information please contact Bomber 0414 903 109. Please fill in membership form for juniors Top left: Riley with his Queenie Bottom left: Weighing up the catch, Riley and his Barracuda..
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 8
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CLASSIFIEDS Social Program Coordinator – Head Office (6 months fixed-term)
POSITIONS VACANT
ATTENTION READERS
We are now taking submissions for classifieds advertisements. It is free to post an advertisement, so send in your text The opportunity exists for a dedicated person to and pictures by the 18th April to: join the Social Program team. This position is . eylandtecho.gemco@bhpbilliton.com responsible for coordinating the day to day requirements of the GEBIE social program, focusing on assisting local residents and communities LOST/STOLEN on Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island. The successful applicant will need to engage well Lost: Keys at the ASEC Hall last with community members, manage high levels week. Urgently needed. Please conof community needs and have strong organisational and administrative skills. No accommoda- tact Susan Reyneke on 0427066676. tion provided. Coordinator – The Shopa (in the Arcade) The Ngarnindilyakwa Langwa Shopa provides the opportunity for cultural items and artefacts to be promoted and sold in a retail market, and also offers residents and tourists a booking service for cultural experiences where our local tourist guides share their culture and their country in a day’s adventure. The opportunity exists for an enthusiastic person interested in coordinating the daily operations of the Shopa and assisting with organising tourist trips. We are seeking interests from people who may be looking for a new career or people who have experience in the industry. This role has the potential to expand into project and business development East Arnhem Shire for the right person. The successful applicant Council is now seek- will need to be able to engage well with the ing applications community, have exceptional customer service from experienced, skills and have the basic knowledge of business enthusiastic and self administration. This position is a full-time role; however we encourage all interested people to motivated individuapply as there may be an opportunity to job als for the following positions: share.
Aged Care and Disability Coordinator (Umbakumba)
Level 5 ($64,243 plus allowances, superannuation and housing at minimal rent) The Aged Care Co-ordinator will be responsible for co-ordinating the Aged Care Program. This role involves the coordination of the Home and Community Care (HACC) program and Community Aged Care Package (CACP) as necessary. It is expected that the Co-ordinator will have an understanding of community issues and of aged personal needs in an indigenous community Closing date: 19 April 2012 Condition of employment is Criminal History Check and Working with Children Card. All applications must address the selection criteria found at www.eastarnhem.net.au and be emailed with a resume to hr@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au Further enquiries: Vicki Kosonen on 0418 642 694
Women Ranger Facilitator The opportunity exists for a dedicated person to join the Groote Eylandt Rangers. This position will be responsible for facilitating and training the ranger’s in their daily duties including permit patrols, research, and exploring other future opportunities. This person will work closely with the Rangers out on country and sea, to ensure capacity building and engagement. This position will be responsible for working within funding guidelines whilst also ensuring the ranger’s interests are leading the Women Ranger’s Program. The successful applicant will be a good team player, motivated, and enjoy being outdoors and working hands on. There is no accommodation with this position. For further information and selection documentation please contact the HR Manager Amanda Strange on: Tel 89874010 Mob 0407853401 Email astrange@alcnt.com.au All positions need to be filled urgently. Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 9
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMTNS CWA Shop opening hours are: Tuesday: 9-11.30am Thursday: 9-11.30am Thursday evening: 6.30-8.30pm Saturday: 9-12noon FOR SALE
April 11th 2012
Page 10 Hello dog owners of Groote Eylandt! I am Chris de Aboitiz, aka the surfing dog man. I am a dog whisperer and train dogs across Australia. I am passionate about showing people how to really understand their dogs and how to get the very best relationship they can with them. I have met and am inspired by the concepts of Cesar Milan, the famous dog whisperer from America. We have a pack of our own consisting of three dogs, Lani, Murf and Rama. I shall share our adventures together with you all in the coming weeks to help you better understand your own pack...
As an owner of a dog friendly accommodation centre, each and every time a guest arrives with a new dog a very clear pattern of ownership in the new dog inevitably unfolds before our eyes (and ears!). If my partner or I walk within sight sound or smell of the guests villa we are greeted with a territorial bark, without fail within the first 5 minutes to 24 hours of their arrival. It makes us feel like imposters in our own home. Each and every day, neighbourhoods across Australia experience the sounds of ownership in dogs; the bark. Ownership in dogs happens in all sorts of ways. When the average dog is brought to a new place it instinctually needs and wants to sniff around and get familiar with its new surroundings. Some dogs tend to be excited doing this, some are submissive or nervous but most dogs are naturally curious and will very quickly get comfortable in their new environment. It does not take them long to feel at home and take ownership. They then start to decide for themselves who and what they want to alert us to and keep away from ‘their’ property. The dog makes this its job and thinks it’s their right to decide who and what can come into the environment around them. One small problem: you forgot to tell the dog it’s actually your property not theirs. Any time you bring a dog into a new environment it’s essential that you establish rules and boundaries as soon as you ar-
Welcome to Eylandt!
rive. By doing this you are showing your dog that as their pack leader you will decide who you are comfortable bringing into your environment. You have to establish that it is not their job to alert you each and every time they hear or see a noise or movement. So how to you communicate this to your dog? When you get a new dog or go to a new property with your dog, firstly walk it around its new environment under your control (on a lead etc) thus letting them know that this is your property, your yard, your deck etc. This way you are showing your dog that you will decide what they are allowed to alert you to and what they are allowed to protect. When they are not sure you will teach them by correcting and rewarding at the right time Remember it’s your place not theirs and it’s a dog’s privilege, not it’s right to be allowed to visit new places with you. The only place that a dog has ownership rights to is its bed and they can go there anytime they please. When your dog thinks it’s their place and their right to do as they please you need to teach them is a privilege, not their right, to do and go where they please. So next time the garbage truck, postie or innocent pedestrian passes by and your dog signals ownership of your home, send him to his bed and take ownership of YOUR home. Until next week, Chris de Aboitiz, www.naturalbalancedog.com.au
Welcome to Marcelle Watson, her partner Steve Muir and their son Kaiden who will arrive on Groote Eylandt on the 18th April. They will relocate from Darwin. They love fishing, outdoor activities and a good BBQ.
A very warm to Tony, Wendy and Lidia Cox. The Cox family will relocate from Moranbah. They like waterskiing and camping.
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 10
April 11th 2012
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Crossword
Sodoku
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contain all of the digits 1-9. Good luck! Answers next week Across 1. Gallantry (7) 5. Subsequently (5) 8. Extreme happiness (5) 9. Considered unlikely (7) 10. Pills (7) 11. Paragon (5) 12. Gaped (6) 14. Concurs (6) 17. Proverb (5) 19. Recite (7) 22. Feed (7) 23. Water lily (5) 24. Frock (5) 25. Use again after processing (7)
Down 1. Established custom (5) 2. Arc of refracted light (7) 3. Publish (5) 4. Humble (6) 5. Risible (7) 6. Heading (5) 7. Conundrums (7) 12. Hankered (7) 13. Foes (7) 15. Flexible (7) 16. Fix firmly (6) 18. Angle less than 90 degrees (5) 20. Something that has survived the past (5) 21. Follow (5) Thanks to www.puzzlechoice.com
Trivia Time … test your knowledge 1. Which famous document begins: “When in the course of human events…”? 2. What was the first bird domesticated by man? 3. What do you call a group of 12 or more cows? 4. True or false, identical twins have identical fingerprints. 5. What was the first man-made invention to break the sound barrier? 6. What is the only rock that floats in water? No peeking! Answers below
3. A Flink 4. False 5. The whip 6. Pumice 1. The Declaration of Independence 2. The goose Trivia answers:
Last week’s answers:
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 11
April 11th 2012
Page 12
Eating smart at the mess Eating healthy meals at the Alyangula mess and meeting Body Challenge goals has now become even easier. The mess has a daily healthy Great Groote Body Challenge Menu up, as well as lots of reminders of which foods are the best to eat. “We use a stoplight system,” explained Catering Manager, Joanne Taylor-Sands. “Green is eat most, yellow is eat moderately, and red is eat less. We are also letting people dress their own salads and providing plain cooked veges. All our dressings and sauces are now low-fat and we are cutting deserts into smaller pieces. We have even ordered more portion control plates, which tell you how much you should eat. We have actually noticed that people are thinking more about their food choices and we hope to see it continue even after the challenge finishes. Set your goals realistically and enjoy the healthy food on offer!”
DON’T FORGET THE WEEKLY WEIGH IN 7-730 AM & PM AT THE GYM ON THE VERANDA
Joanne encourages healthy options at the mess
Prize Categories for the Great Groote Body Challenge have been announced! Biggest percentage loss of body weight Male and Female Biggest group percentage loss of body weight Most Consistent and/or Motivated Waist Measurement decrease Male and Female BMI reduction Male and Female Tip of the Week! Grab this great free Iphone application called Food Switch. This app allows you to scan the barcode of any food and it will advise nutritional information in the following categories green (healthy), amber (ok) or red (less healthy). We love it!
Get into it on Groote
sports and activities
Time/Day
Monday
5:40
Bootcamp on the oval
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Bootcamp on the oval
Friday Bootcamp on the oval
7:00 Outdoor fitness - oval
8:10
17:30 17:40
Yoga ASEC Hall Outdoor fitness - oval
18:00 18:30 19:00
Jujitsu ASEC Hall
Outdoor fitness - oval Kick boxing ASEC Hall AFL training Yoga ASEC Hall
Outdoor Yoga on the oval 8-9.15am
Outdoor fitness oval
Outdoor fitness - oval
Yoga ASEC Hall Outdoor fitnessoval Aerobics/Zumba ASEC Hall Jujitsu ASEC Hall Fitness Test / Running group
Please let us know your sports event and we will list it here. cho.gemco@bhpbilliton.com
Saturday
Touch footy
Send it in to eylandte-
Eylandt Echo, 11 - 24 April, 2012 – Page 12
BMX youth club/BBQ
Walking group* *Meet at the gym!