Inside Ashburton
In This Issue REWIND 2017 – the Nameless
December 2016
Jarndunmunha festival
2
Paraburdoo Tidy Town award
3
Our new Australian Citizens
3
Dressed to impress
4
New Councillors
8
Fond memories returned
10
Cr Cecilia Fernandez retires
10
New Youth Cruiser
11
The Shire celebrates new facilities The Shire has celebrated a number of new facilities throughout the year, with another two set to open later this month. In August, Onslow marked the opening of the new Multipurpose Courts with an evening of entertainment including a community concert with X-Factor favourite ‘Big T’. The opening weekend then saw the new courts host this year’s Onslow Basketball Carnival, where a record number of teams from throughout the Pilbara participated in some spectacular basketball competition.
stall holders, entertainment and activities formed part of the new celebrations and brought local residents together for an enjoyable afternoon. The new centre provides a larger capacity for child care services and offers parents improved options for balancing work and family. One Tree Community Services, who have been providing the childcare services in Paraburdoo for the past six years, were
awarded the operational lease and will continue to support the needs of the community. The $4.66 million Childcare Centre has been supported by Rio Tinto; the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities Initiative, administered by the Pilbara Development Commission; and the Shire of Ashburton. Continued on page 2
The impressive new Multipurpose Courts were built in conjunction with BHP Billiton and the Pilbara Development Commission, and provide the Onslow community with two undercover courts and one open air court, quality night lighting, car parks, spectator viewing, scoreboards, umpire and scoring facilities. The undercover area will also provide a facility for many events that are often compromised due to weather and heat. In October, Paraburdoo celebrated the opening of their new state-of-the-art Childcare Centre with families and children given a sneak peek of the Centre before enjoying an afternoon of fun and festivity. A community showcase encompassing local
Cr Kerry White and Chevron Australia Managing Director Nigel Hearne
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The Shire celebrates new facilities (continued)
The Forrest family opens the new hall, where guests then enjoy lunch
Most recently the Shire was proud to open the new Onslow Shire Complex, which replaces the building that was destroyed by fire in 2013. The new complex is an integrated facility housing all Council services – Town Hall, Public Library, Customer Service and Council Chambers – in one building. It also
features the Wheatstone Information Centre. Celebrations for the opening of the Onslow Shire Complex kicked off with a luncheon attended by members of the Onslow community, business and government representatives. Later that evening, members of the local community danced the night away at a cocktail event
Paraburdoo childcare centre
featuring popular tribute band, The Allstar Showstoppers. Built in conjunction with the Chevronoperated Wheatstone project, the new complex is a significant facility which enables improved service delivery for those living and working in Onslow. Shire President Kerry White says that it has been a busy year with these major infrastructure projects being completed and is exciting to see them all open and available to residents. “Each of these new amenities have been highly anticipated and provide an improved sense of lifestyle and social engagement within our communities,” said Cr White. “It is a credit to the hard work of Shire staff and valuable support from our partners that has enabled us to develop high quality facilities, particularly within remote regional Western Australia.” This activity met Community Goal 4 of the Corporate Business Plan, Distinctive and Well Serviced Places.
Big T performed in Onslow
REWIND 2017 - the Nameless Jarndunmunha festival The 2017 concept REWIND takes us back to the 70’s when, just for a weekend, the isolated Tom Price locals had a day of entertainment and fun that catered for everyone living in the town. Fast forward to 2017, the festival committee will recreate that buzz, providing homegrown events and entertainment that appeal to a wider section of the community. Over the years the highlight of the Festival has been the Nameless Ball and 2017
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sees the return of this historical event. The festival opens with this highly anticipated gala evening where an amazing theme and live music will entertain those who are quick enough to secure tickets. Expect to experience a more grass roots festival with lots of local talent on show and activities for the whole family to enjoy without the need to constantly get out your wallet. A dedicated event for motoring enthusiasts ‘Grease, Gears and Grills’ will also form part of next year’s festival.
You will also be motivated by the committee’s plan to introduce a new Home Industry concept that will inspire you to enter your baking, sewing, art, photography, floral arranging, gardening and shed skills. The 2017 Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival committee is already working hard to deliver a weekend of community spirit and fun, so keep updated through the festival’s Facebook page.
Paraburdoo honoured with Tidy Town award
Our new Australian Citizens Cr Peter Foster has had the privilege of officiating a number of recent citizenship ceremonies in Tom Price, and welcoming new Australian citizens into our local community. Congratulations to our newest Australian citizens: • Tanya Gaffney & daughter Georgie Barrett • Jaime Miralles Garcia • Teresa Baino Garcia • Puboda Pushpani Chularathna Ranthti Pathirannahalage • Dulan Arosh Bernil Warnekulasuriya Warnakulasuriya
Cr Linton Rumble proudly accepts the award
Paraburdoo has been chosen as the 2016 Young Legends category winner at the recent WA Tidy Town Sustainable Communities awards.
The Men’s Shed held community welding and grinding workshops, with 15 young people and 20 Men’s Shed members participating in the project.
The Paraburdoo Bike Rack Project was the successful entry for the Young Legends category, which recognises achievement by young people under 25 who have contributed to the sustainability of their community.
After 600 volunteer hours, the racks were successfully constructed and installed in key locations around the town centre – the indoor cricket nets, swimming pool, skate park, shopping centre and high school bus stop.
The Paraburdoo Youth Centre (PYC) developed the concept in conjunction with the Shire of Ashburton and the Paraburdoo Men’s Shed volunteers. Funding for the project came from the partnership between Rio Tinto and the Shire of Ashburton.
Shire President Kerry White said the Bike Rack Project was successful on many levels. “It has given the Paraburdoo youth the opportunity to learn new skills, connect with an older generation and increase community pride,” Cr White said.
The PYC hosted workshops to gather youth input on preferred locations, materials and the method of construction. The designs chosen and created for the project were: a cricket set, pick axes, TNT blow, volunteer names and a ship.
“The Tidy Town win demonstrates that we are fostering and supporting great community projects.”
Details on how to apply for citizenship, including relevant forms, can be found on the Department of Border Protection website www.citizenship.gov.au
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Celebrating our new Australian citizens
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Dressed to impress Cocktail parties and gala balls have seen Shire of Ashburton residents hit the town dressed to impress.
Pink Ribbon Dinner in Paraburdoo
Pannawonica enjoyed a night of 50’s fun at their annual ball and family fun day, while the Onslow community celebrated the opening of the new Shire Complex in fabulous style. In Tom Price, residents frocked up and boarded the bus for the inaugural Progressive Dinner and in Paraburdoo, the Pink Ribbon dinner raised important funds and awareness for women’s cancer.
Onslow Shire Complex Celebration
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Pannawonica’s Gala Ball
Progressive Dinner in Tom Price
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CYC LO N E A N D F LO O D
Cyclone Alert System
FACTSHEET
01
KEEP INFORMED, STAY SAFE
When a cyclone threatens, community alerts will be issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The alert level changes to reflect the increasing risk to your life and advises what you need to do before, during and after a cyclone. The four alert stages are – blue, yellow, red and all clear.
COMMUNITY ALERT LEVELS BLUE ALERT
Get ready for a cyclone
You need to start preparing for cyclonic weather.
Cyclones can be unpredictable and can intensify rapidly. You need to prepare for a cyclone impact even if it does not look like it is coming your way.
You and your family must know ■ The four stages of the alert system and what they mean
Take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone
You need to prepare for the arrival of a cyclone.
RED ALERT
Take shelter from the cyclone
You need to go shelter immediately.
ALL CLEAR
The cyclone danger has passed but take care
Wind and storm surge dangers have passed but you need to take care to avoid the dangers caused by damage.
YELLOW ALERT
■ Where to access the latest alert level information ■ What tasks or actions need to be done on each alert level
DO NOT DRIVE ON RED ALERT – IT IS DANGEROUS
During a cyclone you can get alert information from • Emergency Alerts at www.dfes.wa.gov.au • DFES Information Line on 13 DFES (13 3337)
LISTEN CAREFULLY
and do what the alerts say to help keep safe.
• www.bom.gov.au or by calling the Cyclone Warning Advice Line on 1300 659 210 • ABC radio and other local media
For more information visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or contact DFES Community Engagement 9395 9816
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CYC LO N E A N D F LO O D
Emergency Kit
FACTSHEET
SUPPLIES FOR SHELTERING DURING A CYCLONE
02
An Emergency Kit is essential for short term survival (up to four days) whether you choose to stay at home or need to relocate to safer accommodation. An Emergency Kit is a collection of items that are essential for your household’s needs in the event of any emergency. Keep your kit in a sturdy bag or waterproof storage box, which is stored in a safe and easily accessible place.
START YOUR EMERGENCY KIT with the following items
You and your family must ■ Prepare an Emergency Kit
■ Medication
■ Check and replace food and water every 12 months
■ First aid kit
■ Review your kit when a cyclone or flood alert is issued
■ Toiletries, sanitary supplies ■ Drinking water (to last at least four days) ■ Canned food (to last at least four days)
A full list of Emergency Kit items can be found at www.dfes.wa.gov.au
■ Portable, battery operated AM/FM radio ■ Waterproof torch ■ Spare batteries
REMEMBER TO CONSIDER YOUR PETS. What do they need? These items should be included in your Emergency Kit.
A RELOCATION KIT IS AN ADDITION TO YOUR EMERGENCY KIT. A Relocation Kit contains the items you need to add to your Emergency Kit when you need to relocate to safer accommodation. Go to Fact Sheet 3 to find out about Relocation Kits.
For more information visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or contact DFES Community Engagement 9395 9816
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Oil spill training exercise in Onslow “Exercise Beadon� came to Onslow in September, an oil-spill emergency training exercise led by the Department of Transport. Approximately 150 people from State and Local Government participated across WA (some remotely). Shire of Ashburton officers from emergency management, environmental health and communications participated in the twoday practical exercise, with mock scenarios on how to deal with an oil spill emergency. The Department of Transport is responsible for marine related oil spill prevention and clean up in WA. It was also joined by Pilbara Ports Authority, the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Onslow Salt. This activity met Community Goal 2 of the Corporate Business Plan, Enduring Partnerships with Industry and Government.
Onslow hosted the emergency training exercise
New Councillors The Shire of Ashburton officially welcomed two new Councillors at the October Ordinary Meeting of Council, following the recent extraordinary election for the Tom Price Ward. Crs Matthew Lynch and Doug Diver were elected for a 12 month term to fill the positions recently vacated with the retirement of Tony Bloem and Cecilia Fernandez. We welcome them to the Shire of Ashburton Council. This activity met Community Goal 5 of the Corporate Business Plan, Inspiring Governance.
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Cr Douglas (Doug) Diver
Cr Matthew Lynch
New skate park and swimming pool for Onslow Construction on the new skate park and swimming pool facilities is due to be finished shortly, giving Onslow residents a range of new venues to enjoy.
Office closure over festive season Shire offices in Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Pannawonica and Onslow will close over the Christmas and New Year festive season from 2pm on Friday 23 December, re-opening 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2017. Emergency contact, rubbish collection and tip opening times during this period are available on the Shire’s website at ashburton. wa.gov.au.
Onslow Skate Park Onslow’s new skate park is now nearing completion, and is on track for handover to the Shire in the coming weeks. Onslow’s youth will be able to enjoy the new Skate Park over the school holidays and it is sure to be a popular destination for many families. A community celebration to mark the opening of the new facility is being planned for Friday 24th February, so stay tuned for details.
The Tom Price Visitor Centre will be closed on the 25, 26 and 28 December, as well as the 1 and 2 January 2017. We wish all of our residents and readers a very happy and safe festive season.
The new Onslow Skate Park is being built with funding support from BHP Billiton.
Onslow Swimming Pool Onslow’s highly anticipated swimming pool is now taking shape as the finishing touches are put in place. With summer already upon us the swimming pool will be a welcome relief for the residents of Onslow, with the new facility including a 25 metre x 6 lane pool, freeform area with beach entry, plenty of shade, kiosk and change rooms. While the pool is expected to be open to the public as soon as it is complete, an official opening celebration is planned for Australia Day with a program of fun community activities. The new Onslow Swimming Pool is being built with funding support from the Chevronoperated Wheatstone project. This activity met Community Goal 4 of the Corporate Business Plan, Distinctive and Well Serviced Places. Inside Ashburton | December 2016 | 9
Fond memories returned to Tom Price Tom Price Visitor Centre recently had some special visitors who made the journey to deliver a Pix Magazine article from 1966, which featured the Johnson family and their life in Tom Price. Anne Johnson contacted the Centre earlier this year as siblings Tony and Faye were planning to visit the region and wanted to donate the framed article to the newly refurbished Visitor Centre, which includes a renovation to the historical display.
Tony and Faye were very impressed by the changes Tom Price has seen over the last 50 years and spent time reminiscing over fond memories of their own. This piece is one of many interesting historical items on display in the Tom Price Visitor Centre, so why not call in to learn more about the history of Tom Price and the surrounding region?
If you have items of historical interest for our region, such as articles or old photographs, we would love to see them.
This activity met Community Goal 2 of the Corporate Business Plan, Economic Prosperity.
The Johnsons were one of the first families to relocate to Tom Price, moving into 21 First Street (which is now known as Lilac Street). In her correspondence Anne shared some fond memories of growing up in Tom Price, including the school opening in 1967. Prior to this, all students attended school via correspondence or boarding. Ms Johnson recalled the freedom they were given to explore the area, the opening of the swimming pool as well as the tame emu living in town. She especially enjoyed her father being ‘on call’, as she was able to accompany him out to the mine when he was called out after hours – how times have changed! Unfortunately the family left town in 1968 due to their father, Joseph Johnson’s health. They left to return to Adelaide, although sadly Joseph never made it home.
History is shared in the Tom Price Visitor Centre
Cr Cecilia Fernandez retires from service Having lived in Tom Price for 12 years, and served on the Shire of Ashburton Council between 2007 2009, and again from 2011 – 2016, Cecilia Fernandez and her husband David recently made the difficult decision to return to Brisbane. Cecilia moved to Tom Price in 2004 to take up the role of Community Capacity Builder for the Department of Community Development. A two year plan turned into a more permanent residency as the red dirt and Pilbara people soon became ingrained in Cecilia’s and David’s way of life. Through her time on Council, as well as subsequent role with IBN, Cecilia was dedicated to working with and assisting the local community.
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As a Shire Councillor, Cecilia has been instrumental in the strong lobbying push to seal the Tom Price to Karratha Road, as well as improved hospital and health services within our towns. With a passion for community engagement, Cecilia dedicated many hours to the development of social and cultural activities, such as NAIDOC and Harmony Day, and worked closely with a variety of local groups, clubs and organisations to bring these important celebrations to the forefront. Cecilia also worked as a volunteer, offering assistance to the Pilbara Wildlife Carer’s Association. The Shire of Ashburton graciously acknowledges Cecilia’s unwavering dedication to our region and wishes her and David all the very best for the future.
Cecilia Fernandez retires from Council
New Youth Cruiser
Register your pets
The Tom Price Youth Support Association, who operate the Youth Centre’s in Tom Price and Paraburdoo, recently unveiled their brand new Youth Cruiser bus. Used to transport youth from the outlying communities into town, the new bus has an increased seat capacity which enables more kids to participate in various social activities.
The TPYSA committee embarked on a project to purchase a new bus, and after positive discussions with funding partners including Rio Tinto Iron Ore and the Department for Child Protection and Family Services, the new bus became a reality. The new Youth Cruiser was unveiled at a special event held at the Tom Price Youth Centre in September and has already proven popular with the local youth.
In addition to avoiding potential fines,
The Youth Transport Access program commenced in July 2015, providing young people from Wakathuni community with access to the Tom Price Youth Centre on Friday and Saturday nights. The initiative commenced as a partnership between the TPYSA, who manage and staff the program, and IBN who provided the bus.
“The purchase of a larger vehicle will not only provide transport for young people into the Youth Centre from outlying communities, but will ensure they have the opportunity to participate in other initiatives in the future, especially events that are being held at our centres in Tom Price and Paraburdoo,” said Ms Hearne.
become lost.
Youth Centre Manager Marian Hearne said that the program was so successful that the IBN bus became too small to accommodate the number of youth who wanted to attend the Centre.
To see what’s happening at the Tom Price and Paraburdoo Youth Centre’s follow the TPYSA on Facebook.
Don’t forget that all dogs and cats must be registered with your local Shire. registered pets can be more quickly reunited with their owners if they If you haven’t already done so, call into your local Shire office to pay your pet registration fees.
www.facebook.com/TPYSA
“On many weekends we had to turn some youth away as the numbers were exceeding the buses seating capacity,” said Ms Hearne. “This caused us concern as we were keen to provide access for all youth – it can be difficult to turn young people away when they are keen to participate.”
The new Youth Cruiser
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Upcoming Events Date
Event
Location
Sunday 4 December
Carols by Candlelight
Tom Price
Monday 5 December
Thank a Volunteer
Pannawonica
Wednesday 7 December
Onslow Keepers
Onslow
Friday 9 December
Christmas Lights Tour
Pannawonica
Friday 9 December
Christmas Festivities
Tom Price
Saturday 10 December
Christmas Festivities
Paraburdoo
Saturday 10 December
Christmas Festivities
Onslow
Saturday 10 December
Carols by Candlelight
Pannawonica
Sunday 11 December
Carols by Candlelight
Paraburdoo
Friday 16 December
Council Meeting
Onslow Shire Complex
Mon 16 - Fri 27 January
School Holiday Program
Onslow, Pannawonica
Mon 23 – Fri 27 January
School Holiday Program
Paraburdoo, Tom Price
Tuesday 17 January
Council Meeting
Clem Thompson Sports Pavilion, Tom Price
Thursday 26 January
Australia Day Celebrations
All Towns
Thursday 26 January
Onslow Swimming Pool opening celebration
Onslow
Wednesday 1 February
Onslow Keepers
Onslow
Tuesday 14 February
Council Meeting
Ashburton Hall, Paraburdoo
Friday 24 February
Skate Park celebration
Onslow
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Administration Centre Poinciana Street, Tom Price WA 6751 PO Box 567 Phone (08) 9188 4444 Freecall 1800 679 232 Fax (08) 9189 2252 Freecall Fax 1800 655 086 Email soa@ashburton.wa.gov.au
www.ashburton.wa.gov.au
Inside Ashburton Publication is produced by the Shire of Ashburton. Editor: Narelle Steele Contributors: Marian Hearne, Nameless Committee, Kylie Hartley, Stephanie Judd Photo Contributors: Elly Lukale, Mike Edmonson, Ian Terry (DoT), Keep Australia Beautiful Council (WA), Pannawonica Gala Committee Template Design: Design Collision Issue Design & Printing: Market Creations If you have a story for the next “Inside Ashburton” contact media@ashburton.wa.gov.au
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/shireofashburton DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Shire of Ashburton. The Shire has taken all measures to ensure the contents in this publication is correct, however it accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material. Readers are advised not to rely solely on this information when making any decision. The Shire of Ashburton reserves the right to change the publication as it sees fit. The Shire of Ashburton disclaims any responsibility or duty of care towards any person for loss or damage suffered as a result of this newsletter. COPYRIGHT: The contents of this newsletter are subject to copyright under the laws of Australia. The copyright in materials in this newsletter as a whole is owned by the Shire of Ashburton. Third parties may own the copyright in some materials incorporated into this newsletter. In reference to the Copyright Act 1968, please feel free to reproduce parts of this newsletter for personal, educational or any other non-commercial purposes, provided that the Shire is aware of this.
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