April 2021

This month we have had some really good rainfall which has also seen a huge increase in weeds in particular.  It has been difficult for anyone that works outdoors to get on top of weed spraying, mowing etc.


In general, most people are happy to have full rainwater tanks and the river having a really good flush for the first time in 6 years. People are also preparing for a good fishing season as well.

Congratulations must go to Mr Monte Montebello who was presented with a Save a Life Award by St. John Ambulance, for his quick thinking in saving the life of a fellow employee. We have many people in our community that go above and beyond to help others.

Council had a really bad lightning strike at the showgrounds which destroyed a lot of electrical systems eg electronic gates, light towers, and other areas that have had to be repaired.

I was invited to the opening of the New Jetty at Baruwei Lookout and Mountain Bike Trails at the Nitmiluk Gorge. Please take the opportunity to visit and see these trails for yourself.

The Katherine Museum held a High Tea in the Fenton building.  It was wonderful with plenty of different cakes, slices, scones, sandwiches etc for everyone with drinks as well as tea.  Everyone enjoyed the first High tea to be held in Katherine.  

Clean up Australia Day was well attended but numbers are still down from pre covid days.  There was still a fair amount of rubbish picked up.  Also thank you to the Girl Guides for always being a part of this day.

There was a walk for International Womens Day. People of all ages walked over the Railway Bridge in solidarity against the violence against women.




 
A Personal Safety Workshop was held at the Civic Centre for Seniors and another one for younger people in the evening.  The aim was to show people how to protect themselves against intruders or even to identify risks to themselves or at home. These workshops are free and if anyone is interested and there are enough people they can be run again. There is a timetable available of when this will come to Katherine again.

We have a new organisation in Katherine called CASPA.  They are setting up residential care for children from the age of 12 – 17 years of age. It is for children who have nowhere to go.  I wish them well in their venture.

I attended a Katherine South School Assembly where children were presented with awards for Student Representatives, School Captains, Vice Captains and House Captains. They are the up and coming leaders of our community and congratulations to all the children that were elected.

Our community consultation at the YMCA went well. There were a few suggestions and some complaints.  There was also some positive feedback about our recent PFAS payment.

The Come & Try Sports day was a real hit.  Many parents were able to sign up their children for various sports and other activities. Many agreed that it was the best day in a long time.

Council held a Citizenship Ceremony at Godinymayin. There were 18 new citizens to Katherine from 11 countries. Congratulations to all the Conferees.  The event was well attended by many different groups including RAAF personnel and High School Students.

The Royal Australian Air Force celebrated their Centenary at the Godinymayin Centre last Friday.  There was a display of equipment used by soldiers and also the robot that helps with diffusing bombs. There was a history of the base and all the different badges that are worn by the armed forces. Congratulations to the RAAF and a very well organised event.

On Monday 22nd was the Bombing of Katherine held at the Museum. The air raid siren really bought home how it must have felt to the people here at the time.  The history is there for anyone to come and see at the Museum.  Another great event organised by the CEO Brendan Penzer, RAAF Tindal, RSL Katherine and Katherine Town Council. 

This year we are running a competition for the Tidiest Street or Rural Block frontage.  There will be prizes and awards.  This will be launched after Easter and judged in July.  The details will be out soon so please enter when it is launched.

This is all for this month.    

Oval 2 Sportsgrounds Update

Unfortunately, the oval 2 project has experienced delays due to the wet weather. Once the turf has been laid, there will be an eight (8) week wait whilst the grass is becoming established. 

Bookings for oval 2 have now been pushed back to June. 

Sportsgrounds Pavilion Update

Due to the heavy rain at the start of the month, there has been a slight delay in the Sportsground pavilion. 

PROJECT BRIEF SCOPE The scope of works include;
• Demolition of the existing building -  COMPLETED
• Earthworks in Progress
• Main Building works, including hardscape to its perimeter, shading awning and landscaping works
• Main building includes 4 x Change rooms, Male & Female Toilets, Outdoor Function Space, Kitchen, Offices, Storerooms, First Aid Room, Comms Room and Cleaners Room
• Upgradation to Electrical and Hydraulic works • New landscaping works around the building

The project is anticipated to be completed by Early 2022. 

Katherine Showgrounds

The cattle laneway and loading ramp has been completed. 

The next phase of the Katherine Showgrounds is the Buntine Pavilion. Construction commenced on 15 March and is anticipated to be completed in early April 2021. 

Hot Springs

Katherine Town Council will complete an assessment of the Hot Springs once the wet season has ceased in May. This is to inspect how the work held up with the heavy rainfall. 

School Holiday Program

The April School Holiday Program is now available. 

Download your copy here.

Council Receives PFAS Funds

Although not totally unexpected, Mayor Lis Clark said that she was pleased to finally receive the amount at this stage of the budget setting process and that some of these funds would be used in the 21/22 budget figures and the remainder placed in Council reserves.


The funds will be utilised to offset rates increased previously planned as per Council Long Term Financial Plan, provide municipal services and projects.


“Utilising the funds to keep the rates down for next financial year will assist to make up the arrears from last year where we didn’t increase the rates at all”.


“Our 10-year financial plan had set the rates increase at above 7.2 % for the 21/22 budget, however, the receipt of these funds will reduce that figure to 4.9%. This is a much better result for all ratepayers and residents as council services extend to everyone living in Katherine.”


Council will send out its draft budget for community consultation after it is adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 23rd March 2021.

2021/22 Municipal Plan & Budget Draft Released  

The Katherine Town Council draft Municipal Plan 2021/2022, including the budget and long-term financial plan, is now available for public review and comment.
 

The draft is available on the Katherine Town Council website or hard copies can be provided via prior arrangement from the Civic Centre (08 8927 5500) or Katherine Public Library (08 8971 1188).
 

Council invites the community to review and provide comments through written submissions. Submission can be made via;

  • Counciwebsite
  • Emailed: records@ktc.nt.gov.au
  • Post: PO Box 1071, Katherine NT 0851
  • Fax: (08) 8971 0305

Written submissions close 21 April 2021.

For more information please don’t hesitate to contact Katherine Town Council.

Ehrlichiois (Tic) Disease 
Ehrlichiois is a deadly disease spread by the brown dog tick. Cases have been identified within Katherine and it can result in death if not properly treated. 

Dog owners should have their dogs on a tick control program, regularly check their dogs for ticks and be on the lookout for signs of the disease. 

Symptoms of ehrlichiosis infection in dogs can include:

  • fever
  • lethargy
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • swelling of chest or front legs
  • cloudy eyes or conjunctivitis
  • pain and stiffness
  • bleeding disorders such as nosebleeds or bruising on the gums or belly.

Do all of the below to protect your dogs from ehrlichiosis.

  • Have your dogs on a tick control program. Tick collars and spot-ons are the best primary protection used in combination with tablets and chews registered for tick control.
  • Have any tick infestations in your house or yard managed by a pest controller.
  • Avoid taking your dogs into tick-infested areas. Take particular care when bush-walking with your dog.
  • Inspect your dogs daily for ticks, especially if they have been in a tick-infested areas. Run your fingers through your pet’s coat over their skin, feeling for abnormal bumps. Pay particular attention to the head, neck, ears, chest, between their toes and around their mouths and gums.
  • Contact your vet if you find ticks on your dog and are concerned about the risk of ehrlichiosis.
  • Be on the lookout for signs of ehrlichiosis, such as fever, lethargy and appetite loss.
You must seek veterinary attention immediately if your pet is showing signs of ehrlichiosis, such as fever, lethargy and weight loss.

For more information click here.

 
Jonh Zelley 
Alderman John Zelley has handed in his resignation effective 31 March 2021 due to his relocation to Darwin.
 
John has lived in Katherine for over 10 years with his family. He was elected onto Council in 2018 and has a strong passion for the Katherine community. However, due to his work, he has decided to relocate to Darwin with his family.
 
Due to Alderman Zelleys departure, Council will be looking to fill its emptied seat. Members of the community are invited to submit their applications as of 1 April 2021. Expressions of interests will close Thursday 15 April 2021. Council will decide the appointment by resolution, with official commencement to the office of ordinary member to take place seven (7) days after the date of the resolution on 27 April 2021.
 
For more information, please contact Katherine Town Council on 8972 5500 or records@ktc.nt.gov.au.
 

Harmony Week Citizenship Ceremony

Katherine Town Council will welcome 18 new citizens at the Australian citizenship ceremony to celebrate Harmony Week.


The conferees from 11 countries including India, Ireland, Jamaica, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vietnam and Zimbabwe become Australian citizens as part of a ceremony on Wednesday, 17 March 2021 at Godinymayin Yijards River Art and Culture Centre.


Her Worship the Mayor Mrs Elisabeth Clark said it was marking this year’s national Harmony Week, held each year during March, with a citizenship ceremony to showcase Katherine’s strong spirit of inclusiveness.


“We want to celebrate Harmony Week and show a sense of belonging for everyone,” Mayor Clark said. “This citizenship ceremony will remind the community why our cultural diversity is one of our Katherine’s greatest assets and we are stronger because of it.”


Mayor Clark encouraged people to share their Harmony Week celebrations and pictures on social media using #harmonyweek and #everyonebelongs.


To learn more about other ways you can get involved in this year’s Harmony Week celebrations visit www.harmony.gov.au

KTC Youth Concert
12 April | Town Square | 6:30 pm

7 great acts! Elected members will be available on the night. 

Food available. 

Find more information here

April Ordinary Meeting of Council 
27 April 2021 | 6:00pm | Chambers 


The agenda will be available Thursday 22 April 2021. 

Watch the council meeting live on Facebook! 

ANZAC Day
25 April 2021

Dawn service: 6:00 am at the Katherine Cenotaph
Community March: Form up at 9:30 am for a 10 am start - Behind BP and march along Katherine Terrace

For more information click here
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Katherine Town Council
Civic Centre, Lot 1865 Stuart Highway Katherine NT, 0850
P (08) 8972 5500
F (08) 8971 0305
E records@ktc.nt.gov.au 


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Katherine Town Council · PO Box 1071 · Katherine, Nt 0851 · Australia