Our community is going through unprecedented times since the Coronavirus first raised its ugly head earlier this year.
The impact of border control (which I agree with), social isolation and the strict quarantine regulations that the Federal Government and Northern Territory Government have implemented have had different impacts on businesses and residents throughout our broader region....economic, social, psychological and physical. It's a time when we need to work together to ensure that the more vulnerable people are protected as much as possible - that includes the elderly, those with compromised autoimmune systems and our indigenous regional and remote communities.
The Federal Government and the Northern Territory Government are doing what I consider a fabulous job of addressing issues on a daily basis - and I am particularly pleased that politics has been placed to one side, and PEOPLE are the centre of their attention.
I encourage all of you to make sure you listen to these broadcasts every day to keep up with the latest information. It could be weeks or more likely months before we are somewhat back to “normal” - in the meantime please show kindness every day and remember to practise social distancing - follow the sensible government advice. Have compassion and good manners for all those frontline people who are still working to provide us with fabulous health care, essential services and food. We could not do this without them.
Katherine - Live Local, Love Local
Spend $20 or more and go into the draw to win one (1) of four (4) $200 vouchers
COVID-19 has impacted the whole Katherine community and is continuing to have dramatic consequences on local businesses.
In particular - restaurants, cafes, local shops and trades services will be finding these times hard as they adapt their service delivery to the new restrictions.
To help support local businesses Katherine Town Council has developed a campaign and released a competition to encourage community members to shop locally when possible. Spend $20 or more at participating businesses and submit your receipt online and you could win a $200 voucher at your chosen participating business/es.
Despite COVID-19, Katherine Town Council is still going full steam ahead with its projects. The Casuarina Street Footpath is currently underway and is anticipated to conclude mid May. The project sees the existing footpath completed to connect with Casuarina Street Primary School, providing increased connectivity and safety for users along Casuarina Street and Needham Terrace.
Katherine Showgrounds
Works at the Katherine Showgrounds are well underway with upgrades to existing electrical and plumbing services as well as repairs to the camp draft arena and the installation of a new toilet block.
This will also be followed by the installation of a new access road for heavy vehicles around the racecourse which will help increase safety, particularly during large events. These works are anticipated to be completed by July.
Katherine Town Council Undertakes Review of Constitutional Arrangements
Katherine Town Council invites the community to review the constitutional arrangements and offers members of the public to have their say by undertaking the survey and/or to make comments by 5pm Sunday 17th May 2020. Copies of the Consultation Paper can be viewed on the Katherine Town Council website (http://www.katherine.nt.gov.au) or hard copies can be prearranged via phone 8972 5500.
Council Reviewing Support Measures for the Katherine Community
The Northern Territory Chief Minister released the Territory’s Road Map to our New Normal. This road map schedules lifting/lightening certain restrictions and can be viewed here.
In response to this announcement, Katherine Town Council has opened the following facilities.
COVID-19 has added an extra need for online services. The launch of the new website will allow for easier navigation, search functions, payment, service requests, information regarding COVID-19 and much more.
Council Pays Respect to Long Term Employee Andrew Wilson
It is with great sadness that we pay our respects to Andrew Wilson, a much-loved work colleague and friend following his passing on the 28th March 2020.
Andrew was a long-term Katherine resident and Council employee with over 12 years of service to the Katherine Community. Andrew commenced employment with Katherine Town Council in 2008 and worked across a vast range of roles including as a depot employee and ranger before taking up the role of Manager of Environment, Compliance and Regulatory Services. In this role Andrew led the rangers in undertaking dog management, (introducing lifetime registrations and microchipping), the administration of relevant legislation, assisting with the control of noxious weeds. He also managed the airport, the waste management facility, and Council’s environmental protection practices. Andrew's long-term employment with Katherine Town Council meant that his knowledge about all aspects of Council and our community was second to none.
Andrew was instrumental in a large number of key Council's project's including upgrades at the Airport, upgrading practices at the Waste Management Facility and, more recently, the installation of our community’s first official dog park.
All those who worked for
Katherine Town Council shared a great relationship with Andrew, who was more than just a work colleague. He was a larrikin always making others laugh and was loved for his fun nature and a great love of animals. He was passionate about hunting and fishing and his lunch box was often filled with ‘unusual’ meals, mystifying some and hair-raising for others.
“On behalf of Council I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Andrew’s wife, Alison and their combined families following his recent passing,” said CEO Ian Bodill.
A service to remember Andrew will be held at a later date when social distancing regulations have lightened.
Katherine Town Council will sadly miss Andrew Wilson as a work colleague, mentor and friend. Rest in Peace
For information regarding COVID-19, please refer to the NT Government website click here.
