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International Day for People with Disabilities
NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the December Newsletter.
This year has been busy and I thank everyone across DoAM for your continuing commitment to deliver a professional service to the community and to government.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a wonderful Festive Season and a safe and prosperous 2016.
Best wishes,
Hugo.
ISSUE 2024 December 2015
Hello!
December 3, International Day for People with Disabilities (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
I am proud to support and promote this day as an important step in building the Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) as a disability confident employer.
In addition to a number of exciting initiatives currently being run in the NTPS, the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment has secured two resources aimed at providing support for managers and work units.
These resources were sourced through the NTPS’ gold membership with the Australian Network on Disability
• Managers Guide - Disability in the Workplace
• Beyond Recruitment: a Guide to Developing and Retaining People with Disability in Your Organisation
These resources have now been published on the NTG intranet site and are available for all NTPS employees to access. I encourage you all to take a moment to review these documents and start the conversation around improving disability confidence in your workplace.
Annual Report 2014-15The Department’s 2014-15 Annual Report was tabled in Parliament in the last Sittings for the calendar year.
The Annual Report provides a record of the Department’s achievements for the 2014-15 financial year.
www.artsandmuseums.nt.gov.au/corporate/reports
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Staff News
In 2015, Cheryl Philips celebrates 36 years working in the Northern Territory Public Service.
Cheryl started work in 1979 with the Northern Territory Health Services (NTHS) Dental Services as a Dental Assistant at the Darwin Dental Clinic in Mitchell Street (now the Wisdom Bar).
Cheryl worked with many Dental Practitioners in general and school dentistry, and did bush work with the dental mobile unit. Through the early 1980s work took her to pastoral stations and communities from the Western Australia to the Queensland border. She recalls how great an opportunity it provided her to discover the Northern Territory.
In the late 1980s through to the 1990s, Cheryl moved into school dental clinics. During this period she recalls going on a school excursion as an auxiliary staff member to the Crocodile Farm with Moulden Primary to see Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Cheryl worked a total of 17 years with the NTHS Dental Services.
In 1996, after a short time working at the Berrimah Farm Veterinarian Laboratory, Cheryl started work at the Northern Territory Archives Service (NTAS).
At NTAS, Cheryl has worked in all sections covering collections, government lending, reference, and administration in both the Darwin and Alice Springs offices.
She recalls handling salvaged records after the 1998 Katherine flood. In 2015, Cheryl is now in the key role of administration officer for the NTAS covering corporate and facilities services.
During her 19 years with the NTAS, Cheryl has seen many departmental changes and was part of Transport and Works, Department of Corporate and Information Services,
Cheryl Phillips separating material to dry – 2 March 1998
Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport and finally this department.
This was accompanied with many changes and adjustments. More recently Cheryl was part of the move to co-locate the NTAS with the Darwin Branch of the National Archives of Australia.
Over the years Cheryl also worked after-hours with the Australian Bureau of Statistics on the last two Censuses and with the Electoral Commission for National and Territory elections.
She also volunteered for the Darwin Festival, Darwin Symphony Orchestra and Arafura Games secretariat area.
“After all these years,
I still enjoy working
with the NT Public
Service, and I still
consider I have more to
contribute.”
Encounters ExhibitionMary Blyth accompanied her mum Ningoldie Blyth and other community members to the Encounters Exhibition at the National Museum in Canberra on 2 December. The Exhibition features stories and works of art, displays and objects from 27 Indigenous Communities from across Australia. Mary is the CE’s Acting Executive Assistant.
Ningoldie Blyth with her daughter, Mary Blyth
“For me it was great to be a part of our group and to be there for mum and support all of us.
The display was fantastic as were the ones from all the other communities.
It’s great that we are moving forward and it’s important for us to have had this opportunity to be able to share our culture and knowledge with both the National and British Museums and have their support.”
You can view more images from the exhibition opening on their Facebook page and website.
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Chief Minister’s AwardsCongratulations to the MAGNT Team for winning the Chief Minister’s Prize for Enriching our Society or Enhancing our Culture and Lifestyle for Cyclone Tracy: 40 years on.
This project was funded from the Department’s Minor New Works program in 2014-15.
Chief Minister, the Hon. Adam Giles MLA, Marcus Schutenko, Caddie Brain, Jared Archibald, Antony Van Papenrecht, Natalie Jenkins and Michael Coombes, CEO Gateway.
Release of 1985 Cabinet RecordsOn 17 December, the Northern Territory Archives Service hosted the media event for the 8th annual release of Cabinet Records at the Northern Territory Archives Centre, with Minister Gary Higgins MLA officiating.
Each year the records of NT Cabinet from 30 years earlier are made open and available to the public in accordance with section 142 of the Information Act 2002.
While the media event is held usually in mid December, the results of filming and interview, and the actual Cabinet records and information about them, is held under strict embargo until 12.01am on the 1st January.
The work toward this annual release is a combination of efforts from the Department of Chief Ministers Cabinet Office, Department of Land Resource Management Communications and Marketing team, and the NT Archives Service.
Minister Gary Higgins being filmed and photographed during the Cabinet Records Release media event.
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Award winning architects to transform the Chan
Chan Building
The repurposing of Darwin’s Chan Building into a modern, dedicated visual art gallery was announced in the 2015 NT Budget earlier this year. The $18.3 million project will transform the Chan and winning tenderers DKJ and FKM have submitted stunning proposed designs for the building.
“The Territory Government is extremely excited about the redevelopment of the Chan Building,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said. “I’m delighted leading designers DKJ projects.architects and Fender Katsalidis Mirams Architects have understood the vision for the project and produced some exceptional designs for it. This project will invigorate the CBD of Darwin and create a drawcard for locals and visitors alike.”
Minister Gary Higgins said the project will deliver a flagship iconic destination. “It will become a new cultural institution to further promote Northern Territory culture, especially our Indigenous art and culture, and to support cultural exchange with Asia,” Minister Higgins said. “It will be a venue Territorians can be proud of and will expand the horizons of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory substantially.”
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Work Health & Safety
Manual Handling at the Northern Territory Archives Centre
It is surprising how much manual handling is included in the activities of staff at the NTAS.
We move boxes of all shapes and sizes and weights, climb ladders, move furniture and equipment, push trolleys, open and access compactus units, and walk significant amounts of distance in and around our building as part of our everyday work.
On Friday, 27 November, staff of the Northern Territory Archives Centre attended Manual Handling training provided by Konekt Darwin, who provide workplace health services, consultancy and systems.
Staff were presented with a short PowerPoint covering the general principles of manual handling, given an oversight of the effects of manual handling on the human body, and as a group discussed the best ways of undertaking manual handling to ensure that the impact on the body is not detrimental.
Staff were introduced to some simple and easy exercises to ‘warm up’ before undertaking manual handling, visiting various locations around the building where they were provided with suggestions around using equipment such as ladders, steps, and trolleys effectively and safely.
Staff found the training session particularly interesting as it was tailored to our workplace, and will ensure this valuable advice will be considered as we go about our work.
Some key issues to consider when undertaking any manual handling include: • stretches and warm up
before undertaking a task; • consideration of an
individual’s own capability; • being equipped for a task
before you undertake it; • removing obstacles that may
become hazards while you undertake the task;
• ensure your posture and positioning is correct, and
• taking your time, and seeking assistance where required.
Exercise Ball vs. ChairSitting on a ball versus a traditional chair can increase core strength, since the abdominal muscles must be constantly engaged to avoid falling off the ball.
Improving core strength will improve your posture, balance, and stability. There is also a rumour of increased calorie burn as a benefit of maintaining your balance throughout the day.
Other benefits include:
• It forces proper spine alignment, because an exercise ball is not stable, your body needs to try to balance itself on it.
• It causes you to frequently change positions to balance.
• Fitness is at your fingertips. Another great thing about using this alternative to a chair is that you can do stretches or mini-workouts whenever you want, without getting up.
• Improves your balance. • Improves your circulation.
Using an exercise ball will keep the blood flowing to all parts of your body, throughout the day.
• You’ll feel more energetic. • Burn up to 350 calories per
day with more movement during the day = more calories burnt.
• Bouncing around on an exercise ball all day!
Remember, you do have to sit on the ball correctly, as slouching forward can cause incorrect spinal alignment.
Louise Paynter retrieving records from the Repository at the NTAC
Nicole modelling the exercise ball
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Arts NT
Bite Size Arts NewsArts NT is excited to launch its Bite Size Arts News on Mail Chimp developed by Regional Arts Broker, Nicole Sarfati in Alice Springs.
Bite Size Arts News promotes arts opportunities such as funding, workshops, prizes, forums and initiatives to subscribers.
Bite Size Arts News has been forwarding arts news via email
for around 5 years and is now happy to progress from a manual to an automated digital platform that will allow for easier access for subscribers and more efficient system to manage its 550+ viewers.
If you think you have opportunities relevant for inclusion in Bite Size Arts please email your request to: [email protected].
Check out the new format by subscribing here.
Screen Territory
with a fresh approach to the topic, one that has not been previously explored and that will bring new insights to the audience.
The filmmakers selected will have mentoring support from the ABC and Screen Australia, as well as Screen Territory.
Screen Territory partnered with ABC Arts earlier this year for Art X* North, a series of 3 short documentaries made by Territorians that profiled Aly de Groot, Jacki Fleet and Nonggirrnga Marawili.
Art X* North filmmakers included documentaries from directors Tim
Screen Territory is partnering with ABC Television and Screen Australia in a new series initiative, Art Bites, that’s set to uncover fresh, engaging and entertaining arts content from emerging Australian filmmakers.
“This is an excellent opportunity to foster Territory documentary makers through creating a series that illuminates the vibrancy of arts in the Northern Territory,” said Screen Territory Director, Penelope McDonald.
With grants totalling $200 000 available, the initiative will fund four web series from around Australia that will premiere on the new ABC Arts Channel iView.
The successful web series will explore an aspect of arts in Australia, ideally
Parish, who directed Ghost Story about the art of Ali de Groot, Ishmael Marika who directed a documentary about the art of Nonggirrnga Marawili, and Helen Browning who directed a documentary about the art of Jacki Fleet.
Proposals will be assessed against the channel’s vision statement: “where life and culture collide”.
The series should be designed to appeal to younger adult audiences.
Applications close 10 January 2016.
Araluen Arts CentreThe 2016 Araluen Arts Centre Program has been released with a plethora of first class acts on offer next year.
From acclaimed art awards and special exhibitions through to perennial favourites Circus Oz in August, and the Choir of Hard Knocks in June, the Centre is again offering something for everyone through its lively program.
You can view the Araluen Arts Centre 2016 program here.
Ghost Story, Aly de Groot. Photo courtesy of Resolution Media.
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Northern Territory Archives
Oral History Training Workshop
On 8 December 2015, the Northern Territory Archives Service (NTAS) held an oral history training workshop at the Northern Territory Archives Centre, Millner. The training was focused on How to plan and conduct an oral history interview or project.
The NTAS oral history collection consists of over 3 800 hours of oral history interviews that span Northern Territory history from the turn of the 20th century to today.
Part of the oral history collection is donated from volunteer oral history projects completed in collaboration with NTAS, and have been negotiated between the project proponents and NTAS to
enhance the oral history collection, in accordance with NTAS standards and conditions.
The training workshops are designed to educate volunteer interviewers on these standards and conditions, while developing a greater understanding of chronological biographical narrative oral history interviews that make up the majority of the NTAS oral history collection.
Dr Matthew Stephen, Manager, NTAS Oral History Unit, led the one day workshop. Participants came to the workshop with specific interviews or a general oral history project they wanted to conduct.
The participants proposed interviews or projects with diverse subjects such as; Northern Territory cattlemen and women, Katherine community, members of the Stolen Generation and the Milingimbi church stained glass windows.
Divided into two sessions, the first session examined the interview process; identifying the person to interview, gaining their approval to interview, informed consent, ethical oral history practice, arranging an interview and finalising an interview to accession it to the NTAS oral history collection.
Dr. Matthew Stephen conducting the Oral History Training workshop.
The second session considered the interview itself; the role of an interviewer, selecting questions, do you have a list of questions, the types of questions to ask, using ‘themes’ to guide an interview, researching your interview subject, using recording equipment, time marked summaries, transcripts and ensuring the interviewee receives copies of their audio and documentation associated with their oral history interview.
Feedback from the workshop participants was positive. People felt they had a better idea about planning interviews and projects, a greater confidence around the interviews themselves and the motivation to go out and get them done.
NTAS can provide advice and loan recording equipment for approved oral history projects focused on the Northern Territory. Further oral history training workshops will be held in 2016.
If you are interested in attending a training workshop please call NTAS on 8924 7677 or email [email protected].
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Northern Territory Library
Remarkable researchBrenda L. Croft has recently made a trip to Darwin from Sydney to access unique historic papers and documents held by the Northern Territory Library (NTL), the Ellen Kettle manuscripts. Brenda is a Research Fellow and PhD student at the National Institute for Experimental Arts at the UNSW Art and Design but has Territory roots, being descended from the Gurindji /Malngin / Mudpurra people of the Victoria River region of the Northern Territory.
The title of her thesis and accompanying research exhibition is Still in my mind: Gurindji location, experience and visuality.
Brenda will present her research and artistic response in a collaborative exhibition in 2017.
A specific theme of her study is her family and community who are members or descendants of the Stolen Generations.
Several members of her immediate family were interred at government institutions throughout the 20th century including Kahlin Aboriginal Compound, Pine Creek Boys Home, The Bungalow Half-Caste Children’s Home, Channel Island and East Arm Leprosaria and the Retta Dixon Children’s Home.
The NTL holds unique collection items relating to the Indigenous history of the Northern Territory. Included in its specialised manuscript collection are the personal and professional papers of Sister Ellen Kettle, a pioneering health worker working in Aboriginal communities around the Northern Territory during the 50’s and 60’s.
The fragile, handwritten notes contain valuable details about families affected by the Stolen Generations policies and in some cases are the only written records to help reconnect Aboriginal people to their birthplaces and families.
The Ellen Kettle Collection has been a significant addition to the manuscript collection at the NTL. It is an extensive collection of over 240 separate documents including photographs, personal and professional papers and reports, articles and clippings.
The guide to the collection is available online at www.artsandmuseums.nt.gov.au/northern-territory-library/collections/personal_papers_collection/
Brenda’s work is part of a larger collaborative research exhibition in partnership with Karungkarni Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation and UNSW Art and Design Australia, while also engaging with aspects of the University of Queensland and Berndt Museum, UWA.
The NTL is delighted Brenda’s research is energising and exposing unique items from the manuscript collection and supporting the creation of new artistic and scholarly works about the poignant history of the Northern Territory’s Indigenous people.
Eric Johnston Lecture A large crowd gathered to hear a lecture presented by Mr Andy Bruhn, entitled, The Territory’s Teenage Years.
Mr Bruhn is the General Manager of Territory Television and is active in the business and philanthropic communities in Darwin.
He was the former Chair of the NT Business Advisory Council, the former Director of Darwin Rugby League and Hottest Sevens Rugby Union and has been a former Chair, Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the NT Tourist Commission.
The Lecture, the 29th Eric Johnston in the series, was given at the Northern Territory Library on 26 November 2015. The Eric Johnston Lectures date back to 1986; the series is named after Commodore Eric Johnston who was the Administrator of the NT at the time and a passionate advocate for the intellectual and cultural growth of the young Territory.
The current Administrator, His Honour the Hon John Hardy OAM, and Mrs Marie Hardy were in attendance to hear Mr Bruyn, as were several other VIPs, including, Mr Austin Asche AC QC and Dr Valerie Asche , Chief Justice Mr Trevor Riley QC, and Mr Grant Tambling AM.
The Lecture was a collection of recollections and stories about Territory politics since self-government and contained many insights and interesting reflections on the topic.
It was exceptionally well-received by the 80+ attendees.
Eric Johnston Lecture
Brenda Croft researching Northern Territory Library image
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUMS NEWSLETTER
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Corporate Services
Finance Services to close over Christmas & New Year periodFinance Services units within DCIS will be closed over the Christmas / New Year period: 25 December 2015 to 3 January 2016 including:
• Accounts Payable• Receiver of Territory Monies (RTM) offices in Darwin and Casuarina • Banking• Credit Card• Ledgers• Reconciliations• Taxation • Asset Accounting
Normal business operations will resume on Monday, 4 January 2016.
Receiver of Territory Monies (RTM)Agencies are requested to deposit any outstanding monies with DCIS RTM prior to COB Wednesday, 23 December 2015 to enable processing, collection by cash courier and delivery to NAB this calendar year. Alternatively, deposits can continue to be lodged direct through NAB.
Petty Cash reimbursements should be sought prior to 2:00pm on Thursday, 24 December 2015. Payment of invoices can continue to be made via electronic methods; online / Phone IVR / BPAY. Urgent agency payments can be actioned by:
• APeS - Agency Payables entry System,• NIPS – Non Invoice Payment System, or• CCC – Corporate Credit Card.
If an urgent payment cannot be paid via one of the above methods, or wait until the office reopens, please email: [email protected].
Please note that payments sent via this email will be paid via NAB Connect, and will require a Domestic Funds Transfer or Overseas Funds Transfer form to be filled out with supporting documentation and correct delegated approvals attached.
If a payment needs to be canceled during this period, please contact DCIS Financial Systems Support on telephone 8999 1545.
Banking - urgent transaction queries can be directed to NAB.
Corporate Cards - during this period, lost or stolen credit cards should be reported to NAB Cards Direct on 13 10 12.
Emergency contacts
MyHR DetailsHR Services is reminding all staff to take a few moments to check your details in the My Details section of MyHR.
The My Details section of MyHR contains important information about your salary, employee entitlements, contact information and next of kin.
We rely on you to update the details as required so please take the time to carefully check the information listed in MyHR today.
If you need assistance updating your details please contact: HR Services on telephone 8999 4417.
Update your ePass contact detailsIt is your responsibility to keep your ePass details up to date, especially when moving locations. Tickets you log with the Service Centre rely on your location, phone and cost codes being correct in ePass. Out of date details may result in unnecessary delays to your requests being fulfilled.
Payroll GivingWith Christmas fast approaching, OCPE is reminding those of you looking to make a seasonal donation that the NT Government Payroll Giving Program provides you with an opportunity to make a donation to over 50 charities, directly from your pay. The program provides staff with the opportunity to demonstrate community spirit, and of course, any donation is confidential and wholly voluntary.
To make a donation, simply go to MyHR > My Money > Payroll Giving > click Continue at the bottom of the page > Select “Charities” as a New Deduction Type. You can view the list of registered charitable organisations on the drop down list, or nominate a new charity by emailing DCIS Payroll Services.
To assist, OCPE has also developed Frequently Asked Questions.
A Gift of Service - You might also like to consider volunteering a few hours of your time at Christmas. Volunteering opportunities include present wrapping, hamper packing and meal preparation.
For further details visit:ntgcentral.nt.gov.au/news/article/gift-giving-christmas
Need help with your IT or phones?
For all ICT issues, please call the NT Government Service Centre.Phone: 8924 4355 or 1800 000 254. Email: [email protected]
Acceptance of Gifts and BenefitsDuring the festive season you may be presented with gifts or benefits from someone you do business with.
This Department has documents to help you decide if accepting a gift or benefit compromises your obligations under the NTPS Code of Conduct (section 16 refers).
We would like to hear your good news stories! If you have articles to publish please provide these to your respective Directors.
