Community Garden plan for Malak

The Waters Ward aldermen discussed establishing a community garden for Malak last week. The community arts project also has it on their plans - so hopefull we should be able to progress something between us all - there is certainly the will!

At the International Cities and Town Conference I attended in Sydney, Dandenong Community discussed another option where using permaculture principles, volunteers create an edible home garden in a person's backyard. After planning and obtaining the gear etc, it can be done in one day. The garden is then left to the owner to tend.

Contact me for further details and a link to their website.

Council Pre Cyclone Clean Up - 5 October

For the fourth year, I assisted with one of the work crew in Council's pre cylone clean up. Our crew of Peter, (supervisor), Damo, Allan and Webster were tasked to do the heavy pick ups that had been rung through during the week.

It was certainly an intersting day. We picked up fridges, washing machines, box trailers and even a satellite dish!

The second day of the cleanup will be oin Sunday 19 October and will cover all those suburbs west of Rapid Creek including the city area.

Walkway policy

Council is set to review the Walkway Policy, beginning with a meeting in October to determine the terms of reference.

Over the years, walkways have become a major issue for Council and it is timely to review them - the last time back in 2001.

Since that time, we have received many requests to close them all together or at certain times, almost always based on anti-social behaviour in and around the walkways.

Sworn in for a second term

On Monday, 7 April 2008, I was sworn in for my second term on Council.  The formalities were presided over by Darwin's new Lord Mayor, Graeme Sawyer and CEO Allan McGill.

It was humbling to return for another term, having received a high 37% of the primary votes. I campaigned on local issues and my belief that to be an effective local alderman, you should live in the ward.

Former aldermen, Dorothy Fox and Chris Tilley lost their seats and were replaced by Fred Marrone and Robyn Leslie in Waters Ward and Greg Jarvis in Chan Ward. Jan Collins in Richardson Ward retired and did not contest her seat.

Elections over

With local government elections now over, it's time to get on with many of the projects commenced, but not completed during my first term.

I would like to see Council make a start on the refurbishment of one of  our pools.

I support newly elected alderman, Greg Jarvis' push for additional bike paths and a better link of our current paths.

Time to wait

Many candidates in last weekends local government elections are awaiting the final distribution of preferences which will take place on Friday evening at 6pm at the NT Electoral Commission offices in Darwin.

Postal votes have until Friday at 6pm to come in. They are then added to the primary votes of each candidate before the preferences are distributed. All results should be known that evening.

Whilst I polled well at 37.5% in a field of four candidates in my ward, none of the others preferenced me - giving me a four on each of their how to vote cards. I am hoping that there is sufficient 'leakage' ie. people who did not follow the how to vote cards, to push me over the line.

A nervous time for many of us.

Thank You

At yesterday's election, I received a strong endorsement from the residents of Waters Ward, receiving over 37% of the primary vote, well ahead of the three other candidates who received 27.9%, 17.8% and 16.7% respectively.

However, I have a long wait until Friday 4 April when 'preferences' will be distributed and the final tally known. To be elected, I must receive 50% , plus 1, so it is important that some of the preferences come my way. Each of the other candidates placed me last on their votong slip, so I am hoping for 'leakage' where voters who did vote for another candidate did not slavishly follow their 'how to vote' card and placed me 2nd or 3rd.

It will be a long week, but hopefully I will be back to serve the residents of Waters Ward for another term. Thank you for your support.

Tomorrow you vote

Tomorrow, 43,000 people are eligible to go to the polls to elect a new Lord Mayor for Darwin. Here in Waters Ward, 9,500 residents get to vote for their representative on Council for the next four years.

 

There are four choices, including me and I ask that you give me your Number 1 vote to allow me to continue working to ensure our needs are well represented on Council.

 

I believed I had the skills when first elected four years ago and now can build on those in the next term, having gained valuable experience as your elected representative. Experience is a valuable asset, let's all use it to improve our lifestyle.

 

I believe the Waters Ward will benefit from an Alderman (and there are three for each ward), who has the following attributes:

 

Lives in Waters Ward - I have lived in Anula for 20 years and passionately involved. It also means I am accessable and can see first hand the issues. I have dealt with hundred's of issues over my term.

 

Community minded - I am an active member of Anula and Wulagi Neighbourhood Watch. (Neighbourhood Watch is not currently operating in Malak - and I attend Karama meetings when possible). With Neighbourhood Watch, I have been involved with Community Fun Days, House numbering project, 'Band in the Park' concerts, painting out of graffiti.

 

Available, accessable and responsive to community needs. I can see first hand and with suggestions from residents things that might improve our part of Darwin. With my fellow ward aldermen, I have secured funding for a bbq and shelter at the Anula Regional Playground power and lights to be installed in the Malak Shopping Centre carpark with a view to holding markets and multi-cultuarl events on a fregular basis.

 

Laneways are an on-goinf issue and I have presented many petitions to Council on your behalf to have them closed. There is more to be done on this issue and I intend to follow it up in my next term.

 

I respect your right to vote for the candidate of your choice - who you believe can best service your needs.

 

Decision time

I read in today's Text the Editor in the NT NEWS (Tuesday 25 March) a criticism from 'Ghostvoter, Karama that he/she has not received a flyer or any doorknocking.

Like most candidates, I do doorknock, but add that there are around 5,000 houses and flats in Waters Ward, which include the suburbs of Anula, Wulagi, Marrara, Malak, Karama, Berrimah and the Defence Establishment, Berrimah - 9,500 votes in total. Ask your local member how many houses they have to doorknock. The reality is it is just not possible to doorknock every house.

However, as one of the current Aldermen in the Waters Ward seeking reelection this Saturday, there are many ways to contact me and other candidates.

I have put posters around the ward.

My contact details are available on the Darwin City Council website.

My contact details are on the NT Electoral Commission website - along with every other candidate.

I spend hours each afternoon, alternating between Karama and Northlakes shopping centres to be available to residents who drop in after work.

I have prepared a flyer which will be letterbox dropped this week.

I have ran an ad in the Sunday Territorian. I have an article in this weeks Darwin Sun and further material in a NT News Election Special article this Thursday.

I have a website www. allanmitchell.com.au

Please contact me if there is an issue you would like discussed.

 

Time to Choose

Time to choose

With the election now only days away, it's time to think seriously who you want to represent you on Council for the next four years.

I believe I am your best choice for the following reasons:

• I live right here in the Ward and have done so for 20 years. Do all the other candidates?
• I have a good record of dealing with your issues and getting back to you. We don't always win, but I do let you know the results.
• I am readily available. Being retired and absolutely dedicated to my role, I am out and about constantly. I don't need to travel from another part of Darwin.
• Living in the Ward, lets me experience the issues and more often deal with them before having anyone contact me.
• My first term as your alderman has given me a good understanding of local government, its role and function, what we can do and what can't. We can use that experience to good use in the next term. Return someone with that experience

This Saturday, VOTE 1 - Allan MITCHELL -

Your Local Alderman

 

Meet me around the Ward

Between now and Election Day on 29 March, you can meet me around the Ward at the following locations:

Saturday, 15 March:  Malak Shops - 10am to 11.30am

Sunday, 16 March, Brazil Park, Karama, 11am to 1.00pm for a Sausage Sizzle

Thursday, 20 March, Karama Shopping Centre - 4pm to 6.30pm

Easter Saturday - to be confirmed

Easter Sunday - to be confirmed

Thursday, 27 March, Northlakes Shopping Centre, 4 pm to 6.30pm

Friday, 28 March, Karama Shopping Centre, 4pm to 6.30pm

But remember, you can call or email me anytime if you wish to ctah up or have an issue.

 

Clean Up Australia Day

It was great to see the local Scout Group out and about in the Anula Greenbelt today, on Clean Up Australia Day. Leader Merv Nicholson and about 28 Scouts and parents took part in the clean up.

Other than the main public areas such as the foreshore and Bicentennial Park, it was the only suburban area covered. Merv decided on the area around the Sanderson Scout Hall to invlove his Scouts in community service.

I was happy to take part as this is a special part of Darwin (with the largest Frill Neck lizard colony) - and it's my backyear, so to speak.

Local MLA, Len Kiely also took part.

The area is largely kept clean by local residents who collect rubbish when out walking, but the scouts managed to find a whole lot more. Thankfully, no potentially dangerous items such as syringes were found.

Thanks Sanderson Scout Group.

Clean Up Australlia Day

I was happy to assist the Sanderson Scouts on Clean Up Australia Day today. About 28 Scouts and parents, under leader Merv Nicholson decided to clean up the Yanyula Park where the Scout Hall is situated.

The greenbelt is largely kept clean by several residents who pick up rubbish whilst out walking, but I was surprised at the amount that was collected. The Scouts were very enthusiastic getting into some out of the way places. Thankfully, no potentially dangerous items such as syringes were found.

Local MLA, Len Kiely also took part.

The activity was finished with a sausage sizzle back at the Sanderson Scout Hall.

Thanks to all who took part in making our part of Darwin just that much tidier.

Meet your Alderman

Between now and election day on 29 March, I will be out and about at Northlakes and Karama Shopping Centres - usually between 4.30 and 6.30pm on Thursday and Friday evenings. ook out for my Council display.

Additionally, I will hold a sausage sizzle on Saturday mornings - the first on 1 March at Anula near the shops. Look out for my vehicle and display boards and come over for a sausage and cool drink. I will be there from 9.30 to 11am.

Please remember, I can always be contacted by phone, email or fax for any issues.

Polling Places in Waters Ward

Poling Places

In a change from previous elections, some polling places have changed. The places for the up-coming Local Government elections are:

Sanderson Middle School

O'Loughlan College

Kormilda College

Cyclone Helen

Unfortunately, I was away when Cyclone Helen struck Darwin. Alderman Dorothy Fox and the Council kept me informed by email. Thankfully, we were largely spared. The photo (courtesy of Ald Fox) shows one Council asset at the Anula Regional playground that did not escape.

Council elections set for 29 March, 2008

Residents of Darwin will go to the polls on Saturday 29 March to elect a new Lord Mayor and 12 Aldermen for a four year term.

I will have completed my first term and seek your support for a further term.

Polling booths for this area (Waters Ward) will be changed this year, with only three booths now operating. They will be at : Sanderson Middle School, O'Loughlin College and Kormilda College. The hours will remain the same at 8am to 6pm.

Rememeber, that voting in Northern Territory Local Goverment elections is compulsory. It is not necessary that you vote in the Ward and pre-polling will be available in the preceding week for absentee votes.

I will keep you up to date with election matters.

'Thank you' to our volunteers

Darwin City Council hosted a function on 5 December (International Volunteers Day) to thank the many volunteers who have assisted us during the year. As well as community members on our Advisory Committees - Disability, Arts & Cultural, Youth and Community Safety, we also have community members on each of our Sister Cities committees.

A large group came from the assistance we received with the annual Pre Cyclone CleanUp - Neighbourhood Watch who cooked the lunch and maintained the registers and members of the Defence Force, who provided vehicles and manpower

Acting Lord Mayor, Alderman Heather Sjoberg thanked them all on our behalf.

BBQ to be installed at Anula Regional Playground

I have managed to secure funding for an electric bbq, similar to the ones Council has installed thoughout Darwin. It will be a two burner model and have a shelter.

This should make it great for families who want to come along and have a bbq - perhaps even a birthday party - saves all that mess at your own place.

Along with all our bbq installations, it will be pressure cleaned every day.

Installation is expected by the end of January.

Neighbourhood Watch Community Day a great success.

The annual Anula NHW Christmas Party went over well with the hundred or so who came along to the Anula Regional Playground.

With plenty to excite and involve the kids for 2 hours, including the battery cars, a waterslide and face painting, the time quickly passed. Paul Wyatt continued to cook up the sausages for the free sausage sizzle.

Santa arrived just after 5 o'clock and handed out lollies to all the children.

It was a pretty humid afternoon (with a backup plan in case of rain).

Thanks to Darren, the Anula NHW coordinator, Michael McCrostie, John Lear, Paul Wyatt, Karen and Sgt Jeff Mosel for putting it all together. The sweets were provided by Len Kiely, MLA and Richard Bowman stood in for Santa. Yeni did a great job with the face painting.

Pirates Rugby Union Clubhouse - proposal

A public meeting held earlier in the month indicated some areas that Pirates RUC and the Council will have to address if the proposal to build a clubhouse adjacent to the Anula Oval is to proceed.

About 12 people attended the public meeting called by the local MLA, Mr Len Kiely in response to concerns.

I, along with Alderman Jo Sangster and Brendan O'Brien, the President of Pirates RUC listened and noted the concerns.

Whilst Council has invited the club to presnt a business plan of their proposal, absolutely no decision has been made by Council. There is no time frame for the club to present the plan.

Rest assured a full community consultation will take place before Council makes any decision.

I will keep you posted as to events. If you have any concerns, please email them to me.

Anula Neighbourhood Watch Community Christmas Party

All residents of Anula are invited along this Sunday afternoon (2 December, 4-6pm) for the annual Community Christmas Party.

The event is held at the Anula Regional Playground. Neighbourhood Watch will provide a free sausage sizzle and drinks will be on sale.

Santa will make a guest appearance and give every child a bag of lollies. Whilst waiting for Santa there will be a water slide, electric cars and other activities.

In the event of rain (will it ever rain!) the event will take place in the covered area at the Anula School.

For any further enquiries - call me on 0417 804 546