Council News - January 2006Release of Shire of Derby/West Kimberley Website30th January 2006 A revitalisation of the old Shire of Derby/West Kimberley website has seen the release of a new site featuring information about services and community facilities throughout the Shire. It is designed to be a site that caters for many different groups, from those who want to learn more about the Derby/West Kimberley Local Government to potential new residents moving here for the first time.
“Council recognised the need to implement a website that covers as much information as possible and addresses many potential questions people may have about the region before they make a call to us,” stated John Pearson, Shire of Derby/West Kimberley Chief Executive Officer. “It really is the first point of call for many people and needs to reflect the uniqueness and quality of the region and people,” he continued.
Information contained on the site includes Councillor contact details, organisational structures, facilities available for public use, frequently asked questions (FAQs), leisure activities, road reports, community and business directories, secure on-line rate and debtor payments and other information about core local government services.
The website is still evolving and is hoped to include other information about services and systems as needed. “We look forward to positive public contributions to assist us in making the website more practical and responsive to community needs,” Mr Pearson said “We also need the businesses and greater community to fill in details about their organisation so the general public can know about their services as well.”
The website is available at www.sdwk.wa.gov.au and anybody wishing to provide comment or feedback may do so by emailing sdwk@sdwk.wa.gov.au.
Be Alert For Mosquitoes18th January 2006 Following the recent heavy rains and warm weather, there is potential for a rise in mosquito activity during the coming months. Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance with an irritating bite, they are capable of spreading diseases such as Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis.
Council's Environmental Health Staff have been identifying and monitoring mosquito breeding sites within the Derby town site and surrounding area. Appropriate treatment and control of breeding sites has been initiated to reduce the impact of mosquitoes on the community.
Mosquitoes form an important part of the natural environment by breaking down substrate and debris and providing a food source for other animals such as frogs, fish and birds. Only female mosquitoes bite as they require a blood meal to breed and will lay eggs in a variety of pooling water sources. Mosquitoes are attracted into urban areas by various light sources and the carbon dioxide we exhale in our breath and can easily establishing breeding sites in our backyards.
The community's assistance is sought to reduce the spread of mosquito borne diseases by eliminating mosquito breeding sites at their home and work place and protecting themselves and their families from mosquito bites.
Where Do Mosquitoes Breed?
Breeding will occur in a number of locations such as: - Small pools of water left following heavy rain or large tides;
- Any receptacle capable of holding water such as old tins, buckets, dishes, flowerpot bases, old tyres, boats and trailers;
- Depressions in the yard;
- Unsealed rainwater tanks and septic systems;
- Swimming and wading pools that have been neglected;
Eliminate Breeding in Your Backyard
Local residents are asked to eradicate potential breeding sites in their backyards by: - Locating potential containers, emptying the water out and leaving the container inverted.
- Fitting mosquito proof cowls to septic tank system vent pipes. Ensure septic tanks lids are sealed to prevent mosquito access.
- Screen and seal rainwater tanks to prohibiting mosquito access;
- Filling in depressions in the ground with soil or sand to eliminate a breeding site;
- Ensure pools are well chlorinated and filtered and free from dead leaves.
Remove water held in plant leaf axils regularly.
Avoid Being Bitten
You can prevent you and your family being bitten by mosquitos by: - Avoiding exposure in areas of high mosquito activity, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Ensure insect screens on houses are intact to prevent mosquitos entering.
- Wear long, loose fitting clothing when outdoors.
- Use personal repellents containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin.
Mosquito Borne Viruses
Mosquitoes are carriers or "vectors" for a number of viruses. These viruses can only be contracted from mosquitoes that have bitten an animal host prior to biting a human. The viruses can not be transmitted through contact with another human or animal. Symptoms of mosquito borne viruses include: - Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus: painful swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, chronic fatigue and headache with symptoms lasting for weeks or sometimes months.
- Murray Valley Encephalitis: in young children Murray Valley Encephalitis is characterised by fever, floppiness, irritability, drowsiness and fits. Older children and adults will experience fever, drowsiness or confusion, headache, stiff neck, muscle tremors, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
It is important people showing symptoms of illness are seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Council's Environmental Health Services by phoning (08) 9191 0999.
Australia Day Breakfast Hosted By The Shire Of Derby/West Kimberley12th January 2006 7:30 - 10:00am
At The Derby Sportsman's Club on the 26th January.
Gold coin donation on entry for the breakfast and entertainment provided.
Feel free to dress up or down with your impression of the Australian look. We'd love to see a few Cork hats, surfies, Aboriginal warriors, Chinese gold miners, akubras, Cameliers, famous musicians, opera singers and road workers down at the Sportsman's Club for breakfast to celebrate the rich diversity of our Country.
Like previous years the Shire Councillors will be cooking up a storm, serving food and making a presentation to a local group, and individuals nominated for Australia Day Awards.
Aussie music will be played through out the morning with time to refamiliarise everyone with Australia's national anthem "Advance Australia Fair".
There will be an Aussie Quiz and colouring in corner for kids and Youth Advisory Committee members are volunteering to help out and do some face painting.
Anyone wishing to help out at this event can call Lenka Vanderboom; Community Development Officer at the Shire or on 0429 911 438.
*musician and time for singing of the National Anthem yet to be confirmed.
FYI food provided Bacon, eggs, beef sausages, mushrooms onions, baked beans, tomatoes, spaghetti and toast.
Scones and jam/marmalade
Vegemite (we'll try and find some Dick Smiths!!)
Coffee tea juice and water
Possibly some damper if we can get someone to cook it
Grant Shades Scallywags Day Care Centre5th January 2006 Improvements to increase shade and remove potentially unsafe treated timbers are underway during the annual closure of the Scallywags Day Care Centre in Derby.
"These works are funded by the Federal Government's Minor Capital Upgrade grant program. This type of assistance allows the Shire of Derby / West Kimberley to undertake upgrades," said Suzanne Rigney, Executive Manager Community Development.
"We are taking this opportunity to also remove a very tall African mahogany tree which has become increasingly difficult to maintain due to its height. An expanded shade sail will replace the natural shade provided by the tree without the danger of falling branches in our main play area.
"New sand pit borders will also feature because we have removed timbers which were potentially treated with copper chrome arsenate," Ms Rigney concluded.
"We look forward to welcoming back our parents and clients on Monday 23rd January 2006 when Scallywags reopens for business. There are currently positions vacant and we encourage parents to call 9191 1793 after the 23rd of January to speak with the Centre Coordinator about their childcare needs in 2006.
West Kimberley Physical Activity Levels to Increase5th January 2006 The Shire of Derby / West Kimberley's residents will benefit from increased physical activity levels after $50,000 of funding from the State Government was released to the Shire this week to provide community based sport and recreation initiatives.
"Over the past year the Shire's Community Development staff has been undertaking detailed community consultation and investigation about the sport and recreation needs of the Shire of Derby / West Kimberley's residents until 2010. A draft plan of strategies will be considered by Councillors for their endorsement at their next Council meeting," said Cr. Elsia Archer, Shire President of the Shire of Derby / West Kimberley
"The main focus of the plan is increasing participation in physical activity and recreation particularly across non-traditional users of our existing facilities and programs and developing the capacity of people in our community to sustain this activity into the future. We are also looking at ways to provide appropriate physical activity opportunities during the wet season, which is outside of the usual sports seasons for most codes.
"Children and youth aged 0 - 24, who comprise almost 40% of the Shire's population, family groups and the existing sport and recreation clubs and their committees are the main target groups of this plan.
Key strategies to be funded over the next two years include conducting sport and recreation events and programs like carnivals; have a go days, fitness circuits, active after schools programs and walking groups. Festivals and eisteddfods focused on dance and other 'non-sport' recreation as well as more opportunities for intertown and community competitions will also be supported. In addition support will be available for volunteer groups that may wish to establish new programs to increase the variety of opportunities available.
Existing sports clubs and committees will have access to facilitated training, workshops and accreditation sessions designed to support and encourage their volunteering. A special series of activities around addressing violence, including the abuse of officials and alcohol at sports events will also be included.
Promotion of the opportunities for residents to be more physically active will also be improved and it is proposed that a network of interested agencies and stakeholders to support the sustainable development of sport, recreation and physical activity will be established.
"This commitment from the Department of Sport and Recreation is important to our community because we live in an extreme climate, remote from many of the usual attractions and recreation options. Whether its mud footy, corporate sports or crab racing - sport, recreation and leisure pursuits provide more than just opportunities for physical activity. These activities fill our lives outside of work and they provide the social relationships and connection to our community we value so highly," Cr. Archer concluded.
Local Contributions Light Up Community Spirit in the West Kimberley4th January 2006 Residents and visitors to Derby, Looma, Camballin and Fitzroy Crossing enjoyed commercial, residential and small light displays over the festive season. The generous sponsorship from local businesses and individuals in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing for this event saw almost all of the thirty four entrants in the 2005 West Kimberley Community Christmas Lights Competition awarded with cash, prizes, gift vouchers and account deductions from Western Power.
The larger awards for Best Commercial Light Display went to Travers Electrical who received $1000 worth of free RedFM/Spirit Radio advertising. The Western Power Awards went to some particularly innovative residents for their brilliant displays and Christmas scenes; Kevin Oscar, Ken and Vicki O'Donnell and Patricia Juboy.
The Shire of Derby West/Kimberley Community Christmas Spirit Award went to Ngamang Bawoona Aged Care Hostel in Derby and Des Murphy (Red Beard) in Fitzroy Crossing. There was no contesting that Gwen Jones should win the Small Light segment of the competition in Derby with her array of Christmas figurines that got the imagination running to make sure Santa's helpers all had a glass of milk awaiting them on Christmas eve.
When asked what it was like to be apart of the judging team, Community Development Officer, Lenka Vanderboom commented, "I had a great time, it was quite inspiring to see so many people getting out to see all of the light displays and Nativity and Santa scenes before Christmas. Entrants in to the West Kimberley Community Christmas Light Competition went to great effort and truly expressed their creativity and festive spirit. It's a fabulous and exciting Community event that gets people talking and laughing together."
If the Competition is supported with such generous contributions and volunteer support next year new awards, such as recognition for 'Local Content' will be ongoing. The West Kimberley is expected to light up once again in 2007 with residents, such as those at Ngamang Bawoona Hostel already considering the themes and music for their display.
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