Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) have introduced new staff Values Awards, which we’re aiming to implement every six months. These awards are for staff who have demonstrated the Council’s values as exemplars (serving as a model or ideal example of the value) and they must be nominated to win.

The CDRC values are: Strong and good leadership, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect, and these form the criteria for the awards.

The winners for the previous six months were:

For “Strong and good leadership” - Jason McKissock in Anmatjere.

“Working with stakeholders, particularly around Tidy Town initiatives, strong leadership with the Local Authority, mentoring of staff and always seeking organisational improvement first and then applying that to community improvement.” 

For “Teamwork” - Atitjere Works Team.

“Working together and helping each other, evident pride in the community, strong results with community waste management, true “quiet achievers” and excellence in depot management and safety.”

For “Integrity” - Marcus Briscoe, Yuelamu.

“Being open and honest in all dealings, organising the depot shed without being asked and improving safety, strong approach to Work Health and Safety, setting a strong example in wearing PPE and hard work.”

“Congratulations to all the winners,” said CDRC CEO, Diane Hood. “I look forward to more nominations in the next six months,” she added.

On Sunday 1 December at Alice Springs Basketball Stadium, the Ti-Tree women’s basketball team played a nail biting game in the grand final of the Southern Cup Basketball Tournament against MacDonnell Shire Women. Unfortunately they just missed out on the cup, losing by three points.

In the lead up, on Saturday 23 November, Ti-Tree hosted a basketball competition against Engawala, with both men’s and women’s teams playing to compete for a chance to compete in the Southern Cup.

“The games were played in great spirits and it was a fantastic day,” said Grace Barry, Central Desert Regional Council’s Youth, Sport and Recreation Coordinator, Anmatjere.

The men played first and Engawala came away the winners. In the women’s game, it was Ti-Tree who took home the win.

The two winning teams then travelled to Alice Springs the following weekend along with teams from all over Central Australia to compete in the Southern Cup – a two day tournament held over the weekend. The competition involved playing games of 5X5 (five a side) as well as 3X3 (three a side using half the court).

The Ti-Tree women’s team had an excellent run, winning four out of their five games. They progressed all the way to the grand final, where they played a nail biting game, but sadly just missed out on the cup! The Engawala men had a tougher run over the weekend, but that didn’t stop them from giving their all and having fun.

“Overall both teams played an exceptional tournament, and are looking forward to developing their skills for next year’s tournament,” said Barry.