Members of the Ti Tree community are the proud recipients of “Appreciation Certificates” from the Keep Australia Beautiful Council Northern Territory.  The certificates were handed out by Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment, Mr Peter Chandler acting as an ambassador for Territory Tidy Towns,
The Territory Tidy Towns program is a year round grass roots community development program, encouraging Territorians and community residents to commit and volunteer time and effort to keep their communities beautiful and clean. This continual improvement process helps to create ownership and responsibility building pride and self esteem. It is food for the soul, it enhances morale and it builds confidence. Individuals accomplish a sense of achievement and it creates pride in who we are and where we are going.

Mr. Peter Chandler said,   “It is great to see grass roots commitment by community people inspired by improved aesthetics, improved quality of life and environmental benefits. I can see that the residents take pride in their infrastructure and environment. The actions and activities of local residents under the Tidy Towns program have the potential to deliver strong social development and environmental outcomes, benefitting these Territory communities now and well into the future. Increased involvement and participation in Tidy Towns activities stimulates increased enthusiasm which in turn provides an increased array of opportunities.”

The CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful Council Northern Territory Mr. Heimo Schober said that Keep Australia Beautiful was sincerely grateful for the positive actions and strong support by the local residents within Anmatjere (Ti Tree), Nturiya, Pmara Jutunta and Wilora and from the Central Desert Shire.  “It is important that we recognise and acknowledge peoples efforts in order to maintain momentum and continually improve. These communities are taking pride and leading the challenge for the title as 2013 Territory’s Tidiest Town”.

The Central Desert Shire Youth, Sport and Recreation team has some big activities planned for the next few months. The annual softball tournament will again feature as a great activity for women whilst a series of concerts will be exciting for young and old. The Atitjere basketball competition, which was rained out in December, has also been rescheduled for April and looks like it will be another fantastic event.

The Shire’s eastern communities (Yuelamu, Laramba, Ti tree, Engawala and Atitjere) will be taking part in an exciting live music project during the April School Holidays. The ‘Youth Tunes Roadshow’ will see members of the CDS Youth, Sport and Recreation team travel to each of the communities during Youth Week to assist to host a concert and provide extra access to musical equipment and skills.  Speak with sport and recreation staff if you are keen to take part.

The Annual CDS Softball Championship will be on again from April. Communities have been placed in divisions that will compete in home and away matches and exact dates will be well advertised within your community. 

The winners of each division will be invited to compete against each other in the CDS Softball Championship which will be held in June. The Engawala ladies will be eagerly awaiting the tournament to show off their new uniforms which they fundraised for over several months.

Musicians and softball players are encouraged to start practicing now. The skill level of the softball team has built over the last few years, as proven by last years winners the Yuelamu Eagles who went on to win their division at the NT Championships. Any team that hopes to beat them this year will need a lot of practice beforehand. Whilst the Youth Tunes Roadshow is a first time event practice is just as important and the Youth, Sport and Recreation team is working to make equipment available to community members on request.

The delay in the Atitjere basketball competition means participants have longer to train and get their teams organised. Please speak to Sam Fisher, the Sport & Rec Community Leader, to find how you can be involved. Teams from other communities are also welcome providing they provide their own transport. 

The Softball and basketball tournaments and the Youth Tunes Road Show will be delivered by CDS Youth, Sport and Rec. with financial backing from the NT and Federal Governments.