Communities within the Central Desert Shire are prepared for the fire season thanks to the major Fire Preparedness project in the Central Desert Shire.

The Fire Preparedness Project incorporates community based training with the establishment of important fire prevention kits in each community. Yuendumu, Yuelamu, Laramba, and Atitjere have already had their training with Engawala, Ti Tree, Nyirripi and Willowra scheduled soon.

"The Fire Preparedness Project is an excellent opportunity for community residents to be trained in basic fire management techniques" the Shire President, Norbert Patrick said. "Training of this kind allows communities to develop their own capability and ensures that the community has the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary to deal with the risks associated with the fire season."

The training has been facilitated by volunteers from South Australia Bush Fires volunteers who have been working closely with the local communities. "The community involvement has been excellent" reported Greg Stone, Project manager "we are excited to be involved in such a great project and have developed strong connections with the people in Central Australia".

The project has rolled out under the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program sponsored by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

For more information please contact Roydon Robertson Chief Executive Officer on 8958 9531.

Central Desert Shire is pleased to announce that the Domestic Violence and Family Mediation Program in Yuendumu has received another round of funding for the 2011-2012 financial year.  The program has been successfully running for 5 years.  The focus of the program in the next year will be the transition of the Mediation Committee into an incorporated body.  The Mediation Committee is responsible for supporting the Coordinator with recommendations to the community court, facilitating family dispute meetings, attend to prison visits and other tasks relating to mediation and education about family violence.

Nicki Davies is the Coordinator of the program in Yuendumu and in the first week of August she and Community Services Manager, René Laan completed the LEADR 5 day accredited dispute resolution course.  They were the only community development workers on the course, which was delivered by the nationally recognised dispute resolution body. The course provided ample opportunities for practising mediation skills through the different role plays presented.  Experienced coaches supported the students throughout the week through ensuring their learning stays on track with the mediation process.

“It is a skill for life and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn more and bring it back to the community and pass that knowledge on”, Nicki Davies concluded.  Both employees will be sitting their accreditation practice session later this year.