For staff living and working in a remote community who are not from there, it can be tough to be away from family and friends for an extended period of time. During the current Coronavirus outbreak it can be even tougher, as there is restricted movement into regional centres such as Alice Springs and Katherine. Some staff are looking at the positive side.

 “Not for one minute I will say it has been easy, not being able to get out, missing family and just doing the simple things like shopping,” said Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Aged Care Coordinator in Nyirripi, Wayne Porter. “But, personally, what I will be looking back on when this is all over is not the above but the achievement of great team work with other departments within CDRC.”

 Wayne says the communication, teamwork and support from the acting Community Services Coordinator (CSC) in Nyirripi Julie Coote, and others in the head office is amazing and “what a pleasure” it is to work with them.

 While some aspects are hard, Wayne enjoys being in a remote community for an extended time, and has channelled a lot of energy into work, hobbies, reading and fitness. One of his hobbies is to build model railway tracks and trains. “There is a lot of work involved and it keeps the mind going,” he said. “I also have an exercise bike in the lounge room and average nearly 30km most days,” he added.

 If you need help coping with your situation call EASA on 1800 193 123 (CDRC employees) or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Main photo: The train tracks and trains that Wayne is working on in Nyirripi.

 New band equipment was purchased by the Anmatjere Local Authority (LA) that will be used for discos that are an approved funded LA project. The discos have been postponed due to the Corona virus, and they will have everything in place ready to go when physical distancing laws have been removed.

 The discos will be run by Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) Youth, Sport and Recreation in conjunction with the Community Services Manager (CSM) and the Community Safety Patrol at Nturiya, Pmara Jutunta and Wilora.

 Carl Inkamala is a member of the band that will be playing at the discos. He has been setting up the band equipment in the CDRC Anmatjere office for testing and familiarisation.

 “He doing a great job and enjoying the process, we at the office here in Ti tree are also enjoying the live music that he is creating,” said CDRC Community Services Manager Jason McKissock.

 Carl normally works as a Youth, Sport and Recreation Officer, but since the COVID-19 restrictions he has been helping out on the Works Team.

  “Carl is such an enthusiastic worker, and I am so glad he is enjoying the work he is doing, and keeping busy. From my end, it’s particularly exciting to see that Carl can continue to work on projects related to Youth, Sport and Recreation too, and planning for when the restrictions can be lifted,” said CDRC Youth Sport and Recreation Operations Coordinator Grace Barry.

The main photo shows Carl Inkamala testing the band equipment.

Some of the band Equipment.