CDRC held events in each community as well as the Alice Springs offices and depot, with food, games, and conversations.
Like last year, there were some inspiring speakers at this year’s forum, but more emphasis was placed on getting staff involved, with sessions of team building exercises and feedback.
There was also a focus on cultural exchange, with presentations and dances from the Laramba Possum Dancers, Nepali staff, and Sri Lankan staff.
Other presenters included Rosalie Riley, who performed a Welcome to Country; Blair McFarland, NT Australian of the Year; Karl Hampton, Director Indigenous Strategy; and Ian McAdam from the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks program.
Teghan Hughes, a comedian from Darwin with experience working in the Central Desert region, did a fantastic job of keeping it all together as the MC, and Haloti Kailahi, Director Community Services led the team through a Team Huddle and reflection session.
The forum was graphic recorded by Sarah Cook Creative, an artist and graphic recorder based in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Sarah Cook listened carefully and translated the key themes of the presentations into visuals, which were displayed throughout the event.
Overall, this was a very successful day, with a sense of camaraderie felt by the staff that will be taken into their everyday work, improving the outcomes for CDRC communities.
Photo above: The staff of Central Desert Regional Council.
The Laramba Possum Dancers after their performance.
The Nepali performers posing after their presentation.
The Sri Lankan presentation by staff on stage.
The graphic recording by Sarah Cook Creative.
MC Teghan Hughes.
Blair McFarland, from CAYLUS.
Karl Hampton, Director Indigenous Strategy.
