Mr BALDWIN - 1995-08-22
One of the biggest challenges facing the Territory today is the provision of sport and recreation services in remote Aboriginal communities. Will the minister inform members of current initiatives to meet these challenges?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it is true that the provision of sport and recreation services - indeed, most services - is quite difficult for remote communities in the Northern Territory. I think no member here would disagree with that statement. I am sure most members would agree that the problem of distance in the provision of support services is unlike that experienced anywhere else in the world. However, the hurdle of geographical isolation is being overcome with some innovative and exciting programs in the Department of Sport and Recreation.
One of the government's major initiatives is to develop programs to maintain leadership, coaching and referee skills for young Territorians. That was an election commitment of this Country Liberal Party government. Even though the battle of distance often can be daunting, we are overcoming the odds and ultimately improving the lives of Territorians in remote areas.
An area in which the Department of Sport and Recreation is working actively is the AUSSIE Sport program. In terms of leadership, 33% more young Territorians are involved in leadership programs with AUSSIE Sport than there were at this time last year. That is an extraordinary growth rate. AUSSIE Sport is about promoting and developing participation rates in sporting activities, as well as providing leadership activities.
I am sure that members who are parents will know of the CAPS program - that is, the Challenge, Achievement and Pathways in Sports program. In just 10 days' time, 10 young
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leaders will travel from Alice Springs to Ti Tree to assist with the organisation and running of the Ti Tree Sports Weekend. As I say that, I note the presence in the gallery of some representatives from the Anmatjere Community Government Council which has its headquarters at Ti Tree. I welcome them to the Assembly. I trust they are taking note of the abysmal behaviour of members opposite during Question Time. For that sports festival, 8 remote community schools with more than 300 children will travel to Ti Tree for the weekend.
Another exciting initiative in the program has been developed through a partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service and AUSSIE Sport. The Royal Flying Doctor Service has agreed to a 12-month trial of AUSSIE Sport leaders travelling to remote communities to conduct playgroups and modified sports programs while the doctors visit. Usually, these visits take a couple of hours. I have no doubt that the communities will gain great benefit from them. The first of these dual-purpose visits will occur at Kulgera on 18 October. This is a ground-breaking initiative indeed.
These programs are simply the tip of the iceberg in relation to the Department of Sport and Recreation's involvement in programs for remote communities. I pay tribute to the department, and in particular to the AUSSIE Sport program, for the ongoing work in these areas. I also thank the Royal Flying Doctor Service for its generous offer to provide assistance in this regard.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it is true that the provision of sport and recreation services - indeed, most services - is quite difficult for remote communities in the Northern Territory. I think no member here would disagree with that statement. I am sure most members would agree that the problem of distance in the provision of support services is unlike that experienced anywhere else in the world. However, the hurdle of geographical isolation is being overcome with some innovative and exciting programs in the Department of Sport and Recreation.
One of the government's major initiatives is to develop programs to maintain leadership, coaching and referee skills for young Territorians. That was an election commitment of this Country Liberal Party government. Even though the battle of distance often can be daunting, we are overcoming the odds and ultimately improving the lives of Territorians in remote areas.
An area in which the Department of Sport and Recreation is working actively is the AUSSIE Sport program. In terms of leadership, 33% more young Territorians are involved in leadership programs with AUSSIE Sport than there were at this time last year. That is an extraordinary growth rate. AUSSIE Sport is about promoting and developing participation rates in sporting activities, as well as providing leadership activities.
I am sure that members who are parents will know of the CAPS program - that is, the Challenge, Achievement and Pathways in Sports program. In just 10 days' time, 10 young
Page 774
leaders will travel from Alice Springs to Ti Tree to assist with the organisation and running of the Ti Tree Sports Weekend. As I say that, I note the presence in the gallery of some representatives from the Anmatjere Community Government Council which has its headquarters at Ti Tree. I welcome them to the Assembly. I trust they are taking note of the abysmal behaviour of members opposite during Question Time. For that sports festival, 8 remote community schools with more than 300 children will travel to Ti Tree for the weekend.
Another exciting initiative in the program has been developed through a partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service and AUSSIE Sport. The Royal Flying Doctor Service has agreed to a 12-month trial of AUSSIE Sport leaders travelling to remote communities to conduct playgroups and modified sports programs while the doctors visit. Usually, these visits take a couple of hours. I have no doubt that the communities will gain great benefit from them. The first of these dual-purpose visits will occur at Kulgera on 18 October. This is a ground-breaking initiative indeed.
These programs are simply the tip of the iceberg in relation to the Department of Sport and Recreation's involvement in programs for remote communities. I pay tribute to the department, and in particular to the AUSSIE Sport program, for the ongoing work in these areas. I also thank the Royal Flying Doctor Service for its generous offer to provide assistance in this regard.
Page 775
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016