the Northern Territory's lifestyle magazine. - Australian Hotels ...
the Northern Territory's lifestyle magazine. - Australian Hotels ...
the Northern Territory's lifestyle magazine. - Australian Hotels ...
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to make <strong>the</strong> move<br />
your next<br />
greatest adventure<br />
pick and choose<br />
in <strong>the</strong> next 5 years
“ The secreT To A briGhT FuTure.<br />
The earlier we see The brighT<br />
fuTure, The fasTer we can<br />
achieve iT. ”<br />
Disclaimer<br />
While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that <strong>the</strong> information contained<br />
in this publication is correct, <strong>the</strong> information covered is subject to change. The Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Territory Government does not assume and hereby disclaims any express or implied<br />
liability whatsoever to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions,<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>se errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any o<strong>the</strong>r cause.<br />
Published AuGusT 2011<br />
contents.<br />
2 inTroDucing The norThern TerriTory<br />
4 unpreceDenTeD jobs growTh<br />
6 an exTraorDinary lifesTyle<br />
8 out and about<br />
9 Parks and reserves<br />
10 FesTivAls ANd sPeciAl eveNTs<br />
11 FishiNG<br />
12 A TAsTe For culTure<br />
13 sPorT ANd recreATioN<br />
14 living in The TerriTory<br />
15 housiNG cosT oF liviNG<br />
16 educATioN ANd childcAre<br />
17 heAlTh services<br />
18 MulTiculTurAl<br />
19 TrANsPorT<br />
20 GoverNMeNT ANd services<br />
21 bANkiNG ANd iNsurANce<br />
22 The norThern TerriTory: a brief hisTory<br />
24 ciTies anD our Towns<br />
city and rural:<br />
26 dArWiN<br />
28 PAlMersToN ANd ouTer dArWiN<br />
30 Alice sPriNGs<br />
32 kATheriNe<br />
34 TeNANT creek<br />
36 Nhulubuy<br />
38 TerriTory GroWTh ToWNs
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory iNTroduciNG The NorTherN TerriTory<br />
02 03<br />
GREAT<br />
<strong>lifestyle</strong><br />
The Territory is sophisticated, dynamic and progressive yet<br />
it retains that friendly, fun-loving character that has made it<br />
such a popular drawcard. These traits are accentuated by <strong>the</strong><br />
fact that our population is <strong>the</strong> nation’s youngest, at a median<br />
age of just 31.2 years - 5.7 years younger than <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong><br />
country. Territorians are typically a vibrant, happy, outdoorloving<br />
lot who also know how to enjoy <strong>the</strong> finer things in life.<br />
The Territory’s 220 000-strong population includes people<br />
from more than 100 nationalities who have shared <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
cultures over more than a century to turn this region into one<br />
of Australia’s most cosmopolitan. Indigenous people, many<br />
still living traditional <strong>lifestyle</strong>s in remote homelands, make up<br />
a quarter of <strong>the</strong> population and have a strong influence on <strong>the</strong><br />
region’s culture.<br />
The Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory covers one-sixth of Australia and<br />
straddles climatic zones ranging from <strong>the</strong> monsoon-influenced<br />
tropics across <strong>the</strong> ‘Top End’ nudging <strong>the</strong> Timor and Arafura<br />
seas, to <strong>the</strong> arid red-ochre deserts of Central Australia.<br />
The Territory’s location at <strong>the</strong> top half of Australia puts it<br />
closer to Asia than to Australia’s main population centres and<br />
live it.<br />
AustrAliA’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rN territory - or ‘<strong>the</strong><br />
TerriTory’ as The locals call iT presenTs<br />
all The hallmarks of a booming economy<br />
anD ThaT TrenD is seT To conTinue<br />
in specTacular fashion.<br />
it has long led <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> country in developing strong<br />
diplomatic, cultural and economic ties with South East Asia.<br />
Successive governments have been quick to capitalise on<br />
this enormous trading benefit by promoting <strong>the</strong> Territory as<br />
Australia’s ‘Gateway to Asia’.<br />
Territory leaders have seize on opportunities to bolster <strong>the</strong><br />
region’s economy through trade and business relationships<br />
tied in with burgeoning consumer demands in <strong>the</strong> growth<br />
zones of South East Asia, <strong>the</strong> western Pacific and beyond.<br />
The Territory’s vibrant economic growth and a raft of multimillion<br />
and billion dollar developments are positioning<br />
Australia’s fastest-growing region for an even more<br />
exhilarating future. It’s going to mean exceptional work and<br />
investment opportunities, particularly in <strong>the</strong> next five years.<br />
Many thousands of jobs will come on line for professionals<br />
and skilled tradespeople from all walks of life, and for<br />
business entrepreneurs looking for a bright new start for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
families. We’re going to need a lot of people-power to get<br />
<strong>the</strong> jobs done!<br />
www.australiasnor<strong>the</strong>rnterritory.com.au<br />
“ surrouNd yourselF WiTh<br />
PeoPle who take <strong>the</strong>ir work<br />
seriously, buT NoT TheMselves,<br />
those who work harD anD<br />
play harD.”
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory uNPrecedeNTed Jobs GroWTh<br />
04<br />
work it.<br />
skilleD workers in high DemanD.<br />
Several significant economic drivers will underpin intensive<br />
local development.Those economic drivers will include <strong>the</strong><br />
AustralAsia Trade Route, investment in gas and related<br />
industries, mining and minerals processing, agribusiness,<br />
tourism, Defence support and Darwin’s growth as a regional<br />
supply, service and distribution hub. Emerging industries<br />
based on tropical and desert knowledge and innovation,<br />
information technology and communications are also f<br />
orecast to bolster <strong>the</strong> Territory’s economy in <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
The Territory is on track to become a major oil and gas<br />
operations and maintenance hub. Specifically, a new Darwin<br />
marine supply base will provide state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art facilities to<br />
service offshore oil and gas operations.<br />
An impressive list of existing and impending oil and gas<br />
ventures, supported by global giants of <strong>the</strong> sector, will assure<br />
<strong>the</strong> region’s growth and prosperity for decades into <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
Significant mining developments and infrastructure projects,<br />
including a new hospital and prison, are also due to<br />
commence and will fur<strong>the</strong>r boost job opportunities and bring<br />
significant economic benefits for Territory-wide regional towns<br />
and communities.<br />
jobs,jobs,jobs<br />
The spin-offs will include an unparalleled demand for skilled<br />
tradesmen of every kind, and professionals across broadranging<br />
sectors including engineering, nursing, medicine<br />
and teaching.<br />
looking To migraTe To, or have a<br />
working holiDay in The norThern<br />
TerriTory?<br />
Several migration programs are available for persons and<br />
families wishing to migrate to <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory to live and<br />
work or do business.<br />
What kind of people is <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory looking for?<br />
The Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory is on <strong>the</strong> lookout for persons with<br />
skills and experience in business, and most trades and<br />
professions, inclining hospitality, tourism, education and<br />
health management. The wide diversity of <strong>the</strong> types of jobs<br />
available is reflected in <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory Occupation<br />
Shortage List. This list provides a list of occupations that are<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r in shortage or experiencing recruitment difficulties in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory. The Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory Government is<br />
actively seeking and encouraging migrants with <strong>the</strong>se skills to<br />
join its community.<br />
Detailed information on migration and Nor<strong>the</strong>rn territory<br />
Government sponsorship for business and skill migrants is<br />
available at www.migration.nt.gov.au<br />
looking for jobs<br />
A wealth of business and employment opportunities will be on<br />
offer, especially if you have <strong>the</strong> skills <strong>the</strong> Territory needs. The<br />
Territory Workers Database is a candidate pool established to<br />
bring toge<strong>the</strong>r skilled people looking for jobs and businesses<br />
needing <strong>the</strong>ir services. The database allows job seekers to<br />
register <strong>the</strong>ir skills for prospective employers or recruitment<br />
agencies to search <strong>the</strong> available profiles for suitable<br />
candidates to fill job vacancies.<br />
05<br />
register your interest.<br />
The Territory Worker Database is<br />
a candidate pool allowing job<br />
seekers to register <strong>the</strong>ir skills for<br />
prospective Territory employers or<br />
recruitment agencies to search for<br />
jobe ready people.<br />
Register your skills at<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>territory.com.au<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory<br />
State Migration Plan<br />
The State Migration Plan provides<br />
<strong>the</strong> guidelines for migration of skilled<br />
workers to <strong>the</strong> Territory to address<br />
specific skill shortages and local<br />
labour market needs. This Plan<br />
helps to ensure businesses have <strong>the</strong><br />
skilled workers <strong>the</strong>y need to grow<br />
<strong>the</strong> Territory and be ready for major<br />
projects in <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
The plan highlights occupations in<br />
demand across <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory<br />
for overseas citizens. It includes<br />
criteria relating to qualifications, work<br />
experience and applicable English<br />
language requirements for a number<br />
of occupations.<br />
For more information on <strong>the</strong> State<br />
Migration Plan, visit<br />
australiasnor<strong>the</strong>rnterritory.nt.gov.au
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory AN eXTrAordiNATry liFesTyle<br />
06<br />
“ Good ForTuNe is A WAy oF liviNG.<br />
your acTions anD aTTiTuDes<br />
abouT your experiences<br />
DeTermine your ouTcome.”<br />
11 official long weekenDs a year. The<br />
climaTe is amazing anD wiTh enough<br />
public holiDays To give you 11 official long<br />
weekenDs a year, There’s plenTy of Time To<br />
geT away anD enjoy iT.<br />
If you make a move to <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory you won’t regret it. On top of<br />
<strong>the</strong> abundant jobs, business opportunities and excellent support services for<br />
families, <strong>the</strong> Territory <strong>lifestyle</strong> is exceptional. There’s so much to see and do<br />
and so much space to do it in.<br />
www.centralaustraliantourism.com<br />
www.tourismtopend.com.au<br />
living <strong>the</strong><br />
dream<br />
07
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory AN eXTrAordiNATry liFesTyle<br />
08 09<br />
Out and About<br />
Dining ouT is high on The agenDa for<br />
territoriANs – ANd <strong>the</strong> tANtAlisiNg choice<br />
of cuisine anD eaTeries To suiT all buDgeTs<br />
means iT’s noT unusual for families To eaT<br />
ouT aT leasT once a week.<br />
Sublime dining experiences are on<br />
offer everywhere - among <strong>the</strong> 60<br />
international food stalls at Darwin’s<br />
famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r popular markets, at<br />
waterfront seafood outlets and at <strong>the</strong><br />
scores of award-winning restaurants,<br />
alfresco cafes, pubs and club bistros<br />
scattered throughout <strong>the</strong> Territory.<br />
Our parks and reserves<br />
worlD famous naTional parks.<br />
visiTors come from all over The worlD<br />
To explore The norThern TerriTory’s<br />
breaThTaking naTural wilDerness<br />
Fom <strong>the</strong> teeming nor<strong>the</strong>rn wetlands<br />
to <strong>the</strong> incredible living deserts of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Red Centre, <strong>the</strong> Territory has<br />
hundreds of declared conservation<br />
sanctuaries including land-based<br />
and marine parks, conservation<br />
reserves and heritage sites ranging<br />
from less than one hectare to<br />
thousands<br />
of hectares.<br />
The most famous are <strong>the</strong> World<br />
Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta<br />
(Ayers Rock and The Olgas)<br />
and Australia’s biggest and most<br />
culturally and ecologically significant<br />
national park, Kakadu, covering<br />
20,000 km of <strong>the</strong> Top End.<br />
Also high on visitor to-do-lists are<br />
<strong>the</strong> majestic Litchfield, Nitmiluk<br />
(Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Gorge), Judbarra<br />
(Gregory), Keep River, Garig<br />
Gunak Barlu (Cobourg Peninsula)<br />
national parks and <strong>the</strong> wildliferich<br />
Mary River wetlands in <strong>the</strong><br />
Top End. Central Australia’s<br />
Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and West<br />
MacDonnell national parks and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Barkly region’s Karlu Karlu<br />
(Devils Marbles) all showcase<br />
stunning landscapes and geological<br />
formations.<br />
In our cities and towns <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
glorious sun-drenched coastal<br />
reserves, leafy parks, water parks,<br />
playgrounds and sporting ovals<br />
dotted everywhere, along with<br />
many kilometres of bike and<br />
walking tracks.<br />
www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory AN eXTrAordiNATry liFesTyle<br />
10<br />
Festivals and special events<br />
harDly a monTh goes by wiThouT someThing<br />
exTra special happening. The TerriTory<br />
pulsaTes wiTh a myriaD of fesTivals,<br />
sporTing evenTs, inDigenous anD culTural<br />
celebrAtioNs, world-clAss rAciNg cArNivAls<br />
ANd mAd-cAp regAttAs.ouT each year.<br />
The Darwin and Alice Springs cup<br />
carnivals and <strong>the</strong> V8 Supercars<br />
Championship are huge drawcards that<br />
inject millions into <strong>the</strong> local economy<br />
every two years, Darwin hosts <strong>the</strong><br />
Arafura Games and Alice Springs hosts<br />
<strong>the</strong> Masters Games. The Arafura Games<br />
attract thousands of a<strong>the</strong>letes from<br />
Australia and <strong>the</strong> Asia Pacific region<br />
who converge on Darwin to compete in<br />
more than 30 sports, including track,<br />
swimming and team events and <strong>the</strong><br />
highly-entertaining Malaysian kick<br />
volleyball game called Sepak Takraw.<br />
Similar numbers pour into Alice Springs<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Masters Games, known as <strong>the</strong><br />
‘Friendly Games’, where <strong>the</strong> only entry<br />
stipulations are a minimum age of 25<br />
years and a willingness to have fun!<br />
www.tourismtopend.com.au<br />
www.centralaustraliantourism.com<br />
Fishing<br />
wiThouT quesTion, is excepTional in The<br />
norThern TerriTory.<br />
it’s <strong>the</strong> favourite pastime for many<br />
thousands of locals and <strong>the</strong> reason why<br />
hordes of sou<strong>the</strong>rn and overseas visitors<br />
trawl our waterways every dry season.<br />
11<br />
The Territory hosts several top-class<br />
annual fishing tournaments like <strong>the</strong> NT<br />
barra classic, kakadu klash, daly river<br />
barra Nationals and <strong>the</strong> Gove Game<br />
classic, which entice many of<br />
<strong>the</strong> world’s keenest anglers.
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory AN eXTrAordiNATry liFesTyle<br />
12<br />
A taste for culture<br />
TerriTorians are culTurally sophisTicaTeD<br />
ANd embrAce wAll-to-wAll opportuNities<br />
To enjoy arT exhibiTions, concerTs, TheaTre<br />
anD oTher live performances ThaT showcase<br />
boTh local anD visiTing TalenT.<br />
Major art and cultural events like <strong>the</strong><br />
annual Darwin Festival, and Alice<br />
Springs’ Heritage and Beanie Festivals<br />
are among many big drawcards.<br />
Indigenous art, from Arnhem Land to<br />
Central Australia, supports a flourishing<br />
industry and is a vital tool in cultural<br />
understanding between Indigenous and<br />
non-Indigenous people.<br />
The Territory boasts many excellent<br />
museums and galleries. The Museum<br />
and Art Gallery of <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory<br />
in Darwin holds priceless collections<br />
of Indigenous, South East Asian and<br />
Oceanic art and material culture,<br />
maritime archaeology, Territory history<br />
and natural sciences.<br />
The Alice Springs Cultural Precinct,<br />
incorporating <strong>the</strong> Araluen Centre and<br />
Galleries, Albert Namatjira Gallery,<br />
Aviation Museum and more, is home<br />
to some of Central Australia’s most<br />
intriguing cultural and historical<br />
attractions.<br />
Tennant Creek’s Nyinkka Nyunya Art<br />
and Culture Centre, located on a site<br />
held sacred by <strong>the</strong> local Warumungu<br />
people, allows visitors to learn about<br />
Aboriginal life and history in <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
Several remote Territory communities<br />
have <strong>the</strong>ir own galleries and also stage<br />
annual cultural and sporting festivals<br />
to showcase <strong>the</strong>ir traditional customs<br />
and talent to <strong>the</strong> world. The Garma,<br />
Barunga, Merrepin and Walking with<br />
Spirits Festivals are all prominent on <strong>the</strong><br />
Territory’s Indigenous cultural calendar.<br />
www.nt.gov.au/nreta/arts/index.html<br />
Sport and recreation<br />
TerriTorians are inTo anyThing ThaT’s acTive<br />
- <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rN territory iNstitute of sport<br />
(Ntis) is At <strong>the</strong> forefroNt of elite trAiNiNg<br />
anD compeTiTion, anD a recogniseD leaDer in<br />
aThleTe acclimaTisaTion anD relaTeD research.<br />
The Territory offers indoor stadiums,<br />
world-class hockey grounds, Olympic<br />
sized swimming complexes, football<br />
ovals, golf courses, dedicated sporting<br />
clubs and extensive bicycle and<br />
walking tracks.<br />
Sailing, power-boating, kayaking,<br />
windsurfing and dragonboating are all<br />
popular and a weekend on <strong>the</strong> water<br />
is a favourite for many families. Darwin<br />
and Nhulunbuy have long-established<br />
clubs with first-class facilities and<br />
training and racing programs for<br />
yachties and powerboat owners.<br />
13
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory liviNG iN The TerriTory<br />
14<br />
A Great Lifestyle<br />
shAre <strong>the</strong> pleAsures of moNsooN-iNflueNced<br />
‘wet’ ANd ‘dry’ seAsoNs. wheN it comes to<br />
agreeable climaTic conDiTions, The norThern<br />
TerriTory is up There wiTh The besT.<br />
The Territory is hot, humid dry or chilly,<br />
depending on <strong>the</strong> season and whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
you live in <strong>the</strong> north or <strong>the</strong> centre. Top<br />
Enders savour <strong>the</strong> advantages of a<br />
predictable climate – like balmy breezes<br />
and an average 10 hours of sunshine<br />
a day in <strong>the</strong> dry, and spectacular<br />
tropical thunderstorms and replenishing<br />
monsoonal downpours in <strong>the</strong> wet.<br />
Cyclones are a fact of life in <strong>the</strong> north<br />
during <strong>the</strong> Wet but stringent building<br />
codes, intensive awareness campaigns<br />
and excellent wea<strong>the</strong>r warning systems<br />
keep potential dangers to an absolute<br />
minimum.<br />
The Central <strong>Australian</strong> desert climate<br />
can be extreme. In <strong>the</strong> summer months,<br />
temperatures rarely drop below<br />
20 o C/68F overnight, and top a searing<br />
40 o C/104F by day. In contrast, winter<br />
will see temperatures plummet to below<br />
freezing at night while days remain very<br />
comfortable and cool.<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>territory.com.au<br />
Housing<br />
<strong>the</strong> territory’s tropicAl ANd Aridzone<br />
housing concepTs are recogniseD<br />
inTernaTionally.<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory residents tend to live<br />
in houses built to take advantage of <strong>the</strong><br />
climate and <strong>the</strong> environment. Traditional<br />
Top End houses are elevated to capture<br />
gentle breezes and have large louvred<br />
windows, ceiling fans, verandahs, decks<br />
and paved poolside areas that reinforce<br />
Cost of living<br />
Some Territory household costs are higher than in o<strong>the</strong>r parts<br />
of Australia. The comparatively small population and vast<br />
distances mean higher prices for some grocery lines – but<br />
<strong>the</strong> upside is that your house will probably have cost-saving<br />
solar hot water, you can spend less on travelling around your<br />
community or on parking and entry fees – and if moving to <strong>the</strong><br />
Top End, you won’t need many winter clo<strong>the</strong>s.<br />
Renting or buyting places to live can be expensive compared<br />
with some sou<strong>the</strong>rn cities and towns, but <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Territory Government is working on initiatives to increase <strong>the</strong><br />
availability of affordable housing.<br />
www.darwin.nt.gov.au<br />
<strong>the</strong> tropical <strong>the</strong>me. In Central Australia,<br />
many houses are single storey<br />
Mediterranean style - just right for <strong>the</strong><br />
warm dry days and cool crisp nights.<br />
www.reint.com.au<br />
15
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory liviNG iN The TerriTory<br />
16<br />
The school year is divided into four<br />
10-week terms with one-week,<br />
four-week, one-week and six-week<br />
breaks at <strong>the</strong> end of Terms 1, 2, 3<br />
and 4 respectively.<br />
Education and childcare<br />
The TerriTory boasTs more Than 150<br />
governmenT anD 35 privaTe schools,<br />
anD many Top class chilDcare faciliTies.<br />
Education facilities range from large<br />
senior secondary colleges in Darwin and<br />
Alice Springs, to smaller metropolitan,<br />
regional and remote community schools.<br />
Territory schooling stages align with<br />
those interstate. Preschool to Year 3 are<br />
<strong>the</strong> Early Years, <strong>the</strong> Primary Years are 4<br />
to 6, <strong>the</strong> Middle Years are 7 to 9 and <strong>the</strong><br />
Senior Years 10 to 12.<br />
School is compulsory for children<br />
aged between 6 and 15 years. Noncompulsory<br />
preschool programs are<br />
available for children turning four by<br />
30 June of a given school year, and<br />
Transition is available for children<br />
turning five by <strong>the</strong> mid-year.<br />
Senior secondary students study for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory Certificate of<br />
Education and Training (NTCET), an<br />
end-of-school qualification recognised<br />
by all <strong>Australian</strong> colleges and<br />
universities. Students seeking university<br />
entrance must also comply with Territory<br />
and South <strong>Australian</strong> tertiary entrance<br />
requirements as prescribed by <strong>the</strong><br />
universities. One Territory school offers<br />
<strong>the</strong> International Baccalaureate as an<br />
alternative to <strong>the</strong> NTCET.<br />
Vocational education and training<br />
(VET) is encouraged as a valid career<br />
pathway, often as part of NTCET<br />
studies. High schools and registered<br />
training organisations offer a wide<br />
variety of courses and deliver high<br />
quality, nationally consistent training<br />
outcomes for industry, communities and<br />
individuals.<br />
Remote area students have access<br />
to distance education coordinated<br />
through <strong>the</strong> NT Open Education Centre,<br />
Ka<strong>the</strong>rine School of <strong>the</strong> Air and Alice<br />
Springs School<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Air.<br />
www.det.nt.gov.au<br />
www.directory.deet.nt.gov.au/<br />
www.cdu.edu.au<br />
Health services<br />
excellenT healTh services are available<br />
ThroughouT The norThern TerriTory.<br />
royal Darwin hospiTal houses The naTional<br />
criTical care anD Trauma response cenTre,<br />
anD The moDern new alan walker cancer<br />
care cenTre.<br />
Royal Darwin Hospital is <strong>the</strong> Territory’s<br />
main medical facility and all major<br />
regional towns have <strong>the</strong>ir own hospitals<br />
offering general inpatient, outpatient<br />
and emergency services. Royal Darwin<br />
and Alice Springs hospitals offer a wide<br />
range of specialist services and both<br />
are teaching hospitals aligned with<br />
Flinders University in Adelaide through<br />
<strong>the</strong> NT Clinical School. Darwin Private<br />
Hospital is also available for patients<br />
with appropriate health cover.<br />
Many remote health centres have<br />
e-carts which allows direct contacts<br />
with specialists in Darwin and around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Private doctors, dentists, specialists<br />
and allied health professionals such<br />
as physio<strong>the</strong>rapists, optometrists and<br />
pharmacists practice in <strong>the</strong> major towns<br />
and also visit remote communities<br />
regularly.<br />
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au<br />
www.health.nt.gov.au<br />
17
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory liviNG iN The TerriTory<br />
18<br />
Multicultural services<br />
The norThern TerriTory is one of ausTralia’s<br />
mosT culTurally Diverse regions. iTs<br />
populaTion incluDes people of 100<br />
naTionaliTies anD supporTs some 50 social,<br />
culTural anD religious organisaTions<br />
represenTing DifferenT culTural groups.<br />
The Territory has long been like a<br />
home-away-from-home for overseas<br />
immigrants who have contributed<br />
enormously to our economy and culture<br />
and embrace our unique <strong>lifestyle</strong>.<br />
There are several Islamic mosques,<br />
Buddhist and Chinese temples and<br />
a host of Christian churches offering<br />
religious instruction and worship. The<br />
Territory community celebrates with<br />
great gusto during annual cultural<br />
festivals including <strong>the</strong> huge Greek<br />
Glenti, an Indian festival and <strong>the</strong><br />
Chinese New Year.<br />
SBS Radio broadcasts throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
Territory in 68 languages and SBS TV<br />
telecasts programs covering news,<br />
sport, movies and entertainment from all<br />
over <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
A multilingual interpreter service is<br />
available for newcomers needing to do<br />
business or attend to o<strong>the</strong>r matters as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y settle in.<br />
www.multicultural.nt.gov.au<br />
Transport<br />
most Nt workers cAN be home withiN 15-20<br />
minuTes. geTTing arounD TerriTory ciTies<br />
anD Towns is generally quick anD easy.<br />
even During peak hour. The commuTe is<br />
even quicker in regional Towns.<br />
An efficient public bus service runs<br />
in <strong>the</strong> major towns and taxis and hire<br />
cars are widely available. Seniors,<br />
pensioners, carers and students travel<br />
free on public buses.<br />
The Territory roads network consists of<br />
sealed highways, unsealed secondary<br />
roads and bush tracks that can be<br />
affected by flooding in <strong>the</strong> wet season.<br />
The Stuart Highway connects with<br />
South Australia, <strong>the</strong> Barkly Highway with<br />
Queensland, and <strong>the</strong> Victoria Highway<br />
with Western Australia.<br />
The AustralAsia Railway provides<br />
regular efficient freight and passenger<br />
services between Darwin and Adelaide,<br />
with connections to all major capital<br />
cities. Thousands of visitors a year<br />
board The Ghan for an exhilarating<br />
outback travel experience that’s<br />
regarded as one of <strong>the</strong> world’s great<br />
train journeys.<br />
Darwin has regular international and<br />
national shipping connections and<br />
is a port of call for dozens of luxury<br />
cruise ships en route to exotic offshore<br />
destinations.<br />
Darwin is <strong>the</strong> Territory’s main<br />
international air gateway, servicing<br />
domestic and overseas carriers with<br />
connections to <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Flights to many major South East<br />
Asian cities are shorter and cheaper<br />
than those to most <strong>Australian</strong> capital<br />
cities. (Many Darwin residents visit Bali,<br />
Vietnam and Singapore for weekend<br />
getaways.)<br />
Alice Springs and Yulara airports are<br />
busy hubs, with direct flights to most<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> capital cities. All regional<br />
towns have airports and remote<br />
communities rely heavily on air services.<br />
www.nt.gov.au/transport<br />
www.darwinairport.com.au<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>ghan.com.au<br />
19
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory liviNG iN The TerriTory<br />
20<br />
balanced <strong>lifestyle</strong>s<br />
The TerriTory conTinues To work on<br />
becoming a sTaTe in The fuTure. The<br />
parliamenT of The norThern TerriTory is The<br />
legislaTive assembly wiTh 25 members anD a<br />
minisTerial cabineT leaD by a chief minisTer.<br />
The Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory has a<br />
Westminster style of government with no<br />
upper house. The Head of State is <strong>the</strong><br />
Administrator, ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> Governor<br />
as in o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Australian</strong> jurisdictions.<br />
Local Government is <strong>the</strong> second tier,<br />
with city councils and shire councils<br />
administering by-laws and spending on<br />
services and infrastructure according to<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong>ir jurisdictions.<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory laws are similar to<br />
those in o<strong>the</strong>r parts of Australia, but with<br />
some notable exceptions to account for<br />
unique situations.<br />
Examples are <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong><br />
Government’s Aboriginal Land Rights<br />
(Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory) Act and <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Territory Liquor Act. The first governs<br />
ownership of, and access to, some<br />
50 per cent of Territory land under<br />
Aboriginal ownership. The second<br />
restricts or prohibits possession, supply<br />
or use of alcohol in certain areas,<br />
including ‘dry’ communities.<br />
www.aec.gov.au<br />
www.nt.gov.au/lant<br />
Banking and business<br />
The TerriTory supporTs an efficienT<br />
environmenT for businesses, by offering<br />
ausTralia’s lowesT Tax environmenT for<br />
small To meDium businesses.<br />
• no land taxes<br />
• one of <strong>the</strong> highest payroll tax<br />
thresholds in <strong>the</strong> country<br />
• fast-tracked business operation<br />
approvals<br />
• Australia’s lowest developer<br />
contributions fees<br />
• defined planning and<br />
environmental processes<br />
• no fire service levy.<br />
Visit <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory Treasury website<br />
for more information on <strong>the</strong> taxes and duties<br />
you can expect to pay here.<br />
www.ato.gov.au<br />
www.nt.gov.au/ntt<br />
All <strong>the</strong> major <strong>Australian</strong> banks, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> Commonwealth, ANZ, National<br />
Australia (NAB) and Westpac, have<br />
branches in Darwin and Alice Springs.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> larger regional towns <strong>the</strong>re is at<br />
least one major bank and several o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
banking options are also available.<br />
Most major <strong>Australian</strong> insurance<br />
companies also operate in <strong>the</strong> Territory,<br />
along with <strong>the</strong> home-grown Territory<br />
Insurance Office (TIO), and provide<br />
cover for all usual needs, and special<br />
cover for unique local needs such as<br />
cyclone damage.<br />
21<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> taxation laws apply in <strong>the</strong><br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory so residents are<br />
subject to requirements relating to<br />
income tax, Goods and Services Tax<br />
(GST) and o<strong>the</strong>r general taxes.<br />
All workers in Australia require a Tax<br />
File Number. The <strong>Australian</strong> Taxation<br />
Office oversees all tax matters. The NT<br />
Government applies some o<strong>the</strong>r specific<br />
taxes to cover local situations.<br />
“ There Are MANy PArTs oF<br />
AusTrAliA ThAT Are so reMoTe,<br />
so disTANT FroM The lArGe<br />
Well-serviced MeTroPolises<br />
oF our cAPiTAl ciTies, ThAT<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are allowed Particular<br />
TAX breAks.”
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory The NorTherN TerriTory: A brieF hisTory<br />
22<br />
discover<br />
Waves of o<strong>the</strong>r migrants followed<br />
later, enticed by jobs in pearling,<br />
pastoralism and o<strong>the</strong>r emerging<br />
industries, and <strong>the</strong> chance to make<br />
a new start in a new frontier.<br />
honour it.<br />
Darwin was founDeD as ausTralia’s mosT<br />
norTherly porT in 1869, anD iTs populaTion<br />
surgeD afTer golD was DiscovereD aT nearby<br />
pine creek in 1871.<br />
World War II put <strong>the</strong> town on <strong>the</strong> map<br />
as a major allied military base. Darwin<br />
was devastated again on 24 December<br />
1974 when Cyclone Tracy swept across<br />
<strong>the</strong> coast. The city was rebuilt with much<br />
improved construction codes and is a<br />
modern, landscaped metropolis today.<br />
The Macassans who sailed down from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Spice Islands on <strong>the</strong> trade winds<br />
to ga<strong>the</strong>r prized trepang are thought<br />
to have been <strong>the</strong> first non-Indigenous<br />
people to set foot on Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory<br />
soil. Dutch explorer William Jootszoon<br />
van Colster recorded <strong>the</strong> first official<br />
sighting from his tallship Arnhem in<br />
1623 – but <strong>the</strong> Macassans and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
seafarers are thought to have visited<br />
long before <strong>the</strong>n.<br />
The 1880s gold discoveries lured an<br />
influx of Chinese fortune-seekers and<br />
Malay, Filipino and Japanese divers<br />
were brought in to collect mo<strong>the</strong>r-ofpearl<br />
shell. Greek people also came in<br />
large numbers and, toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
fellow European and Asian immigrants,<br />
helped create <strong>the</strong> multicultural city that<br />
Darwin is today.<br />
Explorer John McDouall Stuart became<br />
<strong>the</strong> first explorer to cross Australia<br />
from south to north, paving <strong>the</strong> way for<br />
construction of <strong>the</strong> Overland Telegraph<br />
line. When completed in 1872, it<br />
provided Australia’s first communications<br />
link with <strong>the</strong> outside world.<br />
It also opened <strong>the</strong> way for pastoralists to<br />
take up leases in Central Australia – but<br />
it was <strong>the</strong> discovery of alluvial gold at<br />
Arltunga to <strong>the</strong> east of Alice Springs in<br />
1887 that provided <strong>the</strong> impetus for <strong>the</strong><br />
region’s population boom.<br />
Tennant Creek took its name from <strong>the</strong><br />
nearby watercourse named in 1860 by<br />
John McDouall Stuart to acknowledge<br />
<strong>the</strong> financial help he received from South<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> pastoralist John Tennant.<br />
Ka<strong>the</strong>rine developed with <strong>the</strong> arrival<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Overland Telegraph Line and a<br />
new telegraph station in 1872. In 1879,<br />
after good reports from Stuart and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
explorers, Alfred Giles and Alfred Woods<br />
brought stock to <strong>the</strong> district and built<br />
‘Spring Vale’ homestead with a view to<br />
establishing a pastoral empire.<br />
World War II put <strong>the</strong> town on <strong>the</strong> map<br />
as a major allied military base for troops<br />
fighting <strong>the</strong> Japanese in <strong>the</strong> Pacific.<br />
More than 200 Defence personnel and<br />
civilians perished when <strong>the</strong> Japanese<br />
bombed Darwin on 19 February 1942.<br />
Today travellers can see evidence of<br />
Darwin’s World War II history at a variety<br />
of preserved sites including ammunition<br />
bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and<br />
around <strong>the</strong> city.<br />
www.ntl.nt.gov.au<br />
www.darwintours.com.au<br />
www.darwinsairwar.com.au<br />
23<br />
1863<br />
briTain vesTeD conTrol of The TerriTory in<br />
souTh ausTralia<br />
1911<br />
souTh ausTralia relinquisheD conTrol To The<br />
commonwealTh governmenT<br />
1 july 1978<br />
<strong>the</strong> territory wAs grANted self-goverNmeNt
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
24<br />
our citieis and towns<br />
darwin 26<br />
palmerston and outer darwin 28<br />
alice springs 30<br />
ka<strong>the</strong>rine 32<br />
tenant creek 34<br />
nhulubuy 36<br />
territory growth towns 38<br />
our<br />
cities<br />
towns<br />
1 july - territory dAy<br />
on The firsT of july each year TerriTorians celebraTe<br />
TerriTory Day, marking The commencemenT of self<br />
governmenT in The TerriTory on 1 july 1978. The Day is<br />
celebraTeD across The norThern TerriTory in a number<br />
of ways, incluDing The famous TerriTory Day fireworks<br />
(both public ANd privAte).<br />
25
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
26<br />
darwin<br />
dArwiN is built oN A low-lyiNg peNiNsulA juttiNg<br />
inTo a sTunning naTural working harbour<br />
ThaT’s Twice The size of syDney harbour.<br />
The ciTy’s norThern suburbs are lineD wiTh breezy<br />
Tropical elevaTeD houses, wiTh lush garDens of palms,<br />
bougainvillea, frangipani, orchiDs anD oTher<br />
Tropical species.<br />
Wide streets, shady parks, a pedestrian mall, superb ethnic<br />
restaurants and trendy pubs and clubs have all contributed<br />
to an upsurge in <strong>the</strong> popularity of Darwin city living. Added<br />
bonuses are <strong>the</strong> Mitchell St entertainment strip, Darwin<br />
Waterfront’s eateries and wave pool, and upmarket housing<br />
options within <strong>the</strong> stylish Cullen Bay, Tipperary Waters and<br />
Bayview Haven marina developments.<br />
Darwin’s city streets and suburban shopping malls are<br />
lined with excellent restaurants. There’s boardwalk dining<br />
overlooking <strong>the</strong> harbour or <strong>the</strong> yachts in Cullen Bay Marina.<br />
On offer to tantalise <strong>the</strong> tastebuds are <strong>Australian</strong>, Chinese,<br />
Thai, Japanese, Italian, French, Greek, Vietnamese,<br />
Malaysian, Mexican and Indian cuisine.<br />
Darwin has three cinema multiplexes screening <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
releases, and <strong>the</strong> popular open-air Deckchair Cinema on<br />
<strong>the</strong> waterfront, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while<br />
watching an arthouse movie.<br />
SkyCity Casino provides popular gaming and restaurant<br />
facilities and hosts regular open air live music concerts.<br />
East Point Reserve, just a few minutes’ drive from <strong>the</strong><br />
Darwin CBD, is a favourite sunset picnic or barbecue spot<br />
and home to a colony of agile wallabies.<br />
Darwin has excellent walking and bicycle paths along <strong>the</strong><br />
beachfront, through parks and throughout <strong>the</strong> suburbs.<br />
www.tourismtopend.com.au<br />
27
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
28<br />
palmerston and<br />
outer darwin<br />
The ciTy’s populaTion of more Than 25 000 makes<br />
palmersTon The TerriTory’s seconD largesT ciTy.<br />
The populaTion is preDominaTely young working<br />
families anD Defence personnel aTTacheD To Top enD<br />
miliTary faciliTies.<br />
The satellite city of Palmerston, 20 minutes by road from <strong>the</strong><br />
Darwin CBD, is <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory’s fastest growing city –<br />
and it’s still expanding. At one time, it was <strong>the</strong> fastest growing<br />
metropolis in Australia.<br />
Beyond Palmerston, close to 20 000 Territorians live on<br />
acreagein <strong>the</strong> sprawling Litchfield Shire, also known as<br />
Outer Darwin.<br />
Residents here have swapped inner city living for a rural<br />
<strong>lifestyle</strong>, well away from neighbours and main roads traffic,<br />
but still close enough to commute to a city job.<br />
The newest Palmerston suburbs nudge tranquil bushland<br />
and feature modern, breezy tropical houses and units,<br />
interspersed with attractive retail, business, medical and<br />
general community facilities.<br />
Palmerston’s drawcards include tastefully landscaped<br />
suburbs, good sporting facilities including a swimming pool,<br />
pubs, clubs, restaurants, a major shopping centre and a<br />
cinema complex.<br />
www.palmerston.nt.gov.au<br />
29
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
30<br />
alice springs is The worlD’s mosT famous<br />
ouTback Town: an alluring DeserT icon in The reD<br />
hearT of ausTralia.<br />
‘<strong>the</strong> Alice’, As it is kNowN, combiNes lAid-bAck chArm with<br />
all The moDern conveniences, comforTs anD Diversions<br />
you’d fiNd iN A good-sized city. it’s full of frieNdly people<br />
anD has shopping, bars, cafés, resTauranTs, markeTs, live<br />
enTerTainmenT, a casino anD a convenTion cenTre.<br />
alice<br />
springs<br />
The locals live in ei<strong>the</strong>r in tree-lined streets in <strong>the</strong> older parts<br />
of <strong>the</strong> town or in modern suburbs similar to those in any<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> city. Housing choice ranges from modest units to<br />
architecturally-stunning apartments and houses.<br />
The climate promotes an outdoor <strong>lifestyle</strong>, backed up by<br />
excellent sporting and recreational venues and facilities<br />
- including one of <strong>the</strong> world’s top 10 desert golf courses,<br />
nestled in <strong>the</strong> shadow of <strong>the</strong> spectacular MacDonnell Ranges<br />
Alice Springs is one of seven <strong>Australian</strong> cities participating in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Government’s Solar City program, and with an<br />
average of 300 sunny days each year, why not? The town is<br />
well on its way to becoming a solar energy model for <strong>the</strong> rest<br />
of Australia and <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Arts and culture are strong in The Alice. Many locals belong<br />
to wide-ranging organisations, clubs and groups which<br />
encourage active participation in visual art of many genres,<br />
<strong>the</strong>atre, dance, music and craft.<br />
Alice Springs has a diverse community made up of people from<br />
all over <strong>the</strong> world. Around 20% of <strong>the</strong> population is Indigenous.<br />
Alice Springs is surrounded by breathtaking gorges and<br />
waterholes, all easily accessible by road, walking trails and<br />
bicycle tracks. It’s <strong>the</strong> perfect base from which to explore <strong>the</strong><br />
MacDonnell Ranges, visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Kata Tjuta<br />
(<strong>the</strong> Olgas), fossick for gemstones and generally enjoy <strong>the</strong><br />
richly-coloured wide open spaces of <strong>the</strong> Red Centre.<br />
www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au<br />
31
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
32<br />
kaTherine is an easygoing Town abouT 300 km<br />
souTh of Darwin. iTs young populaTion anD<br />
frienDly environmenT make iT a greaT place for<br />
families.<br />
iT’s The kiNd oF PlAce Where everyoNe TAkes<br />
The TiMe To sAy hello.<br />
ka<strong>the</strong>rine<br />
Many people move to Ka<strong>the</strong>rine for work—and enjoy <strong>the</strong><br />
place so much <strong>the</strong>y decide to make it home. There’s plenty<br />
to do in and around Ka<strong>the</strong>rine. Nitmiluk National Park is<br />
<strong>the</strong> area’s main tourist attraction. The stunning Nitmiluk<br />
(Ka<strong>the</strong>rine) Gorge has ancient rock art and is a great place<br />
to spend a day with <strong>the</strong> family, relaxing or getting active with<br />
bush walks and canoeing.<br />
The Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Hot Springs and Mataranka Thermal Springs<br />
are both popular locations for taking a relaxing soak. Edith<br />
Falls, part of Nitmiluk National Park, is a great place for<br />
picnics, barbecues, swimming and hiking.<br />
Ka<strong>the</strong>rine people love a party, so <strong>the</strong>y plan several each<br />
year: <strong>the</strong> Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Festival (formerly <strong>the</strong> Flying Fox<br />
Festival) is held annually in August, <strong>the</strong> Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Country<br />
Music Muster is held in May every year and <strong>the</strong> Ka<strong>the</strong>rine<br />
Show draws people from throughout <strong>the</strong> region every July.<br />
There is also an annual debutante ball and many more minor<br />
events that keep townspeople entertained. In June 2011 <strong>the</strong><br />
town held its first Fringe Festival.<br />
www.ktc.nt.gov.au<br />
33
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
34<br />
tennant<br />
creek<br />
TennanT creek, The major service cenTre for<br />
The barkly region, sTraDDles The sTuarT highway<br />
500 km norTh of alice springs anD 1,000 km souTh<br />
of Darwin.<br />
TeNNANT creek is Also The reGioNAl service hub For The<br />
huGe PAsTorAl sTATioNs ProduciNG PreMiuM beeF cATTle<br />
oN sWeePiNG GrAsslANds.<br />
The quest for gold was <strong>the</strong> key element of Tennant Creek’s<br />
history. Mining companies still produce gold, copper and<br />
manganese throughout <strong>the</strong> region. The mineral-rich region<br />
is a hive of exploration activity.<br />
Tennant Creek residents are fiercely proud of <strong>the</strong>ir town,<br />
once named <strong>the</strong> friendliest in Australia. They revel in a<br />
relaxed <strong>lifestyle</strong> supported by modern facilities including<br />
sporting grounds and venues, recreation reserves, art and<br />
craft galleries, a civic hall and library.<br />
Aboriginal people are an important part of Tennant Creek’s<br />
community, and continue to maintain <strong>the</strong>ir identity and<br />
traditions. Renowned local artists produce traditional<br />
paintings, carvings and o<strong>the</strong>r crafts and sell <strong>the</strong>m through<br />
galleries in <strong>the</strong> town.<br />
Mary Ann Dam is a popular spot for swimming, barbecues,<br />
picnics or bush walks and is easily accessible from town by<br />
road or bicycle track. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) south of<br />
Tennant Creek, is among <strong>the</strong> Territory’s most photographed<br />
features - and <strong>the</strong> perfect place to catch a real outback<br />
sunset. Iytwelepenty (Davenport Ranges) National Park is<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r popular camping destination.<br />
www.barkly.nt.gov.au<br />
35
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
36<br />
Nhulunbuy<br />
iT’s an ouTDoor lovers paraDise where locals<br />
eNjoy fishiNg, sAiliNg, bird-wAtchiNg ANd fourwheel-drive<br />
excursioNs to exquisite beAches ANd<br />
wilDerness areas.<br />
Nhulunbuy, nestled on <strong>the</strong> Arafura Sea at Gove Peninsula<br />
in sou<strong>the</strong>ast Arnhem Land, was built as <strong>the</strong> service town<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Rio Tinto Alcan Gove Alumina Refinery and<br />
mining operation.<br />
Nhulunbuy is remote by any standards but its people love<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>lifestyle</strong>. The Central Arnhem Road provides <strong>the</strong> only<br />
land link with Darwin and <strong>the</strong> Stuart Highway, but it is cut by<br />
flooding during <strong>the</strong> wet season.<br />
The town is serviced by daily domestic flights and provides<br />
well-developed educational, health, social, sporting, cultural<br />
and shopping facilities for both its townspeople and <strong>the</strong> very<br />
remote homeland communities of East Arnhem Land.<br />
Local attractions include <strong>the</strong> Yirrkala Arts and Crafts<br />
Museum, Nambara Arts and Crafts Centre, and annual<br />
Garma Festival, which all give a fascinating insight into <strong>the</strong><br />
powerful traditional culture of <strong>the</strong> region’s Yolngu people.<br />
www.ncl.net.au<br />
37
fresh <strong>lifestyle</strong>s Australia’s Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory our towns and cities<br />
38<br />
The norThern<br />
TerriTory’s biggesT<br />
communiTies To<br />
become proper<br />
Towns;<br />
Maningrida<br />
Gunbalanya<br />
Gapuwiyak<br />
Ramingining<br />
Wadeye<br />
Milingimbi<br />
Yuendumu<br />
Hermannsburg<br />
Borroloola<br />
Ngukurr<br />
Yirrkala<br />
Papunya<br />
Galiwin’ku<br />
Numbulwar<br />
Lajamanu<br />
Elliott<br />
Nguiu<br />
Angurugu/Umbakuma<br />
Daguragu/Kalkarindgi<br />
Ali Curung<br />
The norThern TerriTory governmenT is in The<br />
process of Developing The TerriTory’s biggesT<br />
remoTe communiTies inTo properly planneD anD<br />
DesigneD Towns which will become The economic<br />
anD service Delivery cenTres for Their regions.<br />
For More iNForMATioN<br />
about Territory Growth Towns, visit www.workingfuture.nt.gov.au/growth_towns<br />
territory<br />
growth<br />
towns<br />
The visionary concept involves Indigenous communities<br />
through all regions of <strong>the</strong> Territory.<br />
Once completed, <strong>the</strong>se Territory Growth Towns, located<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Arnhem coast to Central Australia’s Western<br />
Desert, will offer services, facilities and infrastructure that<br />
will put <strong>the</strong>m on a par with what o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Australian</strong> country<br />
towns offer.<br />
39<br />
People from <strong>the</strong> surrounding regions will be able to work<br />
and shop in <strong>the</strong> towns and access schools, police stations,<br />
courts, health services, recreational facilities, aged care and<br />
disability facilities, <strong>the</strong> Internet and good transport services.<br />
The towns will have <strong>the</strong> necessary infrastructure to provide<br />
water, sewerage and electricity services and good roads to<br />
allow people to get to and from <strong>the</strong>ir communities.
Darwin<br />
Palmerston<br />
climaTe<br />
dry seAsoN* (mAy-oct)<br />
ToP eNd 21 o c – 32 o c<br />
The ceNTre 12 o c – 20 o c<br />
wet seAsoN* (Nov-Apr)<br />
ToP eNd 24 o c – 32 o c<br />
The ceNTre 12 o c – 35 o c<br />
*Average Temperatures<br />
Ka<strong>the</strong>rine<br />
Tennant Creek<br />
Alice Springs<br />
Nhulunbuy<br />
For More iNForMATioN<br />
about living and working in <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Territory, visit www.<strong>the</strong>territory.com.au<br />
Perth<br />
Darwin<br />
Adelaide<br />
TASMANIA<br />
Hobart<br />
Cairns<br />
Melbourne<br />
Sydney<br />
Canberra<br />
Brisbane<br />
DomesTic<br />
flighT Travel<br />
2,650 kM 3 hrs 30 MiNs Perth<br />
2,621 kM 3 hrs 30 MiNs adelaid<br />
3,742 kM 5 hrs 30 MiNs hobart<br />
3,132 kM 4 hrs 30 MiNs melbourne<br />
3,141 kM 4 hrs 30 MiNs canberra<br />
3,154 kM 4 hrs 30 MiNs sydney<br />
2,850 kM 4 hrs 30 MiNs brisbane<br />
1,686 kM 2 hrs 30 MiNs carins<br />
snap shot<br />
inTernaTional<br />
flighT Travel<br />
bali 2 hrs 55 MiNs 1,763 kM<br />
siNGAPore 4 hrs 20 MiNs 3,343 kM<br />
ho chi minh 4 hrs 45 MiNs 3,669 kM<br />
manila 5 hrs 10 MiNs 3,264 kM<br />
bANGkok 6 hrs 45 MiNs 4,391 kM<br />
new Zealand 8 hrs 30 MiNs 5,134 kM<br />
JaPan 7 hrs 5,385 kM<br />
los ANGeles 11 hrs 30 MiNs 14,054 kM<br />
milan 17 hrs 15 MiNs 13,440 kM<br />
london 17 hrs 50 MiNs 13,820 kM<br />
toronto 20 hrs 15,532 kM<br />
major evenTs<br />
ArAFurA GAMes<br />
v8 suPercars<br />
dArWiN FesTivAl<br />
international cricket<br />
darwin cuP<br />
bArrA FishiNG clAssic<br />
AFl (AusTrAliAN rules FooTbAll)<br />
solAr chAlleNGe<br />
key inDusTries<br />
GAs-bAsed MANuFAcTuriNG<br />
deFeNce suPPorT<br />
MiNiNG ANd eNerGy<br />
tousirm<br />
retail<br />
TrANsPorT loGisTics<br />
GoverNMeNT
DeparTmenT of business anD employmenT<br />
Business and Skilled Migration Services<br />
Local: 8999 5264<br />
National: 08 8999 5264<br />
International: +61 8 8999 5264<br />
GPO Box 9988<br />
Darwin NT 0801 Australia<br />
E: migration.dbe@nt.gov.au<br />
W: www.migration.nt.gov.au