In this issue: More secure power supply installed for Nhulunbuy Driving economic growth in East Arnhem First East Arnhem Region Community Development Fund project approved Ralpa graduates get up and get moving Wet season garden maintenance More secure power supply installed for Nhulunbuy Rio Tinto Alcan Gove has installed a new 24 MW diesel power station, to provide a more secure supply for Nhulunbuy. Commissioning has begun this week, replacing the existing steam power station. We are committed to providing a secure power supply for our operations, residents and businesses, said general manager, Gove Operations, Ben Devries. Now that production at the refinery has been curtailed, this new power supply is better suited to the needs of our operations and the community. While there will always be the risk of power disruptions, whether it s due to the generator or the network, this replacement supply will provide increased generation security. The commissioning process will be carefully managed to minimise the risk of disruptions to the power supply. We will be making every possible effort to avoid interruptions to the supply, but bringing a new power source online is a complicated task, said Mr Devries. If an interruption does occur, we are now in a much better position to restore power as quickly as possible. If anyone has any questions about the commissioning process or would like more information they can call our community relations line on 1800 996 508. Rio Tinto Alcan Gove is continuing to study the options around the optimum long-term power generation solution for its operations and the broader community. Driving economic growth in East Arnhem A new body to drive regional economic development in East Arnhem was officially launched in November by the Northern Territory Government, Rio Tinto Gove Operations and the newly appointed Chairman. The launch of Developing East Arnhem in Nhulunbuy is an important step in building a strong economic future for the local community with new businesses and industries. In a speech delivered at the launch Chief Minister Adam Giles said: The launch of Developing East Arnhem today delivers on the joint $4 million commitment by the Northern Territory Government and Rio Tinto to establish an independent body to drive industry and business growth across the region, Chief Minister Adam Giles said. Gove Operations Community Update 22 December 2014
This entity will be guided by a high calibre foundation Board of Directors, featuring Chairman John Cossons, Andy Lloyd and Ian Smith. The collective expertise of the Board will be a true asset for East Arnhem, with strong financial acumen, commercial experience, existing links to the region and established networks across the country. East Arnhem is emerging as a key element of our Northern Australia development agenda, given the region s considerable natural and cultural assets, as well as its strong service and infrastructure base around the regional hub of Nhulunbuy. As the front door to business in the region, Developing East Arnhem is well placed and resourced to be one of the most assertive development bodies in Australia. Gove Operations general manager Ben Devries said the launch of Developing East Arnhem demonstrates Rio Tinto s commitment to being part of a strong future for Nhulunbuy and the surrounding region. In addition to our $2 million seed funding commitment, Rio Tinto is to providing up to 250 houses and units to Developing East Arnhem as they become available, so it has a platform to generate income and encourage new and stable economic activity in the region, Mr Devries said. Our bauxite mine will continue to help drive the local economy and we look forward to supporting and working with the entity into the future. Developing East Arnhem will focus on: promoting East Arnhem as a business destination facilitating business establishment and expansion increasing the capability of local industry, and supporting the establishment and growth of Indigenous enterprises. Independent Chairman John Cossons said the Board was looking forward to working collaboratively with business leaders, Traditional Owner groups and all levels of government to deliver positive economic outcomes for the region. We will be a progressive organisation focused on building upon East Arnhem s competitive advantages, facilitating partnerships and harnessing future opportunities in tourism, forestry and fisheries, mines and energy, education and health and other key industries, Mr Cossons said. Developing East Arnhem is the first port of call for new and existing businesses looking to explore the region s opportunities or take the next step to establish or expand. Our immediate objective is to secure a small but highly qualified and experienced staff that will be the day-to-day face of Developing East Arnhem. We are currently undertaking a recruitment process to appoint a Chief Executive Officer. I am pleased to say we have already attracted nation-wide interest from a number of strong applicants. In early 2015, with the support of the appointed CEO, we will focus on expanding the region s profile and developing a strategic plan in consultation with regional and industry stakeholders. On behalf of the Developing East Arnhem foundation Board of Directors, I encourage interested parties to get in touch with us to discuss how we can work together to mutual benefit.
Board Member Profiles: John Cossons (Chairman) A proud Territorian, John is the Chairman of the People s Choice Credit Union and serves on other Darwin-based boards and acts as the independent chair on several advisory boards providing advice in the education sector. Andy Lloyd Andy is an independent mining consultant with over 25 years experience in the uranium, coal, copper, and aluminium sectors. Andy is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is the Chair of the Energy Policy Institute of Australia. He has strong affinity with the East Arnhem region having lived in the area in the 1990s. Ian Smith Ian Smith is the founding partner of Bespoke Approach, a leading corporate advisory firm that offers tailored solutions on regulatory, strategic communications and political issues to major domestic and international businesses. Ian was appointed in April 2013 to the Northern Territory Government s economic development panel. He sits on several boards, including those involved in medical research and Indigenous affairs. Community Fund approves first project for East Arnhem A mobile radio training facility that will provide Creative Industries studies in remote areas has become the first partnership approved by the East Arnhem Region Community Development Fund. The project will enable Gove FM to custom fit a bus that will allow students and adults in remote areas of the East Arnhem region to experience a real radio station and undertake a certificate in Creative Industries (Media). Gove FM president Rob Stewart said he and his team were delighted that the project had been approved. This project will allow us to take our facilities on the road and give kids and adults who wouldn t ordinarily have access a chance to experience working in a radio station, in an environment where they feel most comfortable their community Mr Stewart said. We ll be working hard with local schools and the wider community to get as many people through the training as we can and our tip top Gove FM volunteers are keen as mustard to chip in and lend a helping hand to fit out the bus. Community Development Fund chair Ben Devries said the mobile training project was well supported by the Fund Board members. We saw this as a great initiative to get young people and especially Yolgnu people into media-related or creative careers, Mr Devries said. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get a taste for radio broadcasting, gain a nationally recognised qualification and hopefully we will see some of our graduates pursue this as a career down the track.
The project will involve volunteer hours to fit out the bus, scheduled outside broadcasts for students and the training component will be supported by the Community Media Training Organisation. For more information on the East Arnhem Region Community Development Fund or the Gove FM partnership, go to: http://www.goveoperationscommunitysupport.com/communityfund. Ralpa graduates get up and get moving The Ralpa programme boasts ten new graduates who celebrated at their official graduation on October 23. Ralpa is the Yolngu word for get up, get moving and speeches delivered at the ceremony described the amazing effort of the graduates who attended for the eight week programme. Alert supervisor Gary Barnes said Ralpa prepared participants for the real world by focusing on the importance of being organised for work, instilling workplace routines and reinforcing expected workplace behaviours. The graduates gain confidence in their abilities, adhere to workplace practices, change personal life behaviours to support employment and develop communication skills, Gary said. The graduates have now moved into the Ralpa Community Extension Scheme, where they take on real jobs with Arnhem Land businesses in a supported environment. We hope this programme is the stepping stone for these graduates to start rewarding and meaningful careers in their chosen field. The Ralpa programme covers a range of areas including: first aid, White Card construction training, manual handling, plant equipment and maintenance, health, fitness and hygiene, nutrition and workplace communication, to name a few. If you know someone who might be interested in upcoming Ralpa programmes contact the Alert team on 8987 5240 for more details. Wet season garden maintenance After a lengthy dry season it looks like the rain is on its way, something many of our suffering gardens will surely appreciate. During the dry efforts have been concentrated on working to keep yards free of waste and debris, with a large number of vacant houses the onset of the wet will signal a renewed
focus on garden maintenance. There will be increased maintenance of lawns and pruning of shrubs and trees. This will help to reduce the potential increase in habitats that attract vermin and importantly provide us with an attractive and well-kept community. While there will be additional resources devoted to this work, we need community support in identifying areas of concern. As we are now in cyclone season we ask that residents not only assess their own yards but also those of empty properties for hazards that may exist. Should you notice dead or damaged trees in neighbouring properties or high levels of garden waste and debris please contact LJ Hooker on 8987 8103. We are continuing to update the information on our website, so please visit regularly to find out the latest news, information about transition support, and tender opportunities for local businesses. Rio Tinto community support contacts: Community hotline: 1800 996 508 Professional counselling: 1800 808 374 Facebook: Gove Operations Facebook Email: rtacommunity.supportcentre@pacificaluminium.com.au or enquiriesgove@riotinto.com Website: goveoperationscommunitysupport.com To contact Northern Territory Government staff please call 08 8987 0554. Gove Operations Tender Notifications For information about upcoming tender notifications please contact: Debbie Humphreys, Department: Procurement Email: debbie.humphreys@riotinto.com Phone: 08 8987 5549 Wishing you and your families a safe and Merry Christmas