Let's bring the Barkly back

says Bill Cross, CLP candidate for the Barkly

Back from where? From the brink of despair? From wandering in political wilderness?
Ask yourselves where do we want to get back to.
Do we want to get back to the old days when we were a major regional centre based on thriving local industry and enjoying all the things that come with this.
I could bore you with the details of who I am and what I have done but I won't. Instead I'll tell you what I am doing at the moment.
I have just finished talking with government ministers about what can be done to stop the rot. I pointed out the slow erosion of government personnel, which for every one we lose, leaves us one family smaller, along with other numerous problems.
Other regional centres are still developing whilst we are left behind. I want to seek out new avenues for economic growth and I will be working with the NT Government to commit to regional development and to capitalise on other opportunities.
I believe regional focus is bloody important for the Territory's future.
We are a significant service centre and I will strive for that to increase.
I, by myself, cannot change these things overnight.
But with support from the people of the Barkly region, my wife Pearl and my daughters Nicole, Michelle and Whitney, we can bring Barkly back to above and beyond where we were in the 80's.
Let's show the pessimistic knockers out there that we are willing to take the bit between our teeth and bring Barkly back.
I will be seeking your ideas so expect to see plenty of me as I get around to hear your views.

Adding value to our lives

Maggie Hickey, Member for Barkly

For a small town, Tennant Creek produces an amazing wealth of rich talent in the sporting and cultural arenas. The likes of Darius Plummer and Ella Cavalero bring pride to the town. Often these keen sportsman and women rely on support from their local community. Without that support they would be unable to compete in State and National competitions.
The art world has been excited recently by the work of Peggy Napangardi Jones whose Melbourne exhibition was a sellout on the first day. Recently, Betty Finlay's work has also attracted growing interest. Over the years there have been many other talented artists whose work has sold all the over the country. Two non-aboriginal artists, Judith Church and Chris Elcoate, spring to mind.
For the last 23 years, Tennant Creek members of the CWA have organised an annual art award. This award attracts work from artists all over the Territory and the winning pieces now have pride of place at the Art Gallery. This contribution from a modest and hardworking group of women should never be underestimated.
Whilst economic prosperity and well being may be the foundations of life, what adds to the quality of life are these extra activities in sport, the arts and recreation. These days many of those so-called leisure pursuits are earning dollars for the town. It's good to see that we will now have two art and craft outlets in the main street and we all look forward to the day when the Julalikari Cultural Centre is open. It's interesting to reflect on how, by and large, all of these initiatives have taken place with very little government involvement or dollars. This is people-based activity and is what really adds value to life.