After 16 years concentrating on building up the infrastructure necessary to sustain and develop a new and rapidly growing population, Palmerston Town Council in the Northern Territory is now turning its attention to issues of cultural and social development. Located 20 kilometres south of Darwin, since 1983 Palmerston’s population has grown to 17,000.
In an extensive cultural mapping exercise, residents across the demographic spectrum of the Town participated in an exercise to assess the existing cultural base of Palmerston. In a series of forums, the spotlight was turned to questions of what the local culture is, what is important about it, problems that may arise and how Palmerston could foster positive cultural development.
“The exercise set in motion a number of processes and positive outcomes,” said Anna Hassett, Director of Human Services. “Clearly, because we have such a young average age there is an emphasis on youth programs. These include a special arts project for Aboriginal children, who have identified sites important to them in the City, and also an Arts program for children with intellectual disabilities.
“We now have in place a Youth Forum, which gives young people a voice in allocating resources; a Palmerston Writers Group to encourage and support local writing; and regular play readings in the local library.
“Over the next few years Palmerston will begin to consolidate its own unique place in Northern Territory and Australian culture, and Council is determined to assist the process.”
For further information contact Anna Hassett telephone (08) 8935 9977.
