The Nguiu Council and community on Bathurst Island, 80 km north of Darwin, has demonstrated unique local cooperation in a project designed to considerably enhance the quality of life of the isolated community.
The humidity can get up to 100 per cent and the crocodile, shark and box jellyfish population that infest the surrounding waters of the Island make swimming a very real hazard. Council wanted to construct a swimming pool but recognised the commitment would require considerable financial and moral support.
The Nguiu Community Government Council and Community galvanised efforts to undertake the most important facility project ever undertaken.
Through a vigorous funding drive they received financial support from sources as diverse as government and local clubs and stores, to proceeds from the sale of a council barge.
Community members wholeheartedly supported the pool by agreeing to a $2 per head weekly contribution over several years.
Council Clerk, Bernie McCarthy, relates that the Aboriginal community are pleased with the potential positive impact the pool will have. The facility will form a hub for the 500 young people who previously had few recreational outlets.
The health of the local children is also expected to improve, particularly in the reduction of skin diseases and ear, nose and throat complaints as none want to be restricted from the complex.
The creation of six full time additional jobs for Tiwi people at the complex is a great bonus in a large township with a chronic shortage of employment opportunities.
Bernie McCarthy says the Council has future plans to provide lawn bowls and tennis courts as an overall commitment to providing alternative recreational activity for residents.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that regular exercise and the corresponding decrease in boredom increases the self esteem in the community and can help avoid problems of youth suicide.
The Nguiu community want to get at least one Olympian or Paralympian to join traditional owners in the celebration for the official opening of the pool facility scheduled for late April.
They hope the promotional visit will raise enough funds to cover coaching clinics for Tiwi Island children who would benefit from expert tuition.
Bernie McCarthy says the whole community “hope to see a Tiwi Olympian in the future!”
