In 2003, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) identified 11 sites to introduce a whole of government approach in providing improved local services for remote communities. The Western Australian site is located within the Shire of Halls Creek. Tjurabalin Region has four local communities and some 1,000 residents. It is a region comprising land handed back to its traditional owners in 2001 by the Commonwealth Government.
“When this new approach was announced by the Federal Government, the Shire of Halls Creek asked the question, if this was to be a whole of government approach why was Local Government not included?” said Shire President, Councillor Lyn Craig. “The State and Federal Government took notice and as a result we are the only Local Government involved across the 11 pilot sites.
“The other spheres of government are providing the financial support for the Tjurabalin program while the Shire is contributing through infrastructure works.”
A scoping study has been conducted to identify problems and service gaps within the Region. The local communities then called for a ‘Grog and Justice Forum’. This was held over a three day period in September 2004 enabling each of the communities to identify problems and look at ways to address these. A follow up meeting will be scheduled later this year.
“Community members showed a great commitment to work on both issues of alcohol abuse and justice,” Councillor Craig said.
