Members of the Tiwi Islands Shire Transition Committee visited Darwin City Council recently to meet with Elected Members and staff and attend a Transition Committee Meeting.
“While Darwin may not be directly affected by the proposed changes in Local Government structure in the Territory, having members of Tiwi Shire Transition Committee here is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and provide advice and guidance where we can,” said Acting Lord Mayor, Joanne Sangster.
During their two day visit the Tiwi Islands Shire observed how an urban city council operates.
They spent time with department managers in operational areas, such as roads, parks, waste, animal management and maintenance and administration such as HR and finance.
A key area they spoke to Elected Members and staff about was governance, in particular meeting procedures, minutes, financial reporting, policy formation and the decision making process.
They also attended a Council Meeting and were impressed with how many issues were dealt with, debated and voted on.
From time to time Darwin staff assist other Councils in remote locations.
After Cyclone Ingrid caused severe damage in the Tiwi Islands, six Parks Department staff went over to assist with clearing roads and cutting up fallen trees.
Due to the lack of amenities and accommodation the team took their own food supplies and swags.
Another time, a visit was made by two of our Regulatory Services Officers to Tennant Creek Town Council at their invitation, to give them an overview of how Darwin implements its By-laws, particularly those relating to dogs, minor parking issues, litter and abandoned vehicles.
