Local Authorities fund significant projects throughout 2021

West Arnhem Regional Council’s Local Authorities supported several exciting projects in West Arnhem communities in 2021. 

Local Authorities give people living in Maningrida, Minjilang, Warruwi and Gunbalanya a direct say in how council services are provided, and how funds are spent in their communities.

Local Authorities are comprised of community representatives who advise on specific Council community and social projects that impact on their community.

The Maningrida Local Authority funded the construction of the recently installed hardcover over the playground near Council’s office. Other completed key projects include the Elected Members board that was put up in Council’s office in recognition of councillors who have served the community and the installation of a fence and gate at the Maningrida swimming pool. 

The Maningrida Local Authority also donated two caged trailers to Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation. The caged trailers were purchased to assist Mala’la to manage garbage collection around the community as part of its primary healthcare services to Maningrida and surrounding homelands. 

The Local Authorities in West Arnhem’s two islands made significant contributions in their communities in 2021. Among Warruwi Local Authority’s completed major projects are the Elected Members board of recognition, a new toilet block near the children’s playground with a stunning mural of images from the community, and an upgrade of the children’s playground that includes the installation of solar lights. On the other side of the Arafura Sea, the Minjilang Local Authority provided funding for the construction of a community barbeque and shelter, an Elected Members board of recognition, a beautification project that included the planting of trees and shrubs at the playground, and amazing welcome signs at the entrance of the community. 

The Gunbalanya Local Authority also drove and funded several key projects in 2021. They included the provision of part of the funding for the construction of a children’s playground with additional funding to complete the project secured from the Aboriginal Benefit Account (ABA). 

The Local Authority also put up an Elected Members board of recognition to honour past and current councillors from Gunbalanya, and purchased a portable display screen for the community which is currently on its way to Gunbalanya. 

In addition to funding projects for each of their communities, the Local Authorities joined forces in 2021 to support an animal management program which will be rolled out in all communities by next year. The animal management program is a free health program for dogs, cats and other domesticated animals. Other projects to look out for in 2022 are the construction of a shade and barbeque shelter in Gunbalanya, additional solar lights in Minjilang, a shade centre next to the clinic in Warruwi, and the construction of bus stops in Maningrida - just to mention a few. 

A big thank you to members of West Arnhem’s Local Authorities for supporting projects in their communities.