As said, 2008 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Darwin Trailer Boat Club

Your Club, evolved,  from a group of loyal and dedicated people who had a vision and worked tirelessly and with passion to create  The Darwin Trailer Boat Club.

Members and quests who enjoy the facilities of the Club 50 years on should look back with gratitude, for without the dedication and hard work of our foundation  members, and the many passionate Club people who have given of their time and effort since foundation, our Club would not be where is today.

When I look at the gallery of photographs which adorn the walls of the Club it makes me feel humble to see the evidence of hard work, passion and dedication shown by our founders.

 It must have been wonderful days when people who had time to go fishing could return to the fledgling Club and enjoy comradeship, a few cold beers at the “caravan”, and from  what I have been told the famous “cabbage soup”.

I pay special tribute to all who have been involved, firstly with the creation of our Club, and secondly with the forward planning and stewardship of our Club over the last 50 years.

It is the ultimate honour for a member of a Club to be awarded life membership. When I look at our honour board I see many years of commitment and dedication to our Club. In this our 50^th year I pay special thanks to our life members.

I thank those who are, and have been, involved in the planning of the 50^th year celebrations.

Lets us all make a special effort to be involved and encourage others to participate in our 50^th year celebration.

Members, I thank you, for  without your continued support and loyalty,  the Club would not what we enjoy today.

A "Magazine" Publication is being created for the festivities of 2008 that marks the 50^th anniversary of the Darwin Trailer Boat Club

All members, past and present, young and not so young are invited to contribute to this publication by sharing any memories, yarns, comments or stories about the club.

If you have any recollections of the early days at the club; some of the characters and experiences; cyclones; memorable fishing/boating trips and events; or anything of interest, we would like to hear from you. ……….

Kids are also encouraged to send in any comments or stories on the club or activities such as Kids Christmas and Easter parties, Kids classic etc

If you would like some more information or some assistance with recording your story, please feel free to contact us

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The Trophies for last Years Fishing Competitions

They were very late arriving but at last they did and was awarded to those members present at the

First Wednesday of the Month Meeting 02-04-2008

Presented by Dicky Sindholt to:

  The President Kevin Jenkins Congratulates all the winners.

For More Details and Pictures Click Here

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NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
 

Avoid southern mistakes developing 'true north': WWF
Abridged from WWF Media Release
29 April 2008
Full text: http://www.wwf.org.au/news
The threat of climate change must not lead to an unsustainable rush to develop northern Australia's mineral, water, land and energy resources, a leading conservation organisation says.  On the opening day of the True North conference in Darwin, WWF has called for a 10-year, Sustainable Northern Australia program to manage threats and build resilience to global warming.  It has urged the Federal Government to work with state leaderships in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia to conserve and develop the region sustainably.

Related Article:
Time running out to protect north Australia: WWF
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news  

Water scientist endorses northern agriculture push
Abridged from ABC News Online
22 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
After endorsement from the 2020 Summit and the Federal Government, the push is now on to expand agriculture in northern Australia. Critics say farmers have already misused scarce water resources in the south and damaged northern waters through schemes like the damming of the Ord River. Scientists agree climate change will mean a drier southern Australia. Chairman of the CSIRO's Water for a Healthy Country Program, Don Blackmore, says Australia can expand farming in the north without repeating the environmental mistakes of the past.

Related article:
Task force head pledges to protect northern Australia
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
 

Calls to ban wetland hunting in NT
Abridged from ABC News Online
24 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
A group of landowners in Darwin's rural area are calling for waterfowl hunting and sport shooting to be banned at several major wetlands in the Top End.  Members of the Lambells Lagoon Landcare Group want firearms to be excluded from Lambells Lagoon, Harrison Dam and Fogg Dam, south-east of Darwin.  The group's David Boehme says residents are calling for a shooting ban as part of their submission to the Territory Government's review of park management plans.

Related articles:
Residents call for gun ban
Full text: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article
 

ERA look to extend Kakadu mine
Abridged from ABC News Online
22 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
Energy Resources Australia looks likely to pursue a second expansion of its Ranger uranium mine within Kakadu National Park amid buoyant demand for yellowcake on world markets.  The company has today held its annual general meeting in Darwin, telling shareholders that a full feasibility study to expand the mine should be completed mid-year.  The company began work on its first expansion last September.  ERA produces 10 per cent of the world's uranium and the company's chief executive officer Chris Salisbury says the higher price for uranium has made previously uneconomic deposits viable.
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FISHERIES

Over limit fishos fined and lose boat, cars
Abridged from NT News
29 April 2008
Full text: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article
Two fisherman "from the desert'' have been left high and dry after losing their boat and utes -- and being fined $2500. Alice Springs Fishing Club members Paul Coffey, 55, and Scott Davenport, 37, were caught with an illegal bounty of barramundi, golden snapper and fillets as they left King Ash Bay.
They asked police to settle the matter over "a beer''.
 

New East Arm Fishing Facility Set To Be Built By End Of October
Abridged from NT Government Media Statement
11 April 2008
Full text: http://newsroom.nt.gov.au
Fisheries Minister Chris Natt today announced local company Ostojic Group as the successful tenderer to build a new multimillion dollar recreational fishing facility at East Arm in Darwin.  “Today’s announcement delivers on an important election commitment this Government made to enhance the fishing experience for recreational anglers,” Mr Natt said.  “I congratulate local company Ostojic Group for being awarded the $4.6 million contract – which includes the construction of a new East Arm boat ramp and associated facilities such as an access road, as well as the creation of five lots for the Land Development Corporation.
 

34m Fishing Vessel Apprehended In Top End Waters
Abridged from NT Government Media Statement
09 April 2008
Full text: http://newsroom.nt.gov.au
Fisheries Minister Chris Natt today congratulated Australian Government authorities for apprehending a 34m foreign fishing vessel for alleged illegal fishing in Top End waters. “Illegal foreign fishermen pose a serious threat to our valuable and important fisheries," Mr Natt said.  "That is why the Northern Territory Government strongly lobbied the previous Coalition Government to do more to protect our fisheries.  “I congratulate the Commanding Officer and crew of the HMAS Maryborough for their efforts in apprehending the Indonesian-flagged fishing boat in Top End waters last week.
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Tackling Climate Change and Creating Jobs
Abridged from NT Government Media Statement
02 April 2008
Full text: http://www.acfonline.org.au
The role of Indigenous Territorians in tackling global warming is a top priority in the development of the Territory Government’s first climate change policy.  Chief Minister Paul Henderson said the traditional knowledge of Indigenous people provides an opportunity for the development of real jobs in remote areas.  “We want Indigenous people to be part of the solution to combat climate change through the creation of jobs that focus on land and country.  “The Federal Government’s plan to move 140 Territory Aboriginal rangers from CDEP to full time wages from July this year is also a step in the right direction.  “Climate Change is a critical issue facing governments across Australia and the world, and its important that strategies to combat global warming are effective and long lasting,” he said.
Mr Henderson officially opened the United Nations International Expert Meeting on Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in Darwin today.  He also met with the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu’s Jon Stanford, who will lead the development of the Territory’s first climate change policy.
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PETROLEUM & MINERALS

Court clears way for Wadeye-Ban Ban gas pipeline
Abridged from ABC News Online
14 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
A woman has failed in a legal battle that could have delayed the building of a gas pipeline planned to secure Darwin's future energy supplies. The proposed pipeline will come onshore near Wadeye and stretch 280 kilometres north-east to Ban Ban Springs, crossing two areas of land subject to native title claims.  Marjorie Foster launched an appeal last year when her name was removed from the list of senior traditional owners whose land the pipeline will cross.  But the Federal Court ruled against Ms Foster, saying traditional decision making processes were followed.

Middle Arm or WA - There Are No Other Options
Abridged from NT Government Media Statement
08 April 2008
Full text: http://newsroom.nt.gov.au
Middle Arm or Western Australia will be chosen as the site of the Inpex gas plant – there are no other options.  Chief Minister Paul Henderson stated the fact at a major oil and gas conference in Perth – as he continues to fight for the project and the thousands of jobs that go with it.
Back to Contents
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INDIGENOUS

Community welcomes reintroduction of CDEP
Abridged from ABC News Online
30 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
The Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister says income quarantining will continue in Northern Territory aboriginal communities alongside the work-for-the-dole program.  Community Development Employment Projects, known as CDEP, will be reinstated in 30 Aboriginal communities across the Territory in July.  Jenny Macklin says it is an interim measure while a new employment strategy is being developed for indigneous communities.

Indigenous council pushes for $1m cultural centre
Abridged from ABC News Online
24 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
A remote Indigenous council south of Cooktown has applied to the Queensland Government for more than $1 million to launch a tourism venture.  The Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council is planning to build an arts and crafts cultural centre to provide employment for local artists.  Mayor Desmond Tayley says visitors would then be able to watch locals produce paintings, pottery and wood carvings.

NAILSMA backs 2020 climate change outcomes  
Abridged from CDU Media Release
22 April 2008
Full text: http://www.cdu.edu.au/newsroom
The North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance delegates that attended the 2020 Summit back the outcomes of the water and climate change discussions.
The stream called for Indigenous people to be part of the dialogue in developing climate change strategies for Indigenous Australians. The Summit also called for a national Indigenous Knowledge, or research centre be established to carry out multi-disciplinary research to answer complex questions for Indigenous people.   And while there were calls made again to examine the opportunities around water in the north, Indigenous Water Policy Group Chairman Mr Joe Ross stated that “the magnitude of the issues affecting Indigenous people and their environments and the pressures to develop the north will require new research and partnerships with Indigenous people to answer complex questions”.
 

Forum to probe climate change effects on Indigenous people
Abridged from ABC News Online
2 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
The head of an Aboriginal resource management group says a three-day United Nations talk starting in Darwin this morning will highlight unique problems Indigenous people face with climate change.
More than 60 international delegates from areas including the Arctic circle and South America will discuss climate change and Indigenous people ahead of a public forum on Thursday.  Joe Morrison from the North Australian Indigenous Sea Management Alliance says recommendations made during the talks will be put to the United Nations permanent Indigenous forum.
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OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Water consultation begins in Howard Springs
Abridged from ABC News Online
14 April 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news
Howard Springs residents will be the first to share their views over how water resources should be shared in the future, as part of government planning.  The Department of Environment Natural Resources and the Arts is preparing to consult with communities across Darwin to develop a water allocation plan.  The director of water management Ian Lancaster says the boundaries for Darwin's draft water plan have been extended beyond Litchfield Shire to include new development.
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Recognising environmental excellence
The Power and Water Corporation 2008 Melaleuca Awards for environmental excellence recognise the environmental efforts of the community across Territory schools, businesses, community groups and individuals.   With a national focus on climate change, water conservation and recycling, projects such as rainwater harvesting, stormwater recycling, managing and recycling waste and energy saving initiatives are expected to be popular choices among entrants.   Businesses also have an opportunity to include trade waste, energy management, environmental site plans and staff training programs in their entry.  Entrants can nominate for one or more categories - community, commercial/industry, small business and schools. Separate submissions can also be made for consideration of an environment grant.  Entries close on 16 May with winners announced at a presentation on 18 June.
Information and entry forms are available online at www.powerwater.com.au , from any Power and Water Customer Service Centre or by phoning 1800 245 092 or 8985 8541.

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WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Australian Savanna Fire Management Presentations
Wednesday May 7, 8.30am-5 pm
Theatrette, NT Museum of Arts & Sciences, Darwin
Managing fire regimes in north Australian savannas economy: ecology, culture, economy
Presentation of draft chapters for forthcoming book focusing particularly on western Arnhem Land fire
 

OzGREEN’s Youth LEAD program
An innovative eco-social leadership and action training program giving young people the skills, motivation and opportunities to lead the way to a sustainable future for 15-25 yr olds (flexible age limit)
Next Darwin workshop: 21-23 June 2008, Charles Darwin University
For more information please contact Gabe on 0405 02 3232 or visit the website: http://www.ozgreen.org.au/upcoming.php
 

World Environment Day Expo 2008
Sunday 1st June. 11am-5pm
Museum & Art Gallery of NT lawns
The Expo will be opened at 11.00am by NT Environment Minister, Hon. Len Keily.
Activities for the day include: stalls; displays; workshops; a lunchtime forum featuring Dr Don Henry, Executive Director of the Australian Conservation Foundation; music; children’s activities; food and drink stalls.   More information at www.ecnt.org

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For Previous News From Ripples:
.                            Marine  Coastal Community Network NT.

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Past trips & Functions links index.
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By Many Boaties Requests we have added a new page to our website called
Wind & Waves
a lot of local knowledge has been entered into this page with information
of weather forecasts, clouds, thunder, rain and sea behaviour with height of waves etc.
Tides at the various ramps, road rules of the sea, safety equipment etc.
Also a good listing of Tidal Time Variations with some descriptions of the
places mentioned and a listing of Plane and Ship Wrecks.