Students on track to finish house construction in three days

After one day on the job young construction trainees at Marrara Christian College are on track to build a house in just three days.

Students from the College’s Fabrication and Construction Trade Training Centre – which includes 65 per cent Indigenous students – have installed the walls, floors and roof trusses on the revolutionary wooden flat-pack house.

Marrara Christian College Trade Training Centre Manager Richard Hart said the shell of the house will be complete at the end of day two.

“Today the students will concentrate on completing the ceiling and start on installing some windows,” Mr Hart said.

“The wiring and plumbing is underway and will also be finished before the day is out.”

The quick build home uses a unique panelised building system by Carter Holt Harvey which allows a home to be constructed on site by trainee construction workers under supervision and is perfect for remote communities where labour and accommodation costs can be high.

“With this new panelised building system, we can build a house from the ground to lock-up in just three to five days using construction trainees under the supervision of qualified tradesmen,” Mr Hart said.

Members of the public are invited to watch the house under construction.

The home is under construction at the training centre at the school in Amy Johnson Avenue. Visitors should follow the signs to the centre from the school entrance.

Trainees to build house in just three days

Territorians have the opportunity to watch a house being built from the ground to lock-up in just three days next week.


Students from the Marrara Christian College’s Fabrication and Construction Trade Training Centre will build the revolutionary flat-pack wooden house over three days at the training centre at the school.

The quick build home uses a unique panelised building system by Carter Holt Harvey which allows a home to be constructed on site by trainee construction workers under supervision and is perfect for remote communities where labour and accommodation costs can be high.

Marrara Christian College Trade Training Centre Manager Richard Hart said the new building system enhanced the training centre’s capacity to offer real jobs to young construction trainees.

“The time and skills required to construct residential homes using conventional building systems is one of the most important challenges facing the housing market today, particularly in remote communities,” Mr Hart said.

“Traditional on-site construction methods are constrained by the availability of trades, coordination of the delivery of products and services to the house site and weather related delays.

“With this new wood panelised building system, we can build a house from the ground to lock-up in just three to five days using construction trainees under the supervision of qualified tradesmen.”

The Marrara Christian College Fabrication and Construction Trade Training Centre trains students still attending school to receive a vocational certificate in construction, building and metal fabrication industry, while earning money at the same time.

The business opened a new training centre in Darwin in June this year to provide training for up to 50 students each week in the metal building and fabrication industry. There are 32 trainees and three apprentices completing their competency training with up to 20 qualified tradesmen and trade assistants.

The trainees are Year 11 and 12 students drawn from all senior schools in Darwin, along with others from as far as Arnhem Land and the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Around 65 per cent of students are Indigenous.

Mr Hart said the new panelised building system would enhance the ability of the centre to offer building solutions across northern Australia while at the same time training young Territorians for a career in the construction industry.

Members of the public are invited to watch the house under construction from Tuesday to Thursday (October 5-7) next week.

The home will be constructed at the training centre at the school in Amy Johnson Avenue. Visitors should follow the signs to the centre from the school entrance.

Alice Springs' solar reputation goes all the way to China

13 September 2010

Alice Springs’ reputation as a world leader in the use of solar technology will be shared with a global audience this week when Alice Solar City’s Brian Elmer attends the World Solar Cities Congress in Dezhou, China.

Speakers from solar energy communities around the world will share their thoughts and experiences at the September 16-19 congress with a view to learning from each other.

“I will be proudly sharing Alice Springs’ experience of being a Solar City and what we have learnt in the last two and a half years, with other delegates, scientists and politicians from around the world”, says Alice Solar City General Manager Brian Elmer.

“For example, I will share some of the innovative ways we have engaged with the community and our roll out of large and small solar power installations.”

“With over 500 delegates attending the congress, I am also looking forward to hearing from other cities around the world, and bringing back to Alice any ideas or concepts that would help the town become even more sustainable in its energy use.”

"China is a world leader in the development of solar-power technologies and I will be visiting some of their innovative solar projects, so I expect the congress to be highly informative”.

“Representatives from some of the other Australian Solar Cities will also be in attendance and together we will be showcasing the application of renewable energy in Australia and how the Solar Cities Program is helping to work towards a sustainable future.”

For more information visit http://www.chinasolarcity.cn/index.html

 

Ends…

 

For media enquiries please contact Laurelle Halford from Creative Territory on 0417 222 211 or (08) 8952 9412 or laurelle@creativeterritory.com

 

About Alice Solar City

The Alice Springs Solar City Consortium is led by the Alice Springs Town Council and includes broad community support from the Northern Territory Government, Power and Water Corporation, Tangentyere Council, the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce, the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre and the Arid Lands Environment Centre. Funding sources include the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government, Power and Water Corporation, and Alice Springs Town Council.

 

Our kids worry about death, drugs and bullies

Drugs, suicide and bullying are the biggest fears of young Territorians, a national survey has found*.

How to beat these fears and build resilient and stable kids will be the focus of next week’s NT Council of Government School Organisations Conference for parents and teachers.

Clinical psychologist and author of Beating Bullies, Dr Andew Fuller will look at the skills kids need to live happy and rich lives.

“It focuses on resilience and the importance of compassion, empathy, imagination and being fun,” Dr Fuller said. 

“We look at the brain systems and how they can be optimised for learning and how it’s important to teach children at a young age so they avoid some the pitfalls in life.

“A lot of my programs work with kids because they’re interactive, game-based and fun.”

Dr Fuller will be joined by UK Values Education Founder Dr Neil Hawkes, who’ll look at the positive impacts of education led by social values such as responsibility, respect and tolerance.

“It’s not so much of a program, but a philosophy that has had transformational results on the school learning of children,” Dr Hawkes said.

“I hope to encourage the importance of these values in education so that children’s learning can be enhanced and they have a solid platform from which to build their lives.”

The forward-thinking system was adopted by UNICEF through the collaboration of Living Values and underpinned the Australian Government’s introduction of Values Education in schools.

Dr Hawkes’ presentation is one of four keynote addresses at the two-day COGSO Conference from 16 to 17 September at SKYCITY Casino Darwin.

Dr Andrew Fuller is available for interviews now, prior to the conference.

Media are welcome to attend all events at the conference, which gets underway at 9am on Thursday, 16 September.

For more information on the conference and workshops visit www.ntcogso.org.au.

 

*Source: Youth Survey 2009 – NT, Mission Australia.

http://www.missionaustralia.com.au/downloads/national-survey-of-young-australians/2009/158-youth-survey-2009-nt

 

Do you have a spare bed for these riders?

A group of Queensland cyclists are looking for a bed to rest their heads in Darwin ahead of a gruelling 2200km ride to raise money for cancer research.

The three riders and two support crew will ride from Katherine to Karratha in Western Australia as part of the 2010 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge, which aims to raise $750 000 for the Mater Foundation in Brisbane.

Challenge Director and group leader Mark Smoothy said he hopes the residents of Darwin or local hoteliers can assist the group.

“We’re in Darwin for two nights to finalise our bikes and supplies and would appreciate anyone’s help with accommodation,” Mr Smoothy said.

“We’re happy to be split up and billeted out.”

The men arrive in Darwin on Monday 13 September and stay for two nights before the Challenge gets underway at Katherine on Thursday 16 September.

The group will complete the cross country ride in three stages over seventeen days; Katherine to Kununurra, Kununurra to Broome via the Gipp River Rd and Broome to Karratha.

They will ride an average 135km per day through some of the country’s most spectacular and challenging terrain.

“It's a long journey, but it’s our way to raise some much-needed funds and remember our mate Adam Smiddy, who lost his life to melanoma in 2006,” Mr Smoothy said.

Adam Smiddy was just 26 years of age when he lost his battle to the aggressive form of cancer.

The Smiling for Smiddy Challenge has raised in excess of $1.1million since its inception four years ago.

The money raised from this year’s Challenge will support prostate cancer research, melanoma drug trials and complimentary therapies at the Mater oncology unit.

If you have a spare bed for Mr Smoothy and the other cyclists, please call 0421 887 388.

Mr Smoothy said Territorians can also get behind the cause by donating to the Challenge.

For more information visit www.smiddy.org.au.

Parents to get online savvy at COGSO Conference

Parents and teachers will learn the ropes of the Internet and how kids can surf safely at the upcoming NT Council of Government School Organisations conference in Darwin from 16 to 17 September.

The Cybersafety workshop, delivered by Australian ICT Innovator of the Year and online expert Greg Gebhart, will address cyberbullying, sexting and social networking among children.   

It is one of four key issues under the spotlight at the two day conference, Keeping Our Kids and Families Safe, to be held at SKYCITY Darwin.

COGSO President Julie Donohue said the conference will address building resilient and stable kids, values-based education and protecting children from abuse.

“Clinical psychologist and acclaimed author Doctor Andrew Fuller is an entertaining presenter who’ll discuss ways to beat life’s pitfalls and prevent drug and alcohol abuse and violence among kids, while Wendy Pelizzo will address child abuse and the tools available to parents and teachers to keep kids safe,” Ms Donohue said.

“We also welcome Founder of the UK Education Trust Doctor Neil Hawkes, who will look at the positive impacts of education led by social values such as responsibility, respect and tolerance.

“This forward-thinking system was adopted by UNICEF through the collaboration of Living Values and underpinned the Australian Government’s introduction of Values Education in schools.”

Media are welcome to attend all events at the conference, which gets underway at 9am on Thursday, 16 September.

For more information on the conference and workshops visit www.ntcogso.org.au

 

Kosta Kalikajaros wins YMCA Top End Father of the Year

Kosta Kalikajaros, father of 10 year old Natalie, will be awarded the YMCA 2010 Top End Father of the Year in a ceremony hosted by Charlie King at the YMCA Palmerston Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre today.

Natalie entered her dad in the awards because he cheers her up when she’s sad.

“I love my daddy because he’s awesome,” said Natalie.

“He does special things with me like fish breeding. Also, he’s cool and he’s jolly and nice.”

“The Top End Father of the Year Award recognises a father or father figure who’s doing their best the be a great dad for a Territorian child,” said YMCA’s Jessica McHardy.

Kosta and Natalie have won an adventure helicopter joyride over Darwin and the Cox Peninsula with a stop-over in Mandorah.

The YMCA founded Father’s Day in 1910 and initiated the local Father of the Year award to give local children the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the role of father’s in the lives of young Territorians.

“It doesn’t have to be a biological father,” said McHardy.

“There are plenty of step-dads, uncles, older brothers, grandfathers and family friends who play the role of a father in many young children’s lives. Father’s Day is about saying thank you and understanding just how important these role models can be.”

Father’s Day is on Sunday, 5 September and YMCA will be offering all dads free entry to the Palmerston Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre on that day to say thanks.

McHardy encourages local kids to wake dad up early and drag him down to the pool to have some fun. 

“Time spent playing with your kids is a treasure that can never be replaced.”

Show a little mercy for soft drink can auction

With just two days left before ‘No Mercy’ goes under the hammer, the Lions Clubs of Darwin have encouraged Beer Can Regatta enthusiasts to place their final bids.

The soft drink can boat, which was built by USS Mercy sailors, is up for auction on eBay to raise additional funds for Sommerville Community Services.

“The money will assist in buying a new car for Sommerville Community Services and help them reach more families and disabled people in need,” Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta President Des Gellert said. 

“So skip the drinking and start bidding for a good cause.”

More than twenty people have bid on the boat over the last seven days, which took out ‘Best Soft Drink Can Boat 2010’, pushing bids above $200.

The boat, which according Gellert suffered only a few hard knocks in the Battle of Mindil, still floats and has ‘plenty of life left in it yet’.

To bid on the ‘No Mercy’ visit http://www.ebay.com.au/ and search: Beer Can Regatta Boat. The eBay auction will close Friday afternoon.

For more information visit http://www.beercanregatta.org.au/.

Caf' Parap introduces Fitzroy flavours

Iconic local café and restaurant Caf’ Parap is extending its opening hours and from next Tuesday will entice guests with high tea in the afternoons and haute cuisine for dinner.

Business owner Alicia Waters and head chef Bob Mann are excited to introduce their new team, chefs Joshua Gudgeon and Marina Esteves, who will be heading up the evening operation.

Joshua and Marina have over 20 years combined experience in the industry. Joshua trained as a chef in Melbourne’s popular Matteo’s on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and has since gained experience working with well-known chefs around Australia. His experience combined with Marina’s Phillipino and Spanish flair will add tantalising new elements to Caf’ Parap’s modern Australian menu.

 “They’ll be serving a sumptuous high tea in the afternoons and a tempting menu for dinner. The exciting advantage of a print to order menu is that it will change regularly so each time diners return they’ll be seduced by different choices,” says Bob.

Joshua is excited at the opportunity to bring his passion for fresh ingredients to Caf’ Parap.

“I’ll be sourcing the best produce to use in my food and every dish will have a twist,” he says.

“Some of the dishes that will make a regular appearance on the dinner menu will include prosciutto-wrapped scallops, and Victorian Salt Bush Lamb. We want to offer diners a true modern Australian dining experience in Parap.”

The afternoon tea menu will offer diners a chance to indulge, with dishes including a traditional French Crepe Suzette drizzled in orange and cognac or a berry parfait washed down with homemade lemonade.

The extended hours are in addition to Caf’ Parap’s already popular breakfast and lunch trade.

Caf’ Parap will be open for afternoon tea and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday night starting Tuesday 24 August.

For further information or to make a reservation call 8981 1070. 

Trial of Darwin digital radio starts today

Northern Territory Broadcasters has begun a trial of digital radio in Darwin today.  Hot 100 and Mix 1049 and a digital only service called Top Country NT will begin broadcasting in DAB+ from the start of the trial and an additional new digital only station will follow shortly.

Northern Territory Broadcasters General Manager Mark Johnson said: “Digital radio is a new, exciting and involving way for you to tune into your favourite radio stations plus a few new ones…Best of all – digital radio is free.

“You will first notice the exceptionally high sound quality Digital radio has some great new feature. The ability to pause and rewind, more choice of stations, digital sound quality, incredibly clear reception and information on screen.

“Digital radio, is radio as you know it… plus a lot more.

“Many receivers have a scrolling text feature where you can receive additional information on screen like a news “ticker bar”

“Some new digital radio receivers even have a full colour screen which means you’ll be able to get a whole heap of new information on your radio… including details of song titles and artists, and even album covers, to traffic maps and even weather information.

“You just need a new radio to receive digital radio and they are available now from leading retail stores here in Darwin

“There are a whole range of well known manufacturers making digital radios. You can even get digital radios for your car.

“They are easy to set up and tune and simply are added to your car like a sat nav device.

“To work in Australia, your digital radio needs to be DAB+, just look for the logo on the box, in store or even on the receiver.

“There are many types of new digital radios and they come in all shapes and sizes with varying features while many MP3 devices, hi fi systems, portable players and clock radios can also pick up digital radio signals.”

'No Mercy' can now be yours

Whether you want a head start in the next Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, a unique collectors’ item or piece of US sailor handiwork, ‘No Mercy’ is now up for grabs on Ebay.

 

After taking out ‘Best Softdrink Can Boat’ in the 2010 Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, held on Sunday 8 August, the boat is up for auction to raise additional funds for Sommerville Community Services. 

 

“We want to purchase a new car for Sommerville, our beneficiary this year, and are asking the community to dig deep,” Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta President Des Gellert said.

 

“The USS Mercy team and fellow sailors had a great time and are keen to see their boat put to a good cause and generate more funds for Sommerville.

 

“Anyone who’s ever wanted to participate in the Regatta, but not up for the thirsty work, is encouraged to place a bid.”

 

The boat, which was made from Coke and Sprite cans while the USS Mercy docked at the Philippines, suffered a few hard knocks but still floats.

 

“It survived the eggs, flour bombs and water fights in the Battle of Mindil, with only a few cans lost,” Mr Gellert said.

 

“It might need a bit of TLC before next year’s event, but like all things in the Navy, it’s got a few more battles in it yet.”

 

To bid on the ‘No Mercy’ visit www.ebay.com.au and search: Beer Can Regatta Boat.

 

The boat will be up for auction for 9 days and go to the highest bidder.

 

For more information visit www.beercanregatta.org.au.

 

New solar heating system on trial at Alice Springs house

A new solar heating system has been installed at the Alice Solar City Sustainable Living House to take the edge off winter temperatures for its occupant.

One of the first of its kind in Alice Springs, residents can see the heating system in action and find out more when the house opens to the public this Saturday.

The system uses a roof mounted solar panel to heat fresh air, and then pumps that heated air into the house.

“The technology works best on sunny days, and as the typical winter’s day in Alice is cool but sunny, this type of technology should suit Alice Springs well. It also works in reverse in summer by bringing in cool, fresh air.”, says Brian Elmer, General Manager of Alice Solar City.

“Solar air heating is not common, but we wanted to trial it at the Sustainable Living House to ascertain the environmental and economic benefits to typical Alice Springs dwellings.”
“We are monitoring the before and after temperatures at the house to assess how effective it is.”

Kristelle Sherwood, owner of the Sustainable Living House says that her house has been noticeably cooler since having several energy efficient measures installed at the house.

“Having my roof painted white was really effective in summer to reduce the internal temperature, but during this years winter, which has been colder than normal, the house is feeling noticeably cooler.”

“I am looking forward to seeing how the solar air heating complements and reduces the use of my wood fired heater during the last few weeks of winter.”

This Saturday will see the Sustainable Living House open to the public for the fifth time, and visitors are welcome to view the dozens of energy and water efficiency measures that have been installed.

The team from DesertSmart CoolMob will be on hand with their brand new ‘Water Wise’ booklet which shows simple and effective ways to lower your water use including information on greywater systems and native gardens.

The Sustainable Living House is open from 12 noon to 3pm this Saturday at 68 Kurrajong Drive.

Not just a beer can regatta

Ask any true Territorian how the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta started and you’re likely to hear a tale about the construction workers of ’75 and their heavy-drinking, littering ways. 

‘A quick fix to clean up after the all workers from down south who were here to rebuild the city after Cyclone Tracy’; ‘they couldn’t handle the humidity and had to keep their fluids up’, or so the story goes.

But like so many events in the Territory, the Regatta began as a meagre bet between mates and has grown to become internationally known and a popular family event among locals and visitors alike. 

“The first regatta set sail in June of 1974, six months before the infamous cyclone,” Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta President Des Gellert said.

“It was the brainchild of Palmerston entrepreneur Lutz Frankenfeld and then NT News journalist Paul Rice-Chapman.”

The Lions clubs of Darwin took over management of the quirky event in 1978 and introduced land-based and children’s events to make it a family fun day.

“Apart from soft drink and beer can boat races, we have a full day program that includes thong throwing, tug-of-wars, sandcastle competitions, beach races and Henley-on-Mindil event,” Mr Gellert said.

“All boat entries are judged in three categories including Best Soft Drink Can Boat, Best Novelty Boat and Best Beer Can Boat, but the highlight of the day is the Battle of Mindil.”

The Battle can be likened to a ‘pirate battle of old’ according to Gellert and sees entrants sail and hunt for treasure hidden at the depths of Mindil Beach.   

But apart from the frivolity and water-loving fun, the Beer Can Regatta is a serious fundraising event. 

Last year alone the regatta, which is a combined effort of the Nightcliff, Palmerston, Casuarina and Litchfield Lions Clubs, raised enough money to purchase a new car worth $31 000 for Anglicare.

This year, Sommerville Community Services will be the beneficiary.

“Over the last five years the Lions Clubs of Darwin have raised in excess of $100,000 for various charities, including a fully-fitted, brand new ambulance for St John Ambulance,” Mr Gellert said.

“We hope to raise enough funds at this year’s regatta to purchase a new car for Sommerville, which will enable them to extend their reach and provide family and disability services to those in need.”

The 2010 Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is on Sunday, 8 August from 10am to 5pm at Mindil Beach.

Bar, soft drink and water facilities will be available, along with the renowned food and craft stalls of the much loved Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

Entry is by gold coin donation or $50 for boat registrations, with all proceeds supporting the projects of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin.

For more information visit www.beercanregatta.org.au.

Three hundred Alice homes to become smarter

Almost 300 householders in Alice Springs will become smarter with their energy use from this week when new Alice Solar City In-house Displays are installed, allowing them to monitor their energy consumption and CO2 emissions every day.

It is part of the Cost Reflective Tariff (CRT) trial which many residents chose to participate in as part of their involvement with Alice Solar City.

“Having this information at their fingertips is something that has not been possible before, and thanks to the Alice Solar City project, Alice Springs is one of the few places in the country where this sort of technology is being trialed”, says Alice Solar City General Manager Brian Elmer

“Trying to save energy in your home using an in-house display is a bit like driving a car with a speedo – you know where you stand and it tells you when you should lift your foot off the accelerator, or in this case, curb your energy use.”

“Currently there are 270 households in Alice Springs that have changed from being charged a flat rate for their electricity consumption, to a peak / off-peak pricing structure instead.”

This means their power costs more during peak periods (9am – 6pm Monday to Friday) than in off-peak periods (6pm – 9am), encouraging them to ‘shift’ their power use, which in turn aims to reduce the peak load on the town’s generator.

“The In-house Display will help them make more informed decisions about when they choose to use their electricity and give them live information about their overall electricity consumption.”

“This is a crucial part of the Alice Solar City project; normally, the only feedback or information we get about our electricity consumption is once every 3 months when we get our electricity bill. This technology instead gives information in real time to householders, which can help them modify their electricity use behavior day to day”.

“By touching the portable LCD screen, householders can check their overall electricity consumption, a breakdown of their peak and off peak electricity use and CO2 emissions by day, week or month and indicative power costs for the current month.”

“For example, the Display might show a householder they have consumed 22 kilowatt hours (kWh) for the day, but it also shows what they could aim for to be considered an energy champion house, which is 11 kWh.”

“Knowing how much CO2 your household emits to the environment each day or week is also a powerful motivator to curb energy use and find those unseen power guzzlers, such as second or third fridges or standby power from electronic devices like televisions and stereos.

“We have seen CRT customers shift their power use for things like putting on a load of washing in the evening, making sure lights are off as much as possible during the day, and being mindful of the way they use the booster on their hot water system.”

Alice Solar City is looking for approximately 70 more householders to participate in the Cost Reflective Trial, who will also receive an In-house Display at no charge.