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Alice Springs Town Council welcomes delegates to the 2002 National General Assembly

As part of the Year of the Outback (YOTO) celebrations, the National General Assembly of Local Government will be staged in Alice Springs from 3 to 6 November.

“This is significant, and clearly demonstrates the leadership of the Executive of the Australian Local Government Association that, as part of YOTO celebrations, they have moved the Assembly into the Outback,” said Alice Springs Mayor, Fran Kilgariff. “It will provide a great opportunity to focus on the special challenges of rural leadership. It is an exciting program and we will do our best to ensure that everyone receives a warm welcome and takes away a memorable experience of the General Assembly and Central Australia.”

A vibrant town centre serving a population of almost 30,000, Alice Springs has all the mod cons. It offers a range of accommodation choices with over 1,000 beds rated three and a half through to four and a half stars. As a popular tourist destination, there is much to see and do in and around Alice Springs. It has a variety of half or full day tours. For the more adventurous, why not stay a little longer and experience a longer safari into the magnificent Red Centre.

Getting right into the spirit of YOTO, the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Transport and Roads Unit is inviting delegates to travel to the Assembly along the western section of the Outback Highway. Departing Perth on Thursday 31 October, the coach will arrive in Alice Springs for lunch on Sunday 3 November.

Some delegates from the Eastern States have already opted to fly to Perth so they can be part of this unique study experience. The trip will take delegates through Western Australia’s famous goldfields, the Gibson Desert, Giles, Docker Creek, the Olgas, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and on to Alice Springs. As well as promoting the Outback Highway, presentations by Councils and Aboriginal communities along the way will highlight issues affecting remote communities, and provide an opportunity to showcase their operations and practices.

Estimated to cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per person inclusive of return air travel, accommodation and meals, what better way to travel to the General Assembly and experience the Outback first hand. If you would like further information on this study tour, contact Chris Thompson at WALGA on (08) 9321 5055.

The theme for the 2002 General Assembly is ‘Civil Society: The Leadership Challenge’.

“As elected representatives and officials of our communities, we have a significant role to play in building a civil society,” said Australian Local Government Association President, Councillor John Ross. “As we reflect upon the past year, there are many examples of local leadership both at home and abroad.

“During the four days of the Assembly, as we consider these issues, our deliberations will be guided by renowned experts. Recognising the unique location for the 2002 National General Assembly, a number of additional activities, including field trips and forum discussions have been incorporated into the program. I urge you to join us in Alice Springs for the 2002 National General Assembly of Local Government as we deliberate how best to represent and lead our communities.”

To register or for further information contact the Conference Coordinators on (02) 6292 9000.

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