3

annual report

2014-15....

ou r pu r pose

To collaborate with rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to improve the health and wellbeing of their companion animals and the health, wellbeing and safety of communities.

....

ou r vi sion

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that are healthy and safe for people and their companion animals.

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About us ................................................................................ 2

AMRRIC 2015 – strategic objectives ................................. 4

Our values ............................................................................. 7

Program statistics ................................................................ 8

President’s report 2015 ..................................................... 10

CEO’s report 2015 ............................................................. 12

Why I Serve – Board members 2015 .............................. 14

Animal Management Worker program ........................... 16

AMRRIC 10th anniversary conference report ................ 18

Outstanding veterinary program stories ........................20

Education ........................................................................... 22

Map of visits ....................................................................... 27

Our supporters ...................................................................28

Tribute .................................................................................30

....cont ents

1

2

By working with remote Indigenous communities to improve the health of their companion animals we are

helping to create healthier, safer and happier communities.

AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities) is a national not for profit organisation that uses a One Health approach to bring about integrated animal health, education and community development programs in Indigenous communities.

Our One Health approach recognises the inextricable links between human, animal and environmental health and wellbeing. By working with remote Indigenous communities to improve the health of their companion animals we are helping to create healthier, safer and happier communities.

AMRRIC variously delivers, facilitates, coordinates and supports culturally sensitive programs in Indigenous communities across Australia, collaborating with the communities to develop programs that meet their needs.

The immediate objective of our approach is to close the gap regarding the health, wellbeing and behaviour of companion animal populations in Indigenous communities. The longer term objectives of our model are sustainability and capacity building, so that ultimately communities can confidently and effectively manage their own companion animal populations.

AMRRIC seeks to base its policies and strategies on factual information, and recognises that ethical, culturally sensitive research can result in tangible benefits for both Indigenous communities and their companion animals. Additionally, AMRRIC recognises the capacity building benefits of the involvement of Indigenous people as full partners in research projects and strongly supports such collaborations.

Advocacy is an integral part of AMRRIC’s work in seeking to promote and facilitate the health and wellbeing of companion animals and the associated interests of Indigenous communities. AMRRIC constantly and consistently advocates for the legitimate needs and interests of community animals and their human companions at all levels of society, but particularly with national, state and local governments with regard to resource allocation.

abou t us

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Integrated animal health and community development programs.

Veterinary animal health programs which include parasite treatments, population control by de-sexing and the treatment of sick or injured animals.

Health and wellbeing focused education programs which are implemented in many community groups including schools, men’s groups and women’s groups.

Capacity building programs, such as the Animal Management Worker program which trains and mentors community members to facilitate and help deliver companion animal management in their communities.

Our programs are designed in collaboration with communities, with inbuilt monitoring and evaluation.

Community and stakeholders inform current program practice and future program design.

We employ current industry standards in our veterinary and education programs.

Our Best Practice Guidelines have been recognised by the Australian Federal Government.

ou r st rengt hs

best pr actice a pproach

We have strong relationships and engagement with Indigenous communities across Australia.

We have well established networks across Australia and internationally, encompassing veterinary, health, education and academic professionals and service providers.

Our relationships with all levels of government allow us to advocate for, and to assist with, improved animal management in Indigenous communities.

part ner shi ps

We have highly skilled staff and volunteers who are culturally aware and committed to reconciliation in their work.

All of our staff and volunteers are dedicated to improving animal health and wellbeing.

We have a highly committed voluntary Board of Management with a wide range of relevant experience to bring to the governance of the organisation.

sta f f and volu nt eer s

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amrr ic 2015 – st r at egic obj ectiv es ....our objectives – more programs

Objective 1: To increase the number of effective, culturally appropriate, community-driven sustainable animal health and management programs in rural and remote Indigenous communities across the country.

our objectives – education

Objective 2: To collaborate with Indigenous communities to develop and deliver culturally relevant and sustainable education programs that will ultimately enable these communities to manage the health and wellbeing of their companion animals.

our objectives – capacity building

Objective 3: To work with Indigenous communities to build capacity so that over time, good and effective animal health and management is sustained with a lessening reliance on external providers. AMRRIC will work to further build the capacity of relevant stakeholders (including government departments, regional councils, Aboriginal corporations, veterinarians and AMRRIC itself) to achieve a One Health approach to animal health and management.

5

our objectives – advocacy and policy

Objective 4: To work with stakeholders, advocating on behalf of Indigenous communities to develop animal management policies that are community driven and culturally appropriate and that bring about sustainable improvements in animal, human and environmental health and wellbeing.

our objectives – research and evaluation

Objective 5: To support relevant research and continually evaluate all aspects of our work to ensure evidence-based approaches and maximum efficiency, leading to sustained improvements in animal, human and environmental health.

our objectives – organisational effectiveness

Objective 6: AMRRIC’s unique approach is maintained and strengthened by continued good governance, financial sustainability and sound management systems that support innovation, quality, efficiency and effectiveness.

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7

ou r va lu es

respect

For the communities with whom we work, our supporters and our colleagues

For Indigenous culture and traditional knowledge

For the diversity and individuality of all people

accountability

We work to clearly articulated objectives in a transparent manner

We seek to achieve the best use of resources

integrity

We are honest, open and transparent

We avoid real, or apparent, conflicts of interest

outcomes focus

All our decisions are framed around the question “How will this help the communities with whom we work?”

collaboration

We work with communities

interconnectedness

We integrate our programs and work with others

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7

8

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progr am stati stics....

9

over 250 visits to communities, homelands or outstations

over 3440 dogs desexed

over 12,150 dogs treated for parasites

over 80 cats desexed

over 1,720 homes visited to consult with pet owners and treat animals

over 150 education visits in communities and school

10

2015....

A significant achievement this year has been the development of a new

Strategic Plan to guide our activities for the next

three years.

This has been an exciting year for AMRRIC. In December we farewelled Julia Hardaker, our outstanding CEO for the past seven years, and in February we welcomed our new CEO, Kim McCreanor, to the team.

Kim brings a special combination of skills and personal philosophies that sit comfortably with AMRRIC’s vision, values and purpose. Following 25 years’ experience in community sector and disability services management, often in remote communities, Kim moved into the field of animal welfare, a longstanding personal passion. In the role of Relationships Manager for the Bali Animal Welfare Association, Kim and her Indonesian staff worked with Balinese communities, managing animal welfare and community engagement, focusing on community empowerment and sustainability.

AMRRIC continues to strengthen the role it can play in the national One Health agenda. We have long recognised that the work we do with companion animals has an impact on the health and wellbeing of people too. We plan to host our first One Health

Roundtable in 2016. This will bring together One Health practitioners from relevant disciplines to achieve effective human, animal and environmental health solutions to specific public health issues.

Alongside these important new projects, AMRRIC’s day-to-day work continues: facilitating, supporting and delivering integrated veterinary and education programs in remote communities; working with local government to develop animal management plans and policies; supporting community members to build their capacity to provide their own animal management services; and assisting research in universities across Australia and internationally.

We are very grateful for the support we receive from federal and state governments. In particular, we thank the federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion. AMRRIC’s three year federal funding agreement is supporting education strategies and projects, and dog health and desexing programs through national partnerships.

AMRRIC has made a focused effort to diversify its funding and we are continually delighted and

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president’s report

11

humbled by the increasing number of generous gifts we now receive from individual donors. Thank you for the trust you place in AMRRIC to make a difference through our work.

One of the highlights of the past year was the celebration of AMRRIC’s 10th anniversary at our conference, which was held in Darwin in September. This event placed AMRRIC and its work within an international context, and many new and important relationships were forged.

The AMRRIC Board continues to work together purposefully, respectfully and with a commitment to good governance. A significant achievement this year has been the development of a new Strategic Plan to guide our activities for the next three years, together with revision of many of our strategic governance policies.

We were sad to farewell Indigenous Board member Geoff Irwin through ill health. Geoff was a wise and experienced member of the Board and his contribution will always be valued.

We thank AMRRIC‘s staff members for their continued hard work and professionalism. Their passionate commitment to the cause continues to drive the organisation forward.

12

The brilliance of AMRRIC lies with its ability to

facilitate and coordinate partnerships.

““

AMRRIC continues to be a strong and dynamic organisation. Over the past twelve months, it has demonstrated its capacity to accommodate both internal and external change, whilst remaining focussed on a vision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that are healthy and safe for people and their companion animals.

The finalisation of the Animal Management Worker Program (funded by the Northern Territory Aboriginals Benefit Account) and its evaluation have provided AMRRIC with a road map for future strategic directions. The Program has also provided us with valuable tools that will continue to promote and assist the further development of Animal Management Worker roles across the Northern Territory.

In September, our One Health – Indigenous Community Animal Management conference drew speakers and delegates from around the globe to learn about the challenges of delivering effective animal management. Attendees also shared inspiring stories of projects that are improving the lives of people and animals in communities around the world.

The AMRRIC Board came together in May for a strategic planning meeting which resulted in the new AMRRIC Strategic Plan which will guide our operations for the next three years.

We continue to be grateful to the generosity of our funders. Special mention must go to the Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs for his unwavering support of our work, and to the NT Animal Welfare Fund for supporting our Education Officer, Melissa Pepper, in her role over the past 12 months. Our growing number of donors, supporters and volunteers provide us with ongoing financial, emotional and physical support, and for that we thank each and every one of you.

The work we do with Indigenous communities demonstrates the emotional and physical connection between animals and their human companions. Our visual storytelling helps our supporters engage deeply with our work.

Within the AMRRIC team we have farewelled Janice O’Hare (Administration Officer) and Pritika Desai (Education Officer). We thank them for their

ceo’s report 2015....

13

contribution and enthusiasm and wish them well in their future endeavours. Greg Owen joined the team in January in the role of Education Specialist. And, of course, special mention must go to Julia Hardaker who retired as CEO in December 2014. We thank Julia for her excellent leadership, commitment and belief in AMRRIC during her seven year tenure.

I joined the AMRRIC team in February 2015 and have been impressed by the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm for our vision and purpose expressed by staff, volunteers and the board of management. I thank the AMRRIC team for providing me with a warm welcome and the AMRRIC Board for the strategic guidance and direction as I have settled into the role of CEO.

In closing, I would like to echo Julia’s sentiments by sharing my belief that the brilliance of AMRRIC lies with its ability to facilitate and coordinate partnerships. It is these partnerships that will continue to drive the change that will improve the health and wellbeing of companion animals in remote communities, and thus the health and wellbeing of the people who live with them.

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ann-margret Withers (treasurer)I believe with every fibre of my being in what AMRRIC is trying to achieve and I am extremely proud to serve on the Board.

sabina shugg (secretary)I like to think that I can help make a difference by being an active community member and by speaking up for things that need speaking up for, and one of my passions is to make life better for the people and animals of remote communities.

ted donelan (president)AMRRIC provides a unique opportunity to make a practical, culturally appropriate and sustainable improvement in the health and welfare of animals in Indigenous communities on a national scale.

jennie churchill (vice president)I have seen first hand the difference AMRRIC’s best practice programs and policies make to the animals and people in remote communities, and the influence it has on government. I’m proud to be involved with this focused and energetic organisation – AMRRIC may be small, but its impact is significant.

Wh y i serv e.... – board member s 2015

15

AMRRIC may be small, but its impact

is significant.

““

rosalie shultz I bring local expertise and experience in primary health care and public health to the Board. I’d like to support health promotion strategies of building healthy public policy, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills, and re-orientating health services in a One Health approach to Aboriginal communities, through AMRRIC.

peter stephenson AMRRIC’s vision and work on the ground are terrific demonstrations of meaningful transdisciplinary planning and action – it’s a pleasure contributing to the strategic directions of this unique organisation.

stephen cutterI am passionate about addressing Indigenous disadvantage and animal welfare. AMRRIC addresses both. Thousands of people and tens of thousands of animals are better off because of the work AMRRIC does.

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east arnhem regional council (earc): The pilot program in EARC provided training for seven AMWs, and reached Angurugu, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Gunyangara, Milingimbi, Milyakburra, Ramingining, Umbakumba and Yirrkala.

roper gulf regional council (rgrc): The pilot program in RGRC provided training for three AMWs and reached the community of Borroloola.

project documents:AMW Program Evaluation Report: Regina Hill Effective Consulting Pty Ltd presented the Program Evaluation Report at AMRRIC’s conference in September.

Animal Management Worker Manual: produced in partnership with East Arnhem Regional Council.

The Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) Animal Management Worker (AMW) project commenced in August 2011. Over the last four years, AMRRIC has worked with three Regional Councils in the Northern Territory – Barkly Regional Council, East Arnhem Regional Council and Roper Gulf Regional Council – to employ and train Indigenous AMWs. The Animal Management Worker role supports dog health programs which control the population and improve companion animal health. The pilot program was completed on 30 June 2015.

shires and project communities: barkly regional council (brc): The pilot program in BRC provided training for four AMWs, and program activities reached the communities of Ali Curung, Alpurrurulam, Ampilatwatja and Mungkarta, Elliot, Epenarra, Murray Downs, Tennant Creek and Utopia Outstations.

....anima l management Work er progr am

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Animal Management Worker Policy and Procedure Manual: produced in partnership with East Arnhem Regional Council.

Animal Management Worker Program: Lessons and Stories from Animal Management Workers across the NT: produced by AMRRIC to celebrate the achievements of the Animal Management Workers.

Animal Management Worker Training Outline: produced by AMRRIC staff who delivered training to AMWs during the pilot program.

Veterinary Services Policy and Procedure Manual: produced in partnership with East Arnhem Regional Council.

conclusion:Since the conclusion of funding for the pilot project, each of the Regional Councils has continued running their programs independent of funding from AMRRIC via the ABA grant. Council supervisors have demonstrated sufficient capacity to manage the program independently of AMRRIC’s input.

AMWs contribute significantly to improving the health and wellbeing of companion animals in their communities and continue to play an important role that links the local community to vet programs. Community education and training programs delivered by AMRRIC Education Officers and Animal Management Workers have increased responsible pet ownership. In communities with Animal Management Workers, it becomes the norm to have a population of well-behaved, healthy, desexed dogs.

AMRRIC is committed to capacity building in Indigenous communities, and continues to provide advice to partner Regional Councils.“We thank the Aboriginals Benefit

Account for making the funds available and for providing support

in the planning, operation, and delivery of this pilot project. “

Arafua Sea

Gulf of CarpentariaTimor Sea

NT

NHULUNBUY

TENNANT CREEK

ALICE SPRINGS

UTOPIA

ALI CURRUNG

EPENARRA

MURRAY DOWNS

MUNGKARTA

ELLIOT

AMPILATWATJA

ALPURRURULAM

GALIWINKU

GAPUWIYAK

MILINGIMBI

RAMINGINING

ANGURUGU

GUNYANGARA

YIRRKALA

MILYAKBURRA

UMBAKUMBA

BORROLOOLA

Darwin

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Our One Health – Indigenous Community Animal Management conference was held in Darwin in September, and was generously supported by our Conference Partner IFAW. The event drew speakers and delegates from around the globe, all keen to engage in discussions about improving the lives of people and animals by identifying links between human, animal and environmental health. Experts shared knowledge and experience from a broad range of perspectives, including all levels of government, and the not for profit, welfare, research, veterinary and pet industry sectors.

The three day event featured international keynote speakers Dr Frank Ascione, Kate Nattrass Atema and Dr Ganga de Silva. All conference presentations were recorded and can be viewed on our website at:

conf erence report....amrr ic 10t h an niv er sary

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http://amrric.org/news/amrric-10th-anniversary-conference-presentations

Other highlights included performances by the talented Shellie Morris and a special awards ceremony recognising AMRRIC’s Animal Management Workers and supporters who contributed to the program.

AMRRIC is grateful to IFAW and all our conference sponsors, as well as everyone who travelled to attend the event. We are grateful for the support of the One Health Animal Management community.

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tennant creek, nt AMRRIC has been working with the Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in both remote and urban communities over the past four years. In November, the third surgical desexing program was delivered in Tennant Creek. The program team included AMRRIC staff and vet Linda Bradbury, BRC, Barkly Veterinary Practice and local Aboriginal Councils (Julalikari and Anyinginyi), along with Joie Boulter and Dion Beasley from the Cheeky Dog label. The team desexed 67 dogs and 46 cats.

pilbara, WaAMRRIC has been working with Pilbara Meta Maya Regional Aboriginal Corporation (PMMRAC) for seven years facilitating vet teams to do surgical desexings. This complements all the other animal management work that PMMRAC does throughout the year. In 2015, the team travelled from Port Hedland over 2000 kms to 11 communities, desexing 89 dogs and 6 cats. Once again the team included several dedicated AMRRIC volunteers.

utopia and the canberra mob, ntThis continues to be a great success story, with the Canberra Mob maintaining their regular twice-yearly visits which began in August 2011. As the percentage of desexed dogs in the Utopia outstations increases, the population has stabilised and the occurrence of scabies is now minimal. Consequently, the team has extended its reach to the very remote outstation of Arramwelke and several communities to the south in the adjoining Central Desert Regional Council area. The team serviced 16 outstations or communities in their visit in early May.

AMRRIC looks forward to working with other veterinary groups to achieve similar success.

kakadu outstations, ntIn September 2014 the second and final Kakadu Outstations program occurred, supported by NT Environmental Protection Authority funding. The purpose of these programs was “To minimise the potential adverse impacts of Kakadu outstations’ companion animals as invasive species into Kakadu National Park“.

During the project, a total of 96 animals were desexed in ten Kakadu outstations. The program concentrated on two locations - the East Alligator Ranger Station, where northern quolls have been released, and the NT Parks and Wildlife experimental cat-free fenced compound near Kapalga.

This collaborative project included two Aboriginal Corporations - Gundjheimi and Warnbi - and assistance from Parks Australia. A total of seven AMRRIC volunteers brought valuable skills to the project.

kalumburu, WaAt the request of Federal Cabinet Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Nigel Scullion, AMRRIC collaborated with the Kimberley Public Health Unit (KPHU) to deliver veterinary services and an education program in the community of Kalumburu. This program complemented KPHU’s long-term injectable contraception program.

The team delivered a week-long education program. This was followed by a surgical desexing program in which 97 animals were desexed. This means that 98% of all companion animals in the community are now desexed. Thank you to Barkly Regional Council, who supported Animal Management Workers Scott Spurling and Dewayne Foster to join the team, and to KPHU. We would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of veterinarian Kirsty Officer.

ou tstanding v et er inary progr am stor ies....

areyonga and mutitjulu, ntTwo foundation member AMRRIC vets, Bob Irving and Stephen Cutter, worked together in the communities of Mutitjulu and Areyonga. These communities are both situated in iconic and beautiful settings. Two University of Adelaide final year veterinary students, Isabel Jackway and Sarah Ballantyne, volunteered on the program and, with AMRRIC One Health Program Manager Jan Allen, were fortunate to benefit from Bob and Stephen’s combined experience of over 40 years of remote community dog programs. In both communities, 85-90% of dogs are now desexed, which produces a stable number of dogs.

darwin indigenous communities, ntThis year with funding support from Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation, the City of Darwin Council, the Ark Animal Hospital and crowd-funding efforts by AMRRIC we have been able to extend veterinary services to seven communities in the Darwin region. Hopefully this will be an annual occurrence.

catsThe Australian federal government’s new Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats shows an increasing awareness of cats in remote environments and communities. AMRRIC submitted a number of comments to the plan, all of which were included.

This year AMRRIC was requested to assist one of Darwin’s town camps with their increasing cat problem. The AMRRIC-facilitated program desexed 18 cats, which will have a positive impact on local biodiversity.

volunteersThank you to the AMRRIC members who have volunteered this year from the deserts of central Australia and the Pilbara to the coastal communities on the Tiwis and Kalumburu. We look forward to engaging further with you next year.

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education....amangal and acacia programsThe Northern Territory communities of Acacia and Amangal requested a One Health Program, including both veterinary and education services. To fund the program, AMRRIC launched its first crowdfunding project, raising $2772 through the Let’s Act platform. This amount funded the veterinary services to both communities, and AMRRIC funded the educational programs. The veterinary services, provided in partnership with The Ark Veterinary Hospital, were delivered to Acacia on 19 March in celebration of National Close the Gap Day, and to Amangal on 24 February in celebration of World Spey Day. Thanks to the support of Indigenous Engagement Officers Caroline Olsen and Ruby Liddy, and Government Engagement Coordinator Chrissy Jenner, the programs were well received.

darwin town camps tv advertisements AMRRIC successfully applied for a grant from City of Darwin to produce three educational TV ads. The ads promote key dog health messages that are relevant, easy to understand and culturally appropriate. They aim to empower residents to make informed decisions about the health of their dogs, and provide an understanding about how healthy dogs can have a positive influence on their own health and wellbeing. The ads also provide an opportunity to promote the importance of dogs to Indigenous people within the broader community, and build on existing collaborative partnerships between AMRRIC, City of Darwin, Larrakia Nation and town camp residents.

Education Officer Melissa Pepper worked with community members to produce the ads in conjunction with Kalem and the team at Aboriginal Broadcasting Australia, and Karen from Larrakia Nation. The ads will be broadcast on Northern Territory TV.

You mob do a great job. Helping the dogs be

healthy makes the families happy and healthy.

““Robert, Bagot Community Resident (Darwin)

2313

“

“

Thank you AMRRIC for your creative fundraising for animal

programs for Amangal and Acacia communities. Your support, hard

work and compassion are much appreciated.

The TV ads help show that dogs are

part of family and we need to look

after them.

“

“

Chrissy Jenner (Indigenous GEC, Greater Darwin Region)

Karen, Larrakia Nation Tenancy Support Officer

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tiwi islands’ cat education resource development AMRRIC was approached by the Tiwi Land Council (TLC) to help them develop educational resources about cats and their impact on native wildlife.

Due to their isolation, the Tiwi Islands have long been protected from the impact of feral animals, but the arrival of domestic cats poses a threat to the islands’ bird and small mammal populations. Some of these are endemic to the islands or listed as vulnerable or threatened either locally or nationally. During consultation with the TLC rangers, it was noted that not all community members were aware of the impact of free-roaming cats on the Tiwis’ wildlife.

A poster was designed in consultation with the rangers that conveyed the effect of cats on native wildlife, and how cat owners could help protect native birds and animals through desexing their cats and preventing them from roaming. The posters

incorporate Tiwi Island colours and artwork and will be displayed in prominent locations across the islands’ three main communities (Wurrumiyanga, Pirlangimpi and Milikapitii), as well as at the ferry and airport terminals.

The new cat education resources also included a pamphlet. The educational pamphlet will be included in information packs distributed to new workers and residents of the Tiwi Islands, and will also feature as an insert in the next edition of ‘The Tiwi’ newsletter.

Thank you to the National Environmental Research Program for funding the development of these resources.

‘be a friend to your dog’ in lajamanu To complement the regular dog health programs in Lajamanu, the AMRRIC Education Team are working with Lajamanu teachers to introduce AMRRIC’s

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utopia education visit In May 2015, AMRRIC Education Officer Pritika Desai visited Utopia to deliver an education program in conjunction with a veterinary program delivered by AMRRIC member vets from Canberra. Utopia is a 5000 sq. km area encompassing a number of Alyawarr and Anmatyerre communities and outstations north-east of Alice Springs. AMRRIC’s ‘Be a Friend to Your Dog’ lessons were delivered to students at Apungalindum, Soapy Bore, Arlparra, Irrultja and Harts Range Schools. Students were engaged in activities focused on safety around dogs, recognising dogs’ feelings, puppy maths and dogs’ needs. With the concurrent veterinary program, it was also a great opportunity for students to interact with the vets and observe surgeries. A picture book entitled ‘How we care for animals’ was created by students as a memento of the visit.

“I love Yelo. He likes to stay home

and guard the house. He looks after us and we look after him by

feeding him good tucker. “Theo (Lajamanu School) about his dog

education resource package ‘Be a Friend to Your Dog’ (BAFTYD) into the school’s curriculum. Principal James Byrant, Assistant Principal Juliette Keefe and other staff recognise that their school is ideally placed to work with students and the community to promote responsible pet ownership, in the knowledge that happy, healthy dogs contribute to a happy, healthy community.

A number of teacher workshops were carried out by AMRRIC Education Specialist Greg Owen and in-class demonstrations of the BAFTYD lessons were delivered by Education Officer Mel Pepper. Teachers gave the unit plans and supporting learning resources very positive feedback. Comments indicate that the plans are teacher-friendly, and the themes both relevant and popular with students. All activities are aligned with the Australian Curriculum.

The Grade 3/4 Class led by Mel Pepper and teacher Meghan Hosking wrote and illustrated a book called ‘We Love Our Dogs’ in which the kids shared why their dogs are important to them, what makes their dogs happy and how they care for their dogs. The students were very excited to see themselves and their dogs in print and were eager to share their books with their families.

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Darwin

Arafua Sea

Gulf of CarpentariaTimor Sea

NT

WA

WYNDHAMTIMBER CREEK

KALKARINDJI/DAGURAGU

BAGOT

PALMERSTON INDIGENOUS VILLAGE

KNUCKEY LAGOON

TIWI ISLANDS

ACACIAAMANGAL

KALULAKMINMARAMA

TENNANT CREEK

YARRALIN/LINGARA

LAJAMANU

YUENDUMU

ALICE SPRINGS

KALUMBURU

UTOPIA

ALI CURRUNG

GALIWINKU

NHULUNBUY

GALIWINKU

27

Darwin

Arafua Sea

Gulf of CarpentariaTimor Sea

NT

WA

WYNDHAMTIMBER CREEK

KALKARINDJI/DAGURAGU

BAGOT

PALMERSTON INDIGENOUS VILLAGE

KNUCKEY LAGOON

TIWI ISLANDS

ACACIAAMANGAL

KALULAKMINMARAMA

TENNANT CREEK

YARRALIN/LINGARA

LAJAMANU

YUENDUMU

ALICE SPRINGS

KALUMBURU

UTOPIA

ALI CURRUNG

GALIWINKU

NHULUNBUY

GALIWINKU

ma p of vi sits....

community nameAcacia

Amangal

Bagot

Minmarama

Kalulak

Kalkarindji/Daguragu

Knuckey Lagoon

Lajamanu

Yarralin/Lingara

Palmerston Indigenous Village

Timber Creek (Timber Creek Village, Muruning, Myatt and Bulla)

Tiwi Islands

Yuendumu

Kalumburu

Utopia

Tennant Creek

Galiwinku

Ali Currung

total

Number of Visits (Education) = 72

Community Members Engaged = 1648

School Students Engaged (Be a Friend to Your Dog) = 1038

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• Brian Radovic from Barkly Regional Council: for mentoring AMWs and his ongoing commitment to remote communities

• Central Desert Regional Council: for supporting use of the Dog Tracker app

• City of Darwin: for funding and collaborating with AMRRIC on annual veterinary programs in Bagot, Kulaluk and Minmarama

• Emma Kennedy from East Arnhem Regional Council: for her long-term dedication to East Arnhem communities and to the many AMWs she’s employed

• Government Engagement Coordinators Chrissy Jenner and Carol Stanilaus and Indigenous Engagement Officers Caroline Olsen, Ruby Liddy and Kelly Anderson: for their support and assistance in delivering the Knuckeys, Amangal and Acacia veterinary programs

ou r su pport er s....

special thanks to the following individuals and organisations for: provision of grants: • Aboriginals Benefit Account

• City of Darwin

• Department of Social Services

• Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

• Northern Territory Animal Welfare Fund

• Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority

• Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation

other support: • Barkly Regional Council: for supplying two

Animal Management Workers (AMWs) for the Kalumburu project

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• Gundjheimi Aboriginal Corporation: for supporting the Kakadu outstations project

• Kali Sachs from the Bagot Out of School Hours Centre: for her ongoing assistance and support of dog health and parasite treatment programs in Bagot Community

• Karen Gregory, Tenancy Support Manager at Larrakia Nation: for providing voiceovers and community liaison assistance in filming of the Healthy Dogs, Healthy Families TV ads in Bagot Community

• Lajamanu School - Principal Max Agnew/James Bryant, Assistant Principal Juliette Keefe and the teacher team: for trialling the Be a Friend to Your Dog learning units and assessment plans, and for providing valuable feedback on their classroom usability

• Larrakia Nation: for liaison support during programs in the Darwin region

• Parks Australia: for supporting programs in Kakadu outstations and Mutitjulu with accommodation

• Sacha Woodburn from East Arnhem Regional Council: for delivering programs in Groote Eylandt, Milingimbi and Ramingining

• The Ark Animal Hospital: for regularly providing volunteer vet and vet nurse staff for veterinary programs, particularly in the Darwin region

• University of New England, particularly Wendy Brown: for funding an annual program to three Tiwi communities and for providing program liaison and organisation

• Veterinary partners: Stephen Cutter, Ted Donelan, Barkly Veterinary Practice and Canberra Mob – Indigenous Dog Health

• Warnbi Aboriginal Corporation: for supporting the Kakadu outstations project

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In July this year, AMRRIC was saddened to lose one of its greatest friends and supporters, Professor Tony English AM. Dr English was one of a small group of committed individuals whose vision led to the establishment of AMRRIC. He also served as AMRRIC’s Senior Vice President between 2004 and 2006.

Tony graduated in veterinary science with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland in 1966. After completing a PhD at the University of Queensland in 1976, he joined the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney the following year. He received a Member of the General List of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2006, and in 2008 was awarded the Gilruth Prize from the Australian Veterinary Association for outstanding service to veterinary science in Australia.

Tony’s professional life spanned both the veterinary profession and his role in the Army Reserve, from which he retired after 38 years with the rank of Colonel. Tony became involved with the Army ATSIC Community Assistance Program (AACAP), which included running dog health programs in selected Indigenous communities. Using proceedings from a 1993 Darwin conference developed by another early

visionary Jack Shield (formerly Department of Primary Industries, Cairns), he ran a successful pilot program in the Northern Territory community of Bulla in 1997.

During this time, a conversation at Galiwin’ku with Environmental Health Worker Phil Donohoe confirmed the need for an independent organisation committed to education in communities, to providing sustainable dog health programs, and to linking those programs with research. Others joined Tony and Phil in their vision and worked towards the formation of AMRRIC.

One of those early colleagues, AMRRIC’s current President Dr Ted Donelan said, “Tony was a key player in AMRRIC’s establishment. As a great person and an older man with an established academic reputation, he became an important mentor for many of the younger people involved in the early days of AMRRIC. With his passion for the cause and his reputation in academic and environmental fields he opened many doors for AMRRIC.”

Tony was always available to give sensible, practical advice, or just to have a friendly chat. He was very proud of AMRRIC’s achievements and proud of his role in its formation. He was a true friend of AMRRIC to the end.

t r ibu t e....

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“Tony was a key player in

AMRRIC’s establishment....he became an important mentor

for many of the younger people involved in the early days of AMRRIC. “Dr Ted Donelan (current AMRRIC President)

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