Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the people of Tennant Creek for their spirit and inspiration.

In particular I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of Tennant Creek, the members of the Alcohol Reference Group and all of the people who participated in this process and those who have inspired others with their efforts to reduce the harms of alcohol in Tennant Creek.

I would also like to acknowledge the staff of the Northern Territory Department of Business, especially the Alcohol Policy and Strategy Unit for their support and assistance in this process and the independent consulting team, CDC Consulting, engaged to assist in facilitation for the initial community consultation and planning process.

Combating alcohol related harm is not an easy thing to do. I would like to acknowledge leaders in Tennant Creek that have contributed to the long and sometimes successful effort in reducing alcohol related harm effecting residents of Tennant Creek. This Alcohol Management Plan builds on the good work that has previously been done.

Barb Shaw,
Chairperson, Tennant Creek Alcohol Reference Group

The ARG ran a design competition for community members to design the front cover of the AMP. Tristan Duggie won the competition. The front and back cover of this AMP are designed by Tristan.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Contents

Key Definitions

Introduction

Background

Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs)

Tennant Creek

Alcohol Harm in Tennant Creek

Alcohol Sales and Restrictions in Tennant Creek

The 2014- 2017 Alcohol Management Plan Development Process

Alcohol Reference Group Established

Background Discussion Paper (April – September 2014)

Important Qualities of Tennant Creek Alcohol Management Plan

What success will look like

The 2014 – 2017 Plan

Vision of the Alcohol Management Plan

Purpose Statement

Key Goal Areas

Goal Area One - Supply Reduction

Goal Area Two - Demand Reduction

Goal Area Three - Harm Reduction

Goal Area Four - Governance, Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation

Tennant Creek Alcohol Management Action Plan

Goal Area One - Supply Reduction

Goal Area Two - Demand Reduction

Goal Area Three - Harm Reduction

Goal Area Four – Governance, Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation

Key Definitions

The following is a list of abbreviated terms and key definitions referred to in the Alcohol Management Plan.

Term / Definition
Alcohol Supply, Demandand Harm Reduction / Supply Reduction
Reducing alcohol consumption and related harm by managing the availability, accessibility and convenience of alcohol supply.
Demand Reduction
Changing individual attitudes, personal knowledge and behaviours to drinking alcohol
Changing the community’s tolerance of irresponsible and risky drinking patterns
Harm Reduction
Reducing harms to individuals and the community through:
Influencing safer drinking choices and drinking environments
Providing interventions that prevent further harms
AMP / Alcohol Management Plan
Anyinginyi / Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation
APO / Alcohol Protection Order (NT Police initiative)
ARG / Alcohol Reference Group
CLA / Community Living Area(s) within Tennant Creek
Culture / The term ‘culture’ may be used to describe a specific reference to ‘Indigenous Culture’ or more generally in terms of a ‘community culture’. This will be clarified by stating which meaning in the context in which the term is used.
FASD / Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Julalikari / Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation
Liquor Accord / The Licensee’s group in Tennant Creek and their agreements
PapuluApparr Kari / PapuluApparr Kari Aboriginal Corporation (Language Centre)
Patta Aboriginal Corp / Patta Aboriginal Corporation (Traditional Owners of Tennant Creek)
Respect / The inference is for respect for land, community, family and self and in general terms i.e. other people, property, laws and rules.
Secretariat / The support role provided by the NT Department of Business to the ARG
TBL / Temporary Beat Locations (NT Police initiative)

Introduction

Tennant Creek has been a leader, and continues to show leadership in strategies and innovations to address alcohol related harms. Tennant Creek is where the first Night Patrol was founded. Tennant Creek is the community that lobbied government, and won, with regards to key supply restrictions, before it became a focus of broader government legislation. These and other innovations were driven by a strong community that was prepared to do something in making things better for the people of Tennant Creek.

A large number of strong people in Tennant Creek continue every day to take action to reduce alcohol-related harm in whatever way(s) they can. This Alcohol Management Plan (AMP) recognises their strength and courage.

The AMP is not trying to document all efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm but to help integrate approaches by organisations aiming to have an impact on reducing alcohol-related harms.

The development of the 2014 AMP is the current step of long-term alcohol-related harm reduction planning which has involved considerable community consultation, drive and action over many years.

Previously, following community consultations in 2007, the first formal AMP was implemented in 2008. This AMP included the ‘Dry Town Declaration’ and the Alcohol Supply Plan.

In February 2014, the new Tennant Creek Alcohol Reference Group (ARG) was established. Our role has been to oversee and contribute to the development of the 2014 AMP including facilitating community engagement.

A list of the current members of the Alcohol Reference Group and terms of reference can be found in the Tennant Creek AMP Planning Discussion Paper.

Many, many, people have volunteered their time and effort to contribute to the development of this AMP. This includes a broad variety of Tennant Creek community members, those working for community organisations, local businesses, and government organisations as well as community members who have contributed in their own capacity.

Background

Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs)

Alcohol Management Plans aim to present local responses to alcohol issues within a local community or region. AMPs recognise that alcohol problems are not the same in every part of the Northern Territory.

AMPs aim to minimise the nature and extent of harm caused by the consumption of alcohol, through using an integrated approach which includes alcohol supply, demand and harm reduction strategies.

Tennant Creek

The Patta people of the Warumungu clan are the traditional owners of the area on which Tennant Creek is located.

Tennant Creek is full of hidden gems – primarily in its people and the extraordinary leadership that has been shown in a whole variety of fields, but also in its cultural assets, creativity and the stunning beauty of its natural surrounds. Through committed community members it has developed a relatively large and diverse array of community based organisations – formal and informal including a variety of quality sporting infrastructure, churches, and art and cultural programs.

Tennant Creek is now the regional centre for the large and remote Barkly Region which has a population of over six thousand people and covers 283,606 square kilometres (the land size is a little larger than the whole United Kingdom). While Tennant Creek became part of the Barkly Regional Council in 2008, its links with the surrounding communities and stations have been long established. Many residents of the region migrate to Tennant Creek for visits or to live for the medium or long term, increasing the links with the broader Barkly region.

On a practical note the town is in a significant central position on the Stuart Highway being just over 500km north of Alice Springs, 670km south of Katherine and just over 660km east of Mount Isa (QLD). There is one supermarket, one butcher and four petrol stations. There is a Hospital and Primary and High school.

Tennant Creek itself has a culturally and linguistically strong and diverse population of just over three thousand residents. The Indigenous population makes up approximately 50% of the population. The Warumungu people, along with other Aboriginal people, represent a range of different Aboriginal language groups. Tennant Creek is also a vibrant a multicultural community, with residents from India, Bosnia, Britain, Fiji, Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, as well as Australia.

Alcohol Harm in Tennant Creek

Harm from alcohol is a significant issue in Tennant Creek. This issue has immediate, medium and intergenerational effects. The effects are broad and impact the drinker, their family including the entire household. The broader community feels the impact in health, social and economic terms.

The damaging effects of alcohol harm is typified by the high rate of alcohol related assault offences. Ten year trends from 2003 have shown a disturbing steady increase in alcohol related assaults with police reported assault offences tripling (up to 539 in the year to Jan 2014). It appears the numbers spiked at the end of 2013. During 2014, with the introduction of a range of measures, the number of offences has reduced to an amount on par with 2011/12 assault rates.

Community members are also extremely concerned about the harms to children due to the misuse of alcohol. Two particular harms have been stressed; the first is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), passed to unborn children from their mother who consumes alcohol pre and during pregnancy. The prevalence of this disorder is not known – but suspected to have affected hundreds of children – which will impact FASD children for life. The other harm to children of concern is the normalisation of excessive drinking behaviours.

The range of alcohol-related harms in Tennant Creek include the negative economic impact on the town in a number of ways, including the reduction of the available work force and a decrease in attraction for investment in the town.

Alcohol Sales and Restrictions in Tennant Creek

There are 10 retailers in Tennant Creek licensed to sell alcohol, including Pubs, Takeaway outlets, Clubs Hotels, and accommodation services. There are also a number of Social Clubs that have licences to sell alcohol on their premises and event licenses granted for special events.

Alcohol consumption is very high in Tennant Creek. Based on the 2013 alcohol sales, if all alcohol sales were converted to full strength cans of beer, weekly sales would be equivalent to approximately 70,000 full strength cans of beer being sold per week in the town.

Under the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Act 2012 there are areas in Tennant Creek including public parks and Community Living Areas which are alcohol protected areas with restrictions on the possession and transportation of alcohol.

The 2014- 2017 Alcohol Management Plan Development Process

Alcohol Reference Group Established

In February 2014, a new Tennant Creek Alcohol Reference Group (ARG) was established to provide community and industry expertise, advice and input into the development, implementation, monitoring, and review of the AMP. It has met monthly to become better informed of the issues arising and to oversee the process.

Background Discussion Paper (April – September 2014)

In order to set a foundation for continuing to reduce alcohol-related harm, the many strengths of people living and working in Tennant Creek was a basis for the consultation for the discussion paper produced as a background for the AMP.

The production of this discussion paper was a process involving continued review and input by the ARG and other community members. It included:

  • Consultation with ARG and other community members
  • Evidence regarding alcohol related harm and management strategies
  • Information about Tennant Creek:
  • General information;
  • alcohol consumption data and impacts; and
  • recent and/or continuing initiatives that target alcohol related harm.
  • Reflection on past effort and consultation in Tennant Creek on Alcohol Management
  • Feedback - from community as part of the 2014 consultations, to help inform forward directions
  • Recommendations for Key Goals for the new AMP.

The community stakeholders interviewed came from a range of backgrounds and included representatives of community organisations, service providers, businesses, participants in programs and general community members. They included women and men, people from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal backgrounds and a range of ages.

TheDraft AMP has been developed by the ARG (August– September 2014)

Future Review ofthe AMP with Lead Partners and other Stakeholders including community members (September – October 2014)

Important Qualities of Tennant Creek Alcohol Management Plan

What success will look like

The 2014 – 2017 Plan

Vision of the Alcohol Management Plan

Working together to reduce Alcohol Related Harm in our Community.

A safe and prosperous Tennant Creek that stands out as a leading regional centre for the Barkly.

To bring about social change through leadership and innovation that supports understanding and respect.

Purpose Statement

To strengthen community health and wellbeing through united commitment to reducing alcohol-related harm in Tennant Creek and across the Barkly.

Key Goal Areas

Goal Area One - Supply Reduction

  1. Formal and consistent supply restrictions and strategies that are effective in reducing harm.

1.1Formalise the Tennant Creek Liquor Accord current restrictions

1.2Investigate options around other supply measures

1.3Tackle illegal alcohol supply

1.4Use of electronic monitoring to enforce supply restrictions and bans

1.5Investigate new technology that can assist in supply reduction and improve community safety and reduce alcohol related harm

1.6Continuation of Police initiatives

  1. Liquor industry stakeholders, including licensed premises and social clubs in Tennant Creek have effective, transparent and non-discriminatory rules and codes of conduct in place.

1.7Consistent patron and licensee code of conduct

1.8Better access to local service of liquor and hospitality training

1.9Transparent process for new and/or amended Liquor License application

Goal Area Two - Demand Reduction

  1. Support people to be stronger and make better choices – reducing harm from alcohol - for the benefit of the individual, their family and the broader community.

1.10Promotion of alcohol-free activities in Tennant Creek

2.1Increase in prevention, education and early intervention strategies

2.2Change of attitude towards risky drinking culture supported by local sporting clubs

  1. Promote a culture of connection across the community.

2.3Enhance community pride and grow respect in Tennant Creek

  1. A focus on children and youth – recognising they are both vulnerable but also have positive contributions to make for the future.

2.4Develop and grow youth leadership

  1. Link government and non-government services through a collaborative approach, using coordinated care pathways and complimentary targeted supports.

2.5Local inter-agency collaboration

  1. Develop and enhance community leadership.

2.6Develop and establish community leadership in Tennant Creek

Goal Area Three - Harm Reduction

  1. Specific strategies to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) focused on whole of family and community approach with increased specific services/supports for pregnant women.

2.7Enhance education and training resources for FASD

2.8FASD research and diagnostic trail

2.9Holistic approach applied to messaging, diagnosis, treatment and support for FASD

2.10Work with government for legislative changes

3.1Licensees to promote awareness about the harm to pregnant women after the consumption of alcohol

  1. Support and strengthen non-drinkers who are affected by others as a result of alcohol consumption.

3.2Community support services for non-drinkers

3.3Advocate and plan around safe places for people to go

3.4Support school attendance strategies

  1. Constructively influence positive change in environments in which people live to help reduce alcohol harm.

3.5Advocate and support Tenancy support for residents

3.6Install closed circuit CCTV monitoring system

3.7Advocate and lobby for increased housing and infrastructure needs

3.8Support public transport

3.9Advocate and support families to be free from alcohol stress

3.10Access public water fountains in Tennant Creek

  1. Collaboration and effective linkages and coordination of services that address alcohol harm.

4.1Review and support alcohol treatment services in the Barkly

4.2Engage with the alcohol industry

4.3Support and align the Tennant Creek Alcohol Management Plan with the Tennant Creek Community Safety Plan

Goal Area Four - Governance, Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation

  1. Effective Governance of the AMP, with regular monitoring and mechanisms to address feedback and complaints.

4.4Effective governance of the Tennant Creek Alcohol Reference Group

  1. Clear process for ongoing review, evaluation of the AMP that is transparent and accountable to the Government and community of Tennant Creek.

4.5Establish regular reporting mechanism and review

  1. Respective regular feedback and engagement with stakeholders and publish the progress of the AMP.

4.6Develop a communication strategy

4.7Provide regular feedback to the community

  1. Monitoring strategies that include qualitative and quantitative measures and access to local data to help identify outcomes, short and long term trends.

4.8Evaluation and monitoring of the Alcohol Management Plan

Note: The Tennant Creek Alcohol Management Plan has two components:

1)The Tennant Creek Alcohol Management Plan (AMP) and;