Administrator of Christmas
and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Community Newsletter
Issue 19 – 2 October 2020
In this issue:
Welcome Message
Latest News
- Consultations report released on the Flying Fish Cove draft Landscape Master Plan
Additional IOT Air Services
Community Bulletins
- RDO Tourism infrastructure and CI CV
- Extension of IOT states of emergency
- 2018-19 Service Delivery Arrangement Annual Report for IOT
- Assistant Minister Media Release - Working for the sustainable growth of IOT economies
Community Activities
- Territory Week 2020 – Trivia Night
- Territory Week 2020 – CI Family Day
- Territory Week 2020 – Evening Soiree
- Territory Week 2020 – Island Quest and Family Picnic
Public Announcements
- Public Notice – Speed Limit in Flying Fish Cove
- Ci Family Day – Recreational Vehicles
Job Opportunities
- Human Resources Manager IOTA
- Caterer/Launderer IOTA
- IOTA Temporary Employment Register
Community Announcements
- Tai Jin House opening hours
It has been another busy month for the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). While we continue to provide immediate and essential support for communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also been progressing the sustainable, long-term development of CI and CKI through several key initiatives.
I chaired the inaugural IOT Research Working Group on 24 September, to develop a Research Prospectus for the IOT and inform a business case for an IOT Research Centre. The community-led CKI and CI Strategic Plans view research and education as central to the long-term economic development of IOT, with this working group an important step in capitalising on the substantial economic opportunities the unique and extraordinary environments CI and CKI offer.
I was also honoured to participate in the CI Police Remembrance Day service on 29 September, which is a national day to commemorate officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives serving their local communities.
It was also an opportunity to recognise the service of all serving police officers and the support of their families – particularly acknowledging this year the additional challenges and increased workload during the COVID-19 pandemic where police have been asked to go above and beyond to keep our community safe.
I once again paid special thanks to Territory Controllers Kylie Lawson and Dave Williams for their tireless efforts, and those of the teams supporting them and me.
We are also continuing to progress the Flying Fish Cove Landscape Master Plan, with the Consultation Report from the recent round of community engagement now available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications’ website. I would like to thank the community for their input on the draft plan and proposed staging of works, and encourage everyone to continue to have their say throughout the process.
Continuing our look forward, this year’s Territory Week celebrations will see a number of exciting events occurring across CI in celebration of the exceptional environment, culture and way of life of the Island and its people.
The commencement of the celebrations will be marked by the Poon Saan Club and CLA Moon Cake Festival 2020 on Thursday evening at the Poon Saan basketball courts, then a Trivia Night that I will host at my Official Residence on Friday, 2 October, followed by the CI Family Day at Flying Fish Cove on Saturday, 3 October between 10am-3pm with stalls, live performances, face painting, the Raft Regatta, the Rec Centre Cove Swim and more held throughout the day. On Sunday evening, it will be time to dance the night away at an Evening Soiree I will host along with the Christmas Island Visitor Centre at the Tai Jin House, with the Island Quest on Monday, 5 October at Flying Fish Cove rounding out the week’s events.
It is important that as we come together to celebrate what makes CI such a wonderful and unique place to live, that we are doing so safely. To keep our community COVID-safe this Territory Week, all activities require registration for attendance which can be done at the CI Tourism Centre, CI Phosphates Office or the Office of the Administrator.
I want to assure you all that all Territory Week activities are abiding by COVID safety and hygiene training and requirements. I thank all community members for working together to keep yourselves, your family and our community healthy.
Following Territory Week, I will be travelling to CKI from 6-16 October for a range of emergency management engagements including the COVID-19 subcommittee meeting, discussions with the Territory Controller and the CKI EMC meeting. I will also be chairing the next meetings of the health services Community Advisory Committee and the IOT Regional Development Organisation while I am there, along with a number of other community engagements and special events. I look forward to seeing those of you on CKI in person next week.
If you have story ideas for upcoming editions of the newsletter, including future community events and activities or past events (including photos) please email belinda.vanzundert@infrastructure.gov.au in my office. We always welcome community input.
If you would like more information about any topic in the newsletter, or if you would like to receive a hard copy, please contact my office.
Mrs Natasha Griggs
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Island
Police Remembrance Day ceremony at the Christmas Island Police Station.
Meeting the Site and Project Management Team from Manteena and Arup.
Public Health Officials (PHEOC) from WA visited the IOT to look at our COVID-19 planning.
Latest News
Consultations report released on the Flying Fish Cove draft Landscape Master Plan
Following the first round of community consultation in February 2020, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the department) recently conducted the second round of consultation for the Flying Fish Cove Landscape Master Plan Project.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the consultation was conducted remotely with the assistance of Island-based consultant, Vanessa Bennett of CChange Sustainable Solutions. The consultation period ran for four weeks in August 2020, with high participation in the letterbox feedback, online video and surveys and attendance at the small group community consultation. The community feedback and comments have been captured in a consultation outcomes report which the Department has uploaded here for your review and comment.
The department welcomes further community feedback on both the report and the Master Plan to ensure local knowledge and expertise inform the long-term revitalization of Flying Fish Cove.
Submissions will be open for a four-week period from today by emailing ffclmpconsultation@infrastructure.gov.au
Thank you to the community for your valuable contribution and input as it has allowed the department to capture the full range of views on what the Christmas Island community consider the best and most appropriate land use for the cove.
Additional IOT Air Services
Due to continued strong demand for IOT air services, the Australian Government is underwriting an additional one-off freighter from Perth to Christmas Island (CI) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) on Friday, 9 October 2020.
This freighter is expected to address a projected backlog of IOT freight, and is in addition to a number of new Sunday services that have been provided to help meet increased demand for freight and passenger services to the IOT.
The schedule for the new Sunday services (all times local) is below:
Following the first of the new flight services on September 27, the remaining additional flights will operate on the following dates:
- Sunday, 11 October 2020
- Sunday, 8 November 2020
- Sunday, 22 November 2020
- Sunday, 20 December 2020.
Passenger numbers for the additional Sunday services out of Perth will generally be capped to ensure freight demands are met. Current lodgement times and processes for freight will be unaffected.
Additional details regarding IOT freight are available at https://www.freightshop.com.au/.
The Government will continue to monitor and adjust IOT air service capacity as required.
Community Bulletins
Community Activities
Public Announcement
PUBLIC NOTICE
SPEED LIMIT ON THE WATER IN FLYING FISH COVE
The community are advised that there is an 8-knot speed limit gazetted for the waters in Flying Fish Cove. The limit applies to all waters inside the line shown on the sketch under. The line runs in a straight line from the flagstaff at Smith Point on a heading of 080°until it intersects land at the southern end of the main wharf.
You should always be aware of your boat's speed and whether it causes nuisance or damage to surrounding people, vessels, property or environment. Please consider your speed and maintain your speed at 8-knots or less especially in any water having a depth of less than 3 metres, within 15 metres of a vessel underway or within 50 metres of a moored vessel, a person in the water or a jetty or wharf.
David Robertson
Harbour Master
1st October 2020
The Australian Government, through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication’s Territories Division, provides funding to LINX to provide services to the Indian Ocean Territories.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CI FAMILY DAY – SATURDAY, 3rd OCTOBER 2020 –PRIVATE VESSELS
As you would all be aware the CI Family Day is this Saturday, 3rd October 2020 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. To avoid potential conflict and to ensure community safety we are asking owners/operators of any private vessels that have launched prior to the commencement of the day’s activities to contact ‘CI Port Control’ on VHF Ch09 if you are arriving back in Flying Fish Cove during these times; before proceeding to the boat ramp to recover your vessel. We ask that you standoff at a safe distance outside of the yacht moorings and await clearance from the safety officials that will be on station in Flying Fish Cove.
Your cooperation will ensure that the day’s activities are not interrupted and everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
If you have any queries in this regard please contact me to discuss on 0439 215 225.
David Robertson
Harbour Master
30th September 2020
Job Opportunities
Number: SC 23/2020
Date: 23 September 2020
Human Resources Manager
Territory Executive Level 2 based on Christmas Island
2 Year Fixed Term Non-Ongoing Vacancy – Full time (with an option to extend for a further one year at the Department’s discretion)
$115,073 - $134,251 per annum (a remote support package may be offered)
Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, 2605 and 2936 kilometres, respectively, north-west of Perth, and 490 and 1270 kilometres, respectively, south-west of Jakarta, Indonesia.
Some of Australia’s most remote external territories, they are rich in rare natural beauty, culture, history and community, and offer unique Island lifestyles. The Indian Ocean Territories’ geological history and isolation have given rise to spectacular natural environments, with hundreds of endemic species including native sea and forest birds, unique fish, and world-renowned land crabs.
From the early days, when settlers and workers arrived bringing diverse cultural and religious traditions, the territories communities grew to become fascinating melting pots of cultures.
Newcomers to the islands are welcomed and encouraged to actively join in with the local communities and their activities.
As well as providing you with rewarding and diverse career opportunities, you can also experience and enjoy the thriving yet still laid-back ways of life. This spans everything from local cuisines to cultural festivals and places through to outdoor activities ranging from community sports to diving, fishing, beach-combing, hiking and birdwatching.
With twice-weekly flights from Perth, Western Australia, the islands of the Indian Ocean Territories are unique destinations and offer the opportunity to achieve a work-life balance full of natural wonders and amazing new experiences.
The Indian Ocean Territories Administration (IOTA) is currently seeking motivated, professional and suitably qualified persons to join our team as the Human Resources (HR) Manager based on Christmas Island.
The HR Manager provides leadership and operational management of a small team responsible for the effective delivery of operational and strategic HR functions and projects across the IOTA including but not limited to recruitment, workforce planning, industrial relations, policy development, performance, work health and safety and learning and development.
Our ideal applicant has extensive demonstrable experience in a similar position and expert skills across multiple HR functions. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of employment legislation, strong skills in influencing and generating HR outcomes and high level written skills including proven capacity to research and prepare complex documentation. In addition, the successful candidate will have a high level of integrity and resilience and be enthusiastic and solutions focused.
To be considered, applicants must be eligible to obtain a security clearance at Baseline Vetting Level (must be an Australian citizen), hold a current ‘C’ class driving licence transferrable to the Indian Ocean Territories and be subject to a health assessment.
For further information about this unique and exciting opportunity, please contact Ms Teena Davies, HR Manager, on (08) 9164 7901 extension 8512 or teena.davies@infrastructure.gov.au.
For an application pack outlining how you can apply, please contact the IOTA Human Resources Team at IOTHRTeam@infrastructure.gov.au and quote position number 115201.
Applications close 4.00pm (Christmas Island local time) (CXT) (UTC+7), Thursday, 15 October 2020
Caterer / Launderer
Territory Officer Level 3 - Christmas Island
Casual Vacancy
$31.95 - $42.56 per hour inclusive of casual loading
The Indian Ocean Territories Administration (IOTA) is currently seeking expressions of interest from motivated, professional and suitably qualified persons to join our team as a casual
Caterer / Launderer within the Indian Ocean Territories Health Services (IOTHS) based on Christmas Island.
The IOTHS delivers a primary and acute health care service in two of Australia’s most remote and most spectacular settings - Christmas Island (CI) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI). The IOTHS includes a 24 hour eight bed hospital and primary care facility on CI and clinics on Home and West Islands in the CKI. The IOTHS is committed to “Working with our communities to keep us healthy for the whole of our lives”.
The Caterer / Launderer is primarily responsible for the preparation and delivery of meals to inpatients in accordance with the IOTHS Food Safety Plan and for laundering IOTHS linen aligned with infection control standards.
Candidates are required to have previous experience in catering, laundering and / or both, well developed interpersonal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail, the ability to work in a team and prioritise tasks. Candidates must also be able to maintain confidentiality and work in sensitive environments. Candidates with knowledge of and / or experience in infection control and food handing are strongly encouraged to apply.
To be considered, please provide a resume together with a cover letter outlining the qualities and experience you would bring to this role and why you would like to be considered for this opportunity (no more than one page) to the IOT Human Resources Team by email at IOTHRTeam@infrastructure.gov.au.
For further information about this unique opportunity please contact the IOT Human Resources Team on (08) 9164 7901 or via email at IOTHRTeam@infrastructure.gov.au.
Applications close 4.00pm (Christmas Island local time) (CXT) (UTC+7), Friday, 16 October 2020
Invitation to submit applications for the Indian Ocean Territories Administration Temporary Employment Register - Christmas Island
The Indian Ocean Territories Administration (IOTA) invites residents of Christmas Island interested in casual leave relief or temporary employment opportunities to submit an application to join the IOTA Temporary Employment Register.
Temporary or casual employment opportunities may be available in the following areas throughout the year:
- IOT Corporate Services;
- IOT Operations Services;
- IOT Power Services;
- IOT Health Services; and
- Christmas Island District High School.
Applicants with an interest and experience in administrative based work are strongly encouraged to submit an application.
Residents interested in submitting an application to join the IOTA Temporary Employment Register will need to provide a completed Application Form together with a copy of their current resume / CV.
The IOTA Temporary Employment Register Application Form is available from the IOT HR Team by email request to iothrteam@infrastructure.gov.au or by collection from the IOT Administration Office.
Please be advised that any IOTA Temporary Employment Register applications submitted prior to 1 April 2020 are no longer current. If you have previously submitted an application prior to this date and are still interested in casual or temporary employment opportunities with the IOTA, please submit a new application in accordance with the above instructions.
Community Announcements
TAI JIN HOUSE
Exhibition Centre
Opening Hours – Level 1
Monday – 09:00 am – 12:00 noon
Tuesday – 09:00 am – 12:00 noon
Wednesday – 09:00 am – 12:00 noon
Thursday – 09:00 am – 12:00 noon
Unexpected closures may occur due to rockfall, crab migration and public holidays.
The Exhibition Attendant on duty can be contacted during opening hours on 0427 569 459.
For bookings of the ground floor area please email accounts - iota@infrastructure.gov.au, contact the Receiver of Relevant Monies on 08 9164 7901 or visit in person at IOTA Administration building.
