For the first time, residents of Ramingining have a safe haven when cyclones hit, following the construction of a brand new, $5.5 million emergency shelter.
The new shelter was built at Ramingining School this year, three years after the category 4 Cyclone Lam lashed the northern Arnhem coastline. Cyclone season officially begins in northern Australia today.
Construction on the $5.5 million structure was completed in August, supporting 30 local jobs. Territory builder Norbuilt won the tender.
The communities of Galiwinku, Ramingining and Milingimbi were the hardest hit by Cyclone Lam.
Of these communities, Ramingining was the only one without a cyclone shelter that met the standards of the Building Code of Australia.
At the request of community elders, the Northern Territory Government committed $4.5 million to the construction of the shelter at Ramingining School.
The Australian Government contributed a further $1 million from the Natural Disaster Relief Fund.
This additional funding enabled the building to accommodate the communitys strong desire for a full size basketball court and associated sport and recreational floor covering.
In addition to providing a safe place during cyclones, Ramingining School will be able to utilise the space for indoor activities throughout the year, to enable its 270 students to enjoy recreation year round.
As noted by Education Minister Selena Uibo.
Local jobs are the Territory Labor Governments number one priority and this project supported 30 jobs for Ramingining locals during construction.
This new $5.5 million cyclone shelter will provide safety for the communitys 800 residents during tropical storms for many years to come, something I know has been a strong desire of local elders for a long time.
Additionally, it will also provide local kids with a much-wanted basketball court and a place for them to play sport and take part in other recreational activities during the build-up and wet season, both as part of their school curriculum and outside school hours.
As noted by Ramingining School Principal, Sue McAvoy.
The community and school jointly use the facility, the school for sport and recreation and our Physical Education program and the community for basketball competitions.
Each week there is a community event where families are encouraged to bring along a blanket and sit on the grass, the roller doors are open and everyone can enjoy the space both inside and the grass outside.
