QUICK LINKS
- Bureau Of Meterology
- Travel NT
- NT Government
- Tourisim NT
- NT Centre for Disease Control
- NT Dept of Health & Community Services
- Living in the NT
- Local Government Association of the NT
- Travel
- Food
- Severe Weather
- Appropriate Clothing
Preparation for Placement
Background
The Northern Territory is a vast landmass covering 1,346,000 square kms, which represents 17% of the Australian continent or is twice as big as NSW and VIC put together. It is dominated by extreme landscapes from the deserts and rugged moutain ranges of Central Australia to the eroded sandstone hills and gorges of the Top End. Considerable distances and long travel times are the norm in the NT and often locations may be cut off due to extreme weather conditions. To help particpants prepare for a placement in the Northern Territory NTGPE has prepared the following information. It is also recommended that partipants do some self-preparation by underking some research on the web or reading some of the many books that have been written about the NT.
Appropriate Clothing
The weather in the Top End is usually warm/hot and sunny so bring cool, casual clothes. Perhaps bring a light jacket if the nights are cool (av min. 15°C May-Aug). The Centre is hot during summer months and can become very cold in the winter. ?link to bom site Smart but casual would be good for work clothes, with closed in shoes (for sharps protection). No ties needed!
Please note that if you are placed at or the get the opportunity to visit Aboriginal communities it is recommended to wear MODEST clothing
Personals and Incidentals
It is recommended to take a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, goggles for swimming and any medication that you require. If you take a camera, always remember to obtain permission before taking photographs of places or people in indigenous communities.
Food
Most placement locations have a store where you can purchase groceries. Understandably, some of the smaller community stores may not have the range and quality of produce as that found in larger supermarkets. There is often the opportunity to arrange a “bush order” where an order may be placed at one of the regional centre supermarkets and sent out to you at a remote location – speak to the coordinator about this.
Alcohol:
Please check before taking alcohol with you, as most communities are ‘dry’ and do not allow alcohol consumption, while other communities may have a ‘club’ where alcohol is sold but must be consumed on the premises only. Luggage may be checked to see if it contains alcohol. It is recommended to refrain from taking alcohol with you. Absolutely no illegal drugs may be in the possession of students at any time.
Passenger Luggage Restrictions
Please note that the airlines to many placement locations employ small aircraft for which there may different luggage restrictions. You are responsible for any excess freight charges which you may incur. Excess luggage may be placed on standby for the next possible flight. Some of the smaller airlines only allow 13 to 15 kg's per passenger. Excess charge rates may vary from $1 to $3.50 per kilo. Please check with the coordinator about your mode of transport
Reimbursements
You may be to receive reimbursement from your :- Accommodation Bond (if relevant) and/or
- Taxi / Shuttle / Bus fares (for between the airport, bus transit centre, your NT accommodation and / or the NTGPE office). Please keep all tax invoices from taxi / bus travel in order to claim reimbursement
- NTGPE does not reimburse (fully or partially) expenses for: hire car parking meters fuel purchases or use of own car
- NTGPE does not reimburse for cost of excess luggage. Excess luggage is fully the responsibility of the student.
- Reimbursements will not occur without presentation of the appropriate paperwork ie. your bank details and tax invoices
- NTGPE will process financial transactions (reimbursements) via electronic transfer into your bank account. This account CANNOT be a credit account. Please quote the account number from your statement (NOT from your plastic card).
After Hours
At some placement locations you may be the only student living by yourself at a very remote location.
Plan to take something light and easily transportable to do in the evenings and weekends.
Better still get involved with the community and join in the social functions offered sport, school functions and council functions.
Make it be known that you would like to join the locals to go hunting & fishing.
Look up the history of your community, introduce yourself to the key people.
