ePublications - Historical Collection
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To apply preservation treatments, including digitisation, to a high value and vulnerable Historical collection of items held in the Darwin and Alice Springs libraries so that the items may be accessed without causing further damage to the original items and provide accessibility for stakeholders.
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Please note: this document is part of the Historical Collection and the information contained within may be out of date.
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Northern Territory Department of Health Library Services Historical Collection
DL HIST
362. 12 HOW
1982
HOWARD SPRINGS
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE COMMUNITY PROFILE
. .4
HOWARD SPRINGS
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
COMMUNITY PROFILE
CENTRAL LIBRARY 1 7 JUL 1998
TeflRITORY HEALTH SERVICES
OCTOBER 1982
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DATA ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
PAGE 3
INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE . . . 6
KNOWLEDGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT . . . 7
CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION . . . 9
HEALTH ILLNESS PATTERNS . . . 10
INFORMATION ABOUT EXISTING COMMUNITY RESOURCES . . . 12
SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . 21
DATA ABOUT COMMUNITY
This area which 10 years ago would have been described as rural, is rapidly changing to semi-rural, as 320 acre sections are gradually being divided into 5, 10 and 20 acre blocks. In the centre of Howard Springs, 1 and 2 acre blocks are beginning to appear.
The boundaries are not clearly defined but we are responsible for all areas south of Wallaby Hol tze Road, 13 mile, to include Palmerston and down the Stuart Highway to 40 mile.
West, we cover to Wagai t Reserve and east along the Arnhem Highway to Annaburroo Station.
The wet season affects the access to outer areas where dirt roads and creeks become impassable.
The local swimming areas such as Berry Springs, Howard Springs and numerous creeks and private swimming pools, appear to be the source of a high percentage of Otitis Externa and fungal infections occuring during the wet season.
Isolation, caused by lack of telephones and public transport, affects the mental status of many families in the area. This is the major factor necessitating numerous support home visits.
Population
According to the 1981 census, we only have 5,000 in our area.
It is a well known fact that these figures are incorrect.
The local MLA and ourselves know of numerous families who did not receive census forms, or did not have them collected.
For example: One area in the centre of Howard Springs, where there are 250 blocks being lived on, the census found the population to be 548. We would estimate an average of 3 - 4 persons per block.
The local opinion in 1982 is that there are at least 6, 000 people spread throughout Howard Springs, McMinns Lagoon, Virginia, Bees Creek and Humpty Doo areas, with a further 950 in the Berry Springs, Darwin River Dam and Acacia Hills area.
These figures do not include anything east of Humpty Doo Station, Koolpinyah Station and Wagait Reserve.
There are four primary schools and three pre-schools in the area. The present enrolments are:
Howard Springs Primary 402 Pre-School 36
..
Humpty Doo Primary 160 Pre-School 28 Berry Springs Primary 88 Pre-School 18
Middle Point 40
Other than the schools the only institution is Gunn Point Prison Farm. This has approximately 40-60 prisoners and 8 wardens on an average.
Three large poultry farms - Inghans - 24 mile, Lowans - 24 mile and Farm Fresh
for casual employment.
Liquor Outlets
Howard Springs, supply a small opening
These include the following:-
Howard Springs Supermarket
Howard Springs Caravan Park Store 17 Mile Store
Coolalinga Caravan Park Store Bush Shop
Humpty Doo Hotel Noonamah Hotel
AREA COVERED BY HOWARD SPRINGS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
SHOAL BAY
205
(
IRT DARWIN
130
INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE
According to the 1981 statistics, the area consists of 54%
males and 46% females. The predominant age groups are 5 - 14 years and 25 - 39 years. The Rural Pensioners Association, claims there are 700 pensioners but the 1981 statistics show 293 of 60 years and over. Of these 171 were male and 122 female.
Ethnic Groups
There is an increasing number of Asian Brides, and consequently part Asian children, mainly in the O 5 age group. The predominant country of origin being the Phillipines.
Aboriginals are scattered throughout the area with full bloods mainly in the 16 mile camp, Humpty Doo Station and Wagai t Reserve.
Berry Springs has a small population originally from Finland.
Greeks and Cypriots are throughout the area mostly running small market gardens. On the Wangi Road, there is a small group of Laotians on a 320 acre farm.
Social Status /
A high percentage of our clients are the lower socio-economic group, although the entire population is probably fifty-fifty.
This has definitely changed over the past few years, as eight years ago, the majority would have been in the lower socio-economic group.
Percentage of Working Mothers
It is very high in areas closest to town and very low in the Berry Springs/Darwin River Dam area.
KNOWLEDGE OF ENVIRONMENT Water Supply
Town water is only connected to those living close to the pipeline along the Stuart Highway, central Howard Springs and parts of Bees Creek.
By far the majority have bores, wells, rain water tanks and a small number cart water or pump from creeks in the early dry season.
Housing
In 1975, a well built home was a ra~e sight, however, in 1982 only 50% have inadequate housing. In addition to numerous families living in caravans on private blocks, there are six caravan parks. The four largest being Howard Springs, Coolalinga, Virginia and Nook.
Sanitation
There is no sewerage system in the area. Septic tanks, either bought or home constructed, would be the most common in the Howard Springs, Humpty Doo and Noonamah areas. Further afield, latrine pi ts plus a small percentage just use the bush.
Garbage Disposal
There are official fenced off dumps at Howard Springs, Humpty Doo, Berry Springs and Middle Point. Unfortunately, there are many unofficial dumps. The larger properties have their own dumps, which are used to fill in gullies etc.
Transport
The four primary schools, Howard Springs, Humpty Doo, Berry Springs and Middle Point, have their own bus services to the main areas from which the children are drawn. Public
transport is almost non existent. There is a workers bus to and from town, servicing Howard Springs and Humpty Doo, and once a week, what is known as the shoppers bus. These buses only travel along the Stuart Highway, Arnhem Highway and Whitewood Road. All other areas are neglected.
(
CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION
These are mainly through key residents, school newsletters, notice boards at all the local shops, garages, doctors surgery, Police Station, clinic and caravan parks. The newspaper and local media do not reach such a high proportion of residents as perhaps in the suburban area.
Key Communicators Would Include:
(a) Headmasters of the four Primary Schools
(b) Local MLA - Mrs Padgharn-Purich, Howard Springs Centre Ph:
831302
(c) Mrs Kentish - member of Northern Land Council Ph: 831190 (d) Police - Freds Pass Station Ph: 831369
(e) Kay Ranson - President of Rural Old Timers Ph: 831374 (f) Lorna Dudley - Freds Pass Play Group Ph: 881325
Liz Hammond - Berry Springs Play Group Ph: 819707 (g) Jim Carlill - Howard Springs Church Group Ph: 831074 (h) Rotary - Charles Parrott Ph:831516
(i) Apex - George Edwards Ph:831147 (j) Lions - Mike Thomas Ph: 881181
(k) Howard Springs Landholders Assoc - Alan Davies Ph: 831094
HEALTH AND ILLNESS PATTERNS Birth Rate
In 1981, we had 100 births, 56 males and 44 females. In 1982, to the end of August, there have been 74 births, 36 males and 38 females.
Death Rate
This is very low, just a few pensioners annually, a few others caused by motor vehicle accidents mostly alcohol associated, and two young children were drowned during the past twelve months. One in a private swimming pool and one in the Fogg Dam area.
Infectious Diseases
During the past year, there have been small epidemics of Chicken Pox, Measles, Rubella, Mumps and two isolated cases of Hepatitis. Two overseas visitors were found to have Malaria.
Currently we have one TB patient on our books and seven Leprosy patients.
VD occurances are mainly among the Aboriginals. In a camp survey last year, a very high percentage had positive VDRL's.
DISEASE PATTERNS
July '81 - June '82
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June
Otitis Externa 4 15 15 28 20 19 29 32 30 15 10
Discharging
Otitis Media 4 2 6 7 4 3 5 6 6 4 3
Eye Infections 5 6 7 5 5 5 7 9 10 3 5 3 Respiratory
Disease 5 10 10 7 7 7 3 5 7 11 3 8
Diarrhoea 16 7 8 9 14 8 9 5 9 4 7 17
Giardia Lambia 3 4 6 7 3 6 6 4 3
Salm~ ella 2 4 5 1 1
Shigella 1 1 1
Strongaloides 1 1
Rubella 2 3 2 4 3 3 2 3 3
Measles 3 4 5 7 2 7 7 4 3
Mumps 4 5 4 3 4 6 5 3
Chicken Pox 3 3 5 9 5 4 2
Shingles 2 2 2
INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Dr Linco Virginia Road, 17 mile, - weekdays 9-5.30, Saturdays 9-12.00.
Transport AIMS Ph: 854895. Will transport to any medical appointment provided notice is given.
Home Help Rosemary Burkitt - Red Cross for emergencies, the disabled and pensioners. Ph: 812177. Subsidized housework is the main service provided. Jill Lake: Homemakers, Ph: 831414, will assist in finding help and visiting the lonely isolated clients.
Play Groups These are beneficial to both mother and children under pre-school age.
Lorna Dudley, Ph: 881325.
Ph: 819707.
Freds Pass Group contact Berry Springs, contact Liz Hammond,
Meals On Wheels Not established as in town, but can be arranged through Red Cross, who will employ and pay a local to cook individual meals.
Service Clubs Apex, Rotary, Lions. These will assist with repairs to pensioners dwellings, obtaining necessary household articles etc.
Church Groups Howard Springs Church United Church:
Jim Carlill Ph: 831074. The Roman Catholic Church holds Mass at Freds Pass each Sunday.
Spastic Centre Situated in town. Ph: 271166. Transport can be arranged to attend. The centre mainly caters for assess- ment and therapy for the pre-school age group.
Bunyip House 37 Trower Road, Rapid Creek. Ph: 851296 - is run by the Uniting Church. This is a residential home for full time care of young disabled persons and can sometimes be used for relief care at $40. 00 per week. Contact - Graham Bull, Ph: 851547.
Organisation
Aboriginal Services
A.I.M.S. - Bagot Reserve
A.D.F.
Hostel
Womens Resource Centre
Dept of Aboriginal Affairs
-· F • 0 • R • W. A • A • R • D •
Legal Aid
Home Makers
Function Ph No.
Transport to medical 824895 appointments
irrespective of ethnic group
Liaison between CHC and fringe camps
Financial assistance 854746 Support and services
to camps
814388
Education 819601
Support
Fund resources for 815300 outstations
Fund F.O.R.W.A.A.R.D., A.M.S., A.D.F, and several other aborig- inal support agencies Aboriginal Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit
818673
Legal Advice (free) 815465 815389 851246
Community Services
Cancer Support Group
Meals on Wheels
Red Cross
St Vincent de Paul
Salvation Army
Womens' Shelter (Dawn House)
Rehabilitation
Community Awareness Family Support
Cleaning
Disaster Relief
Education Programmes
Free meals to destitutes
Food and clothing parcels
Support visits to institutions
Alcohol Rehab Emergency Accommodation
Various forms of accommodation Crisis accommod- ation for families Food and clothing parcels
Alcohol Rehab Midday meals Mis$ing persons bureau
24hr/7 day week family and domestic crisis centre for women
271102 813556
812117
812117
817783
818188
274581
Advisory and supportive service for these women
Community Services (cont)
Dept of Community 275022
Development
St John Ambulance
Department of Community Welfare
Transport First Aid Child Care
(licensing and standards)
818999
814733 Duty Officer (adoption/fostering, 275022 family support/ (Rapid counselling) Creek) Child protection
(physical,emotional, sexual abuse and neglect)
Financial assistance for range of areas, subject to interview and assessment
Emergency Money Food Vouchers Dept of Business and Consumer. Investigation of
Affairs consumer complaints
eg consumer vs business
Dept of Education
Teachers )
Liaison Person(s) ) Dept of Health -
Leprosy Control
Liaise - individual schools
Regular checks of known Pts - maintain and receive relatives as necessary
821211
208674
C
Community Services (cont)
Dept of Immigration
& Ethnic Affairs
Dept of Social Security
Commonwealth Dept of
Health Vaccination Clinic
Services for the Aged
NT Council on the Ageing
NT Pensioners Association - Darwin
Tracy Lodge Hostel
Services for Child Care
Darwin Family Centres
Interpreter and liaison service for migrants
Information/advice re benefits
Information and giving of vaccin- ations for
international
travellers and malaria prescriptions
Advisory and supportive group for aged citizens
Advisory and supportive group group for all pensioners irre- spective of type of pension
814566
802911
802911
812239
819691
Independent accommodation
851318
Offers range of occasional/part- time/full time
emergency child care
814611
Services for Child Care (cont)
Darwin Family Centre Fun Bus
Darwin Toy Library
Darwin Neighbourhood Centre
NT Playgroup Association
Somerville Day Care
Darwin After Care
Service for Youth
Darwin Youth Refuge Kahlin Avenue
Guides Assoc
District Commissioner, Mrs Barbara Wagner
C.Y.S.S. (Community Youth Support Service Retraining Scheme)
Services for the Disabled
NT Spastic Association (Unit for a child between the age of 0-6 yrs who is disabled)
Mobile Playgroup
Emergency Accomm- odation and Shelter
Advisory ) Investigatory) Treatment
Supportive ) )
Conduct an outpatient facility for school aged children
Day/Longer Term Respitatory Parent Relief
814611
279249
818644
272333
853861
272548
818874
813628
852347
271166
Services for the Disabled
Bunyip House
Rehabilitation Unit
Downs Syndrome Group
Handicapped Persons Assoc
Kokoda Industries
NT Blind Assoc
Family Services
Northern Region Hearing Centre
Nursing Mothers Association
Amity House
Association of Adoptive Parents
(Cont'd)
Residential Care for under 12 yrs
Sheltered Workshop
Secondary hearing test - school children
Hearing tests - people in industry
(industrial screening)
Advisory and
supportive group to mothers
Individual & Family Counselling
Treatment Support (Alcohol)
Programme offered - Drink driver, Family
Advice to prospect- ive/actual parents of adoptive children Liaison for Inter- country adoptions
809296
279997 or 271352
843206
843206
892313
802504
275370
818030
853172
(
Family Services
Banyan House
Childbirth Education Assoc Inc
(cont)
Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre
Alcoholics Annonyrnous
Crisis Line 7pm-7am
Darwin Womens Centre
Pregnancy Help
Emergency Home Makers
Family Planning (Mondays 7.30pm Clinic at Nightcliff)
Marriage Guidance
Parents Without Partners
Rape Crisis Centre
Homemaker Service
Counselling, treat- 852479 ment and support for
individual who has a drug problem
Supportive and advisory service pre-birth, birth and post delivery to individuals/families
craft activities for H.W. mornings Wednesday and Friday
851497
208262
812500
279370 AH
275022 R/C
273322
817126
271124 AH
851246
818924- 818003
275370
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Family Services (cont)
Diabetic Association of NT
Advisory and supportive group for diabetics and their families
813979 BH 852850 AH
(
SUMMARY
The main problems in the area are:-
(i) isolated families
(ii) limited public transport (iii) alcohol associated problems
(iv) fungal infections during the wet due to numerous swimming pools, Berry Springs Reserve and Howard Springs Reserve swimming facilities. (This being demonstrated by the figures for Otitis Externa during the wet season.)
