First Nations communities may get massive Ayers Rock Resort assets
The Ayers Rock Resort land "to be divested to the First Nations communities" and to traditional owners is understood to include all hotels, restaurants, shops and staff accommodation, assets worth several hundred million dollars ... The populations are 269, about 300 and 124, respectively ...
Desert Mob closes the gap
For four days a year, pride in The Centre's art closes "the gap" as people, black and white, from near and far, stream in to Alice Springs for Desert Mob. They celebrate ancient stories kept alive on paper and canvas, on clay vessels or as sculptures made from metal, wire or grasses.
Police investigate cattle rustling allegations
Police say they are investigating a report of an alleged cattle theft north-east of Alice Springs. Sources contacting the Alice Springs News say the stock belongs to the Alcoota Aboriginal Cattle Company from the Engawala community who for 30 years have been able to graze and run a cattle enterprise on Alcoota Station.
Government gas deal boosts Central Petroleum
The major Central Australian oil and gas producer, Central Petroleum Limited, has ... reported a 28 per cent increase in second half revenues from the first half of the 2025 financial year. CEO Leon Devaney says this reflects the impact of new multi-year gas sale contracts.
Mayor Paterson’s secret second job
Retiring Mayor Matt Paterson is coy about his second job, in addition to his $116,000 a year gig heading up the council. It’s conveniently just across the road from the civic centre, at the office of Amentum, a Pine Gap defence contractor. We texted him on December 16: “Do you work for Amentum? Just checking a rumour.” No answer. Last week we asked him again...
Trump’s tariffs don’t affect prices at Show cattle sale
Local stock agent Steve Gaff says the price at the Alice Springs Show cattle sale was much the same as last year or a little better. The Donald Trump tariffs "had no effect at all," probably because the Australian market is affected in a different way – 10 per cent tariffs – compared to other countries.
$10m for Rock walk, spin-off unclear
The NT Government is providing a $10m loan to an interstate company for a walk in the Uluru National Park while other publicly funded tourism related projects in The Centre are on hold or merely planned. The conditions of the loan are not readily available. We have asked for them and will report them when and if details are provided by the government.
Crime and cash
There is much discussion, usually futile, about the social aspects of law and order. Here is a look at the flood of public funds unleashed by an individual's action.
Warlpiri people and friends march and wail
A large number of people from Lajamanu and from Yuendumu, the home town of Kumanjayi White who died in custody on May 27, came to Alice Springs to attend a vigil, to march and mourn ... Coles staff welcomed into the store several small groups of men and women to aisle four – “chocolate, juice, lollies” – where the confrontation had taken place a short time before Kumanjayi’s death.
WA brothers first and second in the Finke. Bike crown goes to NSW.
West Australian brothers Travis and Beau Robinson starred in the Tatts Finke Desert Race. Travis claimed his first car King of the Desert crown after finishing with the fastest overall time.
