Recently 16 participants from Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation and 2 ILE lecturers enrolled in the FPICOT2239A Trim and cut felled trees unit conducted by Batchelor Institute. The short course was delivered over a period of two days at the Batchelor Campus. The participants were required to conduct a job safety analysis in the safe operation, preventative maintenance, care and servicing of chainsaws.

The destruction and carnage left by Cyclone Marcus across the Darwin region gave rise to an opportunity for this group to help the local Darwin community at the same time gaining valuable real-world experience. The opportunity was taken by the senior lecturer to organise with Darwin City Council to assist in the clean-up process at Anula Park. The team worked alongside Darwin City Council cutting up the fallen trees into portions so they could then feed them through the wood chipper.

Thanks to Nik Kleine, Manager Infrastructure Maintenance Darwin City Council for giving the Batchelor Institute students the opportunity to be able take part in this clean up. It was a great learning experience for the group, dealing with those huge felled trees at the Anula Park.