2025 Australia Day Family Fun Day to return to Lake Mary Ann

BRC_Graphic_divider

Preparations for the 2025 Australia Day celebrations in Tennant Creek and Elliott are underway, including plans to hold a Family Fun Day at Tingkkarli-Lake Mary Ann on Sunday January 26.

It will be a day for both communities to come together to celebrate the diversity of all Barkly residents, contributions of community-minded locals, recognise the region’s Aboriginal history and welcome several residents as new Australian citizens.


2025 Australia Day Ambassador Georgina Bracken and Mayor Sid Vashist will be joined by other dignitaries to recognise the significant contributions of several residents and an organisation with the much-anticipated 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards.


The formal citizenship ceremony will be held at the Tennant Creek Council Chambers at 41 Peko Road from 8am, with an afternoon of family-friendly fun planned for both Tennant Creek and Elliott, both with a free community BBQ.


Activities planned for Lake Mary Ann include the Leaky Bucket Race and Mayor’s Pie-Eating Competition, a Swim-Run-Swim biathlon and a Raft Race.


For the young (and young-at-heart), there will be a Kids Corner with face-painting, bubbles, finger painting and a Lucky Dip, as well as Egg ‘n’ Spoon races, Sack Races, and an Aussie Rules Kick n’ Handball competition for the older kids.


After the formal ceremonies in Elliott, plans are also afoot for a Slip ‘n’ Slide, a Leaky Bucket Race, a Colour Run, and a ‘Guess the Jellybeans’ competition for the kids.


Local businesses, community organisations and individuals who want to sponsor an event or provide support through donations of prizes, supplies, or volunteers should contact council now!


For more information about supporting this great community event, please call (08) 8962 0000 or email: reception@barkly.nt.gov.au

Barkly Regional Council Welcomes 11 New Australian Citizens in Heartfelt Tennant Creek Ceremony

By Lis Clough • October 15, 2025
TENNANT CREEK, NORTHERN TERRITORY – Barkly Regional Council proudly hosted a special Citizenship Ceremony today (Wednesday 15 October 2025), welcoming 11 new individuals into the Australian family. Presided over by Mayor Sid Vashist and attended by Pat Brahim , from Patta Aboriginal Corporation who provided Welcome to Country, the event was also attended by representatives from MP Marion Scrymgour's and the Hon. Steve Edgington MLA offices. The ceremony took place in Tennant Creek at the Barkly Regional Council Chambers and marked a significant milestone for the conferees and the broader Barkly community. Surrounded by their family and friends, the new citizens from a diverse range of backgrounds, including The Philippines , Fiji, New Zealand and Nepal , took the Australian Citizenship Oath, pledging their loyalty to Australia and its people. The atmosphere was filled with joy and pride, as each individual received their Certificate of Australian Citizenship. Mayor Sid Vashist warmly congratulated the new citizens, acknowledging the profound commitment they have made. "Today is a truly special moment for these 11 individuals and for all of us in the Barkly region," Mayor Vashist stated. "Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant step, representing a deep commitment to our country, our values, and our shared future. We are incredibly proud to welcome you all and celebrate your journey." The Mayor concluded the proceedings with an enthusiastic, unofficial, but distinctly Australian cheer “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” to a round of applause and laughter, perfectly capturing the spirit of the event. The ceremony highlighted the rich multicultural fabric of Tennant Creek and the broader Barkly region – 33.1% of whom are born overseas (2021 Census)- and underscoring the strength that diversity brings to communities. The Barkly Regional Council extends its warmest congratulations to all 11 new Australian citizens and looks forward to their continued contributions to the community.

Community Feedback for Elliott Arts and Library Centre.

By Pranith Bhumireddy • October 9, 2025
Community Consultation: Elliott Arts and Library Centre

LOCAL AUTHORITY vacancies

By Lis Clough • August 5, 2025
More Posts