Barkly Regional Council announces new Deputy Mayor

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TENNANT CREEK, NORTHERN TERRITORY – Barkly Regional Council has endorsed Councillor Valda Napurrurla Shannon Warntaparri as the new Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months, following a Council vote at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting.


Under Council’s governance framework, the Deputy Mayor position is voted on annually by the elected Council members.


Outgoing Deputy Mayor, Councillor Noel Hayes has served the Barkly and Central Australia with distinction for decades. His leadership, deep knowledge of local government, and steady mentorship have contributed to a significant year of progress as the newly elected Council rebuilt from administration and strengthened collaboration with the Executive team. He will remain an integral elected member with the Barkly Regional Council.


The passing of the torch now sees a Warlpiri and Warumungu woman from the Barkly/Central Australia region take up the role—continuing the Council’s commitment to inclusive leadership, strong advocacy, and a governance culture grounded in community trust.


About Deputy Mayor Valda Napurrurla Shannon Warntaparri


Valda previously worked with the Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA), where she helped develop Suicide Story, an Elders-led suicide prevention program grounded in local cultural knowledge.


She speaks and understands several Aboriginal languages and dialects across Central Australia and the Barkly, and has served as a Warlpiri/Warumungu interpreter with the Northern Territory Aboriginal Interpreter Service.


Valda currently represents Patta Ward on Barkly Regional Council.


About Councillor Noel Hayes


Noel Hayes is a Kaytetye man from Ali Curung. He served for ten years as an ATSIC Commissioner and continues to be a respected leader across the Barkly.


He brings decades of experience working across community justice, social programs, and government, and remains a valued voice of the Council.


“It has been an honour to serve as Deputy Mayor over the past year, and to support our new Council as we rebuilt strong foundations for the Barkly. I’m proud of the progress we have made together, and I look forward to continuing my role as an elected member, working for all our communities. I congratulate Valda - she brings deep cultural knowledge, strength and commitment to the job.” said Cr Noel Hayes.


Deputy Mayor, Cr Valda Napurrurla Shannon Warntaparri said “I am humbled by the trust placed in me by my fellow elected members. Our region is big, diverse and full of strong voices, and I will work hard with the Mayor, the Councillors, and the Executive Team to keep improving services for our communities. I thank Noel for his leadership and look forward to continuing that work together.”


Barkly Regional Mayor, Sid Vashist said: “I want to sincerely thank Councillor Noel Hayes for his mentorship and guidance during this past year. His experience and steady leadership helped steer Council forward after a challenging period, and I remain grateful for the continued learning I gain from him.


As we pass the baton, I’m equally honoured to work alongside another Barkly legend in Councillor Valda Shannon Warntaparri. Her cultural knowledge, community experience, and connection across language groups bring enormous strength to our leadership team.


We are a diverse Council, and as we mark 12 months since returning from administration, we can proudly say we are moving in the right direction. Our financial position has improved, our advocacy has delivered the fast-tracking of numerous local projects, and we are building genuine momentum. But we also recognise the economic disparities and significant funding and infrastructure gaps that still affect our region. Together with Deputy Mayor Valda Napurrurla Shannon Warntaparri, Councillors, and our Executive Team we will continue to push for fair outcomes, stronger service delivery, and a more resilient future for the Barkly.”


Barkly Regional Council is responsible for fostering sustainable development and delivering essential services to over 8,000 residents over 322, 713 square kilometres across the Northern Territory.


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.

LOCAL AUTHORITY vacancies

By Lis Clough • August 5, 2025

Territory Energy Link: Why Tennant Creek's Central Role is Non-Negotiable

By Lis Clough • July 28, 2025
Tennant Creek, NT – Monday 28 July 2025 - The Barkly Regional Council today issued a strong call to action, urging the Northern Territory Government, Infrastructure Australia, and all stakeholders to reinstate Tennant Creek as a core component of the Territory Energy Link (TEL) corridor. The Council asserts that bypassing Tennant Creek risks squandering decades of strategic planning and undermining critical regional development. "Our region is not only poised to support the Territory economy but is fast becoming an engine room for the Nation," said Barkly Regional Council Mayor, Sid Vashist "As the Territory Energy Link corridor moves into its feasibility phase, it’s critical we ensure Tennant Creek remains central to this vision." Originally conceptualised as the Tennant Creek to Darwin Infrastructure Corridor, the TEL's focus has shifted to run from near Elliott to the Middle Arm Precinct in Darwin. While the proposed 670km multi-user, multi-asset infrastructure corridor is visionary, enabling gas, water, optical fibre, hydrogen, and future-facing services, the decision to bypass Tennant Creek raises significant concerns. Why Tennant Creek Must Not Be Left Out: · Logical and Historical Hub: Tennant Creek has long been envisioned as a mines and energy hub, connecting Australia’s north-south (Adelaide–Darwin) and east-west (Queensland–NT–WA) freight and energy corridors. It already hosts critical infrastructure, including rail, roads, and communications, making it uniquely positioned to support a hub-and-spoke model for resource distribution across Northern Australia. · Critical Intersections: Tennant Creek connects the Stuart Highway (north-south) with the Barkly Highway (east-west), two of Australia's most vital freight routes. Excluding Tennant Creek risks disconnecting this national infrastructure artery and losing future east-west integration, such as the Mt Isa–Tennant Creek rail proposal and Beetaloo to QLD energy export pathways. · Surge in Investment Confidence: Tennant Creek is currently experiencing significant investment from industry, exploration companies, government, and social infrastructure providers. Diverting the TEL now sends a negative signal, risking confidence, reducing private capital flow, and undermining long-term commitments in education, health, housing, and community services. · Essential Service Hub for Energy & Resource Projects: The Beetaloo Sub Basin and surrounding resource zones will require a central logistics, service, and maintenance hub. Tennant Creek offers the workforce potential, transport accessibility, and Indigenous partnerships to support this, and is better positioned to provide foundational infrastructure for hydrogen, gas, and minerals processing and services. · Cost vs. Opportunity: While realigning to Tennant Creek may appear to carry short-term cost implications, the long-term benefits – including economic resilience, diversification, private sector leverage, and Indigenous employment – offer exponential returns. The Council warns against repeating past mistakes of underinvesting in enabling infrastructure across regional Australia. The Barkly Regional Council urges the Northern Territory Government, Infrastructure Australia, and all levels of industry, investors, Traditional Owners, and the private sector to have their say. "Let us not lose the futurist and strategic vision of this corridor," the Council stated. "This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to shape our Territory’s infrastructure blueprint. Tennant Creek should not just be near this corridor — it must be part of it. Let’s not cut out the heart of the Centre. Let’s back the Barkly." Specifically, the Council is calling for: · Reinstatement of Tennant Creek in the core alignment of the Territory Energy Link. · Detailed assessment of a Tennant Creek–Elliott connection within the feasibility process. · Modelling of Tennant Creek as a hub-and-spoke node, supporting regional growth, workforce training, and service delivery. · Transparent community and stakeholder consultation to avoid decision-making that lacks Barkly representation. *** About Barkly Regional Council: Barkly Regional Council is responsible for fostering sustainable development and delivering essential services to over 8,000 residents across 322,713 square kilometres in the Northern Territory. Contact: Lis Clough Admin & Media Officer, Barkly Regional Council Lis.clough@barkly.nt.gov.au Tel: 0408 139 908
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