Mayor Vashist urges NT Families Minister Cahill to meet on Barkly social issues

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Barkly Mayor Sid Vashist has urged NT Minister for Territory Families Robyn Cahill to meet with him to discuss greater long-term support for social services for families in the Barkly region, after leading a community roundtable last week with Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth.

Minister Rishworth and Federal Member for Barkly Marion Scrymgour met with Mayor Vashist and several Barkly region social services leaders last week to discuss support services and funding for families dealing with domestic violence, aged care residents, and those facing insecure housing.


The meeting comes as Mayor Vashist and Council chief executive officer Chris Kelly are planning a trip to Canberra in February, to discuss social and community services and the need for further investment in infrastructure in the Barkly with federal ministers, Opposition frontbenchers and crossbenchers.


It follows significant funding injections in recent years by both the federal and Territory governments in community services, public safety and related infrastructure in both Alice Springs and Darwin.

But Mayor Vashist said Barkly Regional Council – which oversees the second-largest geographical local government area in the country – seemed to have missed out on most of the Territory Government funding.


In December, the NT Government announced a new, six-month trial of a “Circuit Breaker” program in Alice Springs, aiming to support young people at risk and hold parents accountable for their child’s behaviour.


The same month, the Territory government announced $850,000 to provide more support services and improve public safety at the Litchfield Court public units in Darwin.

In recent weeks, Council has dealt with a series of break-ins at its public facilities including the Tennant Creek library, town pool and youth centre – despite continuing to provide those services for all residents throughout the school holidays.


Mr Vashist said while he had had some positive discussions with Territory Member for Barkly Steve Edgington, who also controls the NT portfolios of Alcohol Policy, Housing and Local Government, he was still seeking a formal meeting with NT Minister for Children and Families Robyn Cahill.

He said it was time to put the Barkly back on the agenda for serious, long-term support, not just election announcements or temporary support offered in the wake of natural disasters, which have devastated the region in two of the past three summers.

Mayor Vashist also said he was keen to see the outcomes of the six-month ‘Circuit Breaker’ trial in Alice Springs in July, and whether it may lead to future improvements for the Barkly region.

By Liz Clough July 14, 2025
In accordance with the Local Government Act 2019 (NT), the Barkly Regional Council is currently undertaking the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). To support this important appointment, Council has established a CEO Review Committee. To ensure a transparent, fair, and robust process, the Committee is seeking to appoint one Independent Member with relevant subject matter expertise. We are now inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified and respected individuals to join the Committee as its Independent Member. About the Role The Independent Member will play an advisory role throughout the CEO recruitment process, providing impartial insights and contributing to the assessment of candidates. This includes participating in shortlisting discussions with the external HR firm handling the CEO recruitment, contributing to interview panels, and supporting deliberations on final recommendations to Council. Selection Criteria Applicants should be able to demonstrate: Proven experience in executive recruitment, governance, or working at or with senior executive levels; Strong understanding of the local government context in the Northern Territory; High standards of integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality; A commitment to community-focused leadership and culturally responsive engagement; Knowledge of the Barkly region and its diverse communities is highly desirable. Time Commitment The Independent Member is expected to be available for a limited number of meetings between late July and early September 2025, including in-person or virtual interviews and Committee deliberations. How to Apply Interested individuals are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest (maximum 2 pages), outlining their relevant experience, knowledge, and motivation for joining the Committee. A current resume may also be attached. Please also indicate any fee you would propose for representing yourself on the committee. EOIs must be submitted by 5:00pm (ACST), Friday 25 July 2025.  All applications must be sent directly to: The Mayor Email: Sid.Vashist@barkly.nt.gov.au S u bject line: EOI – Independent Member, CEO Review Committee
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P lease click on below link to read media release about Joint Message - Tennant Creek-Mount Isa Cross Border Commission.
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