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.

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.

Barkly Regional Council was honoured on Monday night, receiving the distinguished Royal Life Saving Society NT President’s Award , at the 2025 Administrator’s Medal Awards at Government House, Darwin. This recognition comes as the future of the Tennant Creek Public Pool faces uncertainty. The event, hosted by Administrator to the Northern Territory, His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM , and Ms Ruth Jones , celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of the Royal Life Saving Northern Territory, honouring six decades of commitment to water safety across the Territory. The Award received by the Council was in recognition of outstanding service to water safety and drowning prevention in the Barkly region. “A huge congratulations to our incredible pool team. Your hard work, passion, and community-first approach is deeply appreciated and now formally recognised.” said Mayor Sid Vashist. Despite this moment of celebration, the Council reflected on the critical challenge of ensuring the continued provision of this essential aquatic service for the community. The Mayor stated: “Our regional pool is the only public pool available in the 1,200km stretch between Alice Springs and Katherine. It services not just Tennant Creek, but a vast portion of the Barkly region — providing a vital space for cooling down, learning water safety, exercising, better health outcomes, and building community connection.” “Unfortunately, the infrastructure that supports this pool is ageing and beyond economic repair. The pump room — the heart of our operations— is failing. This puts immense strain on keeping the pool open, especially during our harsh summer months when temperatures soar past 40°C. When the pool isn’t operational, we know how frustrating that is for the whole community.” The Barkly Regional Council has been proactively working with the community on designing a new aquatic centre as a long-term solution, however the short-term goal is urgent State Government funding to replace the failing pump room. While at the event, the Mayor took time to meet with Jinson Charls , Minister for People, Sports and Culture to present the pool business case for this much-needed infrastructure upgrade. “While our people do incredible work, as this Award proves, they need the right tools and functional infrastructure to support them.” said Mayor Sid Vashist. “We’re committed to delivering better facilities for our region — because the Barkly deserves it.” 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.

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

Media Release: Barkly Regional Council Announces CEO's Departure, Interim Leadership Appointed.

P lease click on below link to read media release about Joint Message - Tennant Creek-Mount Isa Cross Border Commission.

Regional Plan Feedback 2025-26

More than 250 people turned out for Tennant Creek’s Australia Day Family Fun Day afternoon at Lake Mary-Ann-Tingkkarli on Sunday, enjoying a host of great events, despite a late thunderstorm cutting the day short.

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.