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.