Tennant Creek Australia Day event an ‘absolute hit’: Mayor Vashist

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.