Trash for a splash: pool cool-off with cash-in containers

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Thursday 5 March 2026


The Barkly Regional Council (BRC) is making it easy for kids to stay cool in the pool before it closes for a few days at the end of the month to enable emergency maintenance.


During March parents with children and youth under 16-years-old can ditch the cash and use a refundable container as an entry token.


BRC CEO Peter Harder said the trash-for-splash deal means that kids can stay cool in the pool in exchange for helping to keep the town clean.


“Closing the pool for a few days is going to be disappointing for locals, so until then we’re making it easier to spend as much time at the pool as possible,” he said.


“It’s also a good lesson for young people to realise refundable cans and bottles are tradeable assets that support a circular economy.


“Perhaps there won’t be so much litter on our streets when they see that rubbish that they walk over every day is actually worth money.”


Mr Harder said Council would be monitoring the success of the March bin-to-win deal to measure the merit of the strategy.


The swimming pool, which was built in the mid-1960s, has been a hot topic on the Council agenda for some time.


The complex was significantly upgraded in 2015 however, due to funding limitations, not all works were completed. Now the pumps and filters are set to be replaced, and the March closure will deal with those priorities.


Emergency maintenance work - amounting to $151,000 - will focus on restoring pump room equipment which has been funded by the NT Government following advocacy by the Member for Barkly Steve Edgington.


Mr Harder said the Council appreciated Minister Edgington’s understanding of the critical situation at the pool and his proactive efforts to secure the funding for initial repairs.


“We have now turned to Minister Edgington again to help secure funding for other high priority works,” he said.


“Council urgently requires a further $2.5 million for new shade sails and to replace pipework that is at risk of imminent failure.


“Minister Edginton has strong ties to the community, and we know he recognises the importance of our swimming pool; so we are confident he will advocate strongly for the next round of upgrades which are functional necessities, not luxuries.”


-ENDS-

Disaster assistance activated for flood affected communities across Barkly

By Jasmin Afianos • March 5, 2026
Following concerted lobbying by the Barkly Regional Council (BRC) after a recent severe weather event, the Federal and NT Governments have activated disaster assistance for the Barkly region. A cost-sharing agreement between the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) supports the delivery of urgent financial assistance to disaster affected communities. A region-wide assessment to reveal the extent of the damage is currently underway. Once assessed, the Council will be able to restore essential public assets and infrastructure such as debris removal, temporary repairs, and works to make properties safe. Heavy rain and high winds that lashed the Barkly during February caused major damage to roads and other critical infrastructure. Days of torrential downpours isolated communities and pastoral stations and left many routes impassable. Residents of Imangara, who relocated to Ali Curung after their homes flooded, have still not been able to return. BRC CEO Peter Harder said the Council lobbied extensively for the activation of the DRFA to be able to access the funding required for repairs. “Intense rainfall and flash flooding across the region caused widespread damage to roads, community assets and critical infrastructure,” he said. “Now we must determine the full extent of the impacts so we can establish recovery priorities as soon as possible. “We are also hoping the DRFA will support Council to make our roads and communities more resilient to these types of events in the future." END

New Remote Community Shade Structure Brings Relief and New Opportunities

By Lis Clough • December 16, 2025
ALPURRURULAM, NORTHERN TERRITORY – Barkly Regional Council is thrilled to announce the successful completion and opening of a brand-new shade structure over the Alpurrurulam community court, transforming the space into a safer and more versatile hub for residents. This significant project was made possible with $313,514 from the Australian Government under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program. This investment once again highlighting the strong partnership between the Council and the Australian Government to improve remote community facilities. For four years, the court has been a popular, yet exposed, area. The lack of shade severely limited its use, particularly during the intense heat of the day. The new structure, which began construction on November 6, 2025, and was completed on November 30, 2025, provides much-needed relief. This significant upgrade establishes the court as a true multipurpose area for the community. Beyond its traditional use for basketball, the newly shaded court will now serve as a vital meeting place and a dedicated area for various Sports and Recreation programs. A key feature of the new structure is the installation of solar lights. This addition is especially important, as it will allow children and residents to safely play basketball and participate in other activities during the cooler evenings, making the facility accessible even on the hottest days when daytime use is difficult.  "This new shade structure is more than just a physical upgrade—it’s an investment in community wellbeing and opportunity. My hope is that by creating a safer, cooler, and more friendly space, that we’re enabling our young people to come together, stay active, and enjoy social connections. The addition of solar lighting means this facility can be used well into the evening, which is a game-changer for our communities. I’m proud of the collaboration between Barkly Regional Council and the Australian Government that made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come." said Barkly Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Valda Napurrula Shannon. 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 announces new Deputy Mayor

By Lis Clough • December 1, 2025
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.
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