NT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 2021
Territorians working together to rebuild our communities and economies on foundations of care for people, our climate, and the Country on which we live and rely.
Our Platform for Action
Meet Candidates who have backed the pledge
Communities on Council is a network of elected representatives and candidates championing shared goals that put sustainability, social inclusion and civic participation at the heart of our democracy.
Lynette Kenyon
- Ward: Central Ward
- Electorate: LITCHFIELD
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Cultural Tourism Operator
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My name is Lynette Kenyon, and I am a local Darwin born Territorian, my mother being Marrithiyel from Woodycupaldiya 100km S.W. of the Daly River and my father from Kaytetye Country (Barrow Creek). I met and married my husband Graham Kenyon who is a local Limilngan and Wulna descendent of this region. We have raised our four girls on local Wulna country out on the Adelaide River wetlands on his traditional lands.
Having grown up in Kakadu National Park and having spent most of my life in the area i have seen a lot of changes in the regions landscape, including community and business developments. My past role was working for the Parks and Wildlife Commission NT for over 14 years in a supervisory and leadership role, mentoring and supporting senior and junior staff, volunteers, and contractors in all areas from interpretation guiding on local content, land management, cultural engagement and sensitivity and stakeholder connection and involvement, I was also elected as a member for the Northern Territory Work Health and Safety committee within Parks and Wildlife NT.
I was elected as the Chairmen of the Middle Point Primary School Student Council in 2020, this role was important to me because our family have been part of the school since it was built in early 1964 for the rice farm project.
My husband and I started our own cultural tourism business over a decade ago as it was important for us to teach our children about caring for country and maintaining a sense of belonging, knowing and growing in a two toolbox world.
I have a Diploma in Tourism and Human Resource and hold several certificates around business, project management, Work Health and Safety and Training and Assessment. One day I hope to complete my degree in Environmental Science. I work closely with Charles Darwin University (CDU) in partnership with native wild rice harvesting and propagation and I run a weekly business unit as a lecturer for CDU training and mentoring future students in cultural tourism business management.
As a local, I feel there is a real need for me to join council as I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. My main area of interest is in caring for the future of our environment and to see a sustainable balance for the long-term, from things such as water usage, land clearance, the inclusion of cultural fire practices, dealing with introduced weeds/ferals and the need to care for our community for the future generation.
I’m a signatory to the Community on Council pledge, as follows;
- Repower our regions with renewable energy
- Secure safe drinking water for all
- Cool our communities
- Protect our environment and heritage
- Create safe and welcoming towns
Liza tobin
- Ward: South Ward
- Electorate: LITCHFIELD
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Teacher, volunteer firefighter.
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I’m Liza Tobin. I’ve lived in Bees Creek for 22 years, most of that as a land owner. I’m 54 years old, with no dependents, except 6 chooks!
I’ve worked and volunteered in a wide range of communities in the NT ;
I’m a keen motorcyclist and was a Motorcyclist Instructor for 16 years, including Chief Instructor, Curriculum writer and course administrator. I’ve recently returned to this work as a Motorcycling Australia (NT) Coach.
15 years volunteer fire fighting and other roles such as Secretary, Committee member and Public Officer.
12 years as President and a founding member of Rider Awareness NT motorcyclist lobby group.
18 years teaching woodwind and junior ensembles in schools
Over 20 years weed management and bush revegetation plus a few local theatre initiatives – in my ‘spare’ time!
My qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and a Bachelor of Music. (Flute)
I live on my 5 acres of (weed free!) bush in Bees Creek and would love the chance to extend the care I take of my own patch to the wider community and environment.
I’m nominating for a position as a Litchfield Councilor as I love the rural area and want to enhance what’s best about it, while managing threats and challenges with a whole of community approach. My main areas of interest are in land management, including; weed control and culturally appropriate use of fire, water security and reliable, renewable energy supplies. I’m a signatory to the Community on Council pledge, as follows;
- Repower our regions with renewable energy
- Secure safe drinking water for all
- Cool our communities
- Protect our environment and heritage
- Create safe and welcoming towns
Gadrian Hoosan
- Ward: South West Gulf
- Electorate: ROPER GULF
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Community Organiser
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Dianne (Nampin) Stokes
- Ward: Patta
- Electorate: BARKLY
- Political Affiliation: Greens
- Occupation: Cultural Consultant
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kim hopper
- Ward:
- Electorate: ALICE SPRINGS
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Small Business Owner
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I am a small business owner that is determined to see our community thrive.
I chose Mpartnwe Alice Springs as my home 11 years ago and I’m bringing up my young family here.
I spent 14 years in Canberra where I managed a crisis accommodation service. This experience of working at the coal face of how council policy effects the lives of vulnerable people, as well as growing up in public housing myself, has galvanised my passion for advocacy and sense of responsibility in my community.
For the past eight years I have been a small business owner and enjoy the social aspect of running a business and the opportunities it provides to connect with people from all walks of life.
I have a background in project management, policy development and organisational management:
- Director of a crisis accommodation service (5 years)
- Participated in Territory and National peak bodies for housing and homelessness
- Youth Work programs town-based and bush
- Project Officer for Alice Springs Community Garden establishment
- Coordinated the Business Climate Strike – 2019 (67 Businesses)
- Established the Buy Alice Collective alternative business model for Covid
I think it is essential that a good representative is un-compromised by party politics to be able to govern in the best interest of all Centralians. I am a can-do leader with an optimistic outlook and the ability to listen deeply. A good representative must understand that the long term economic success of our town is born from the health of our people and environment.
ROBBIE FRIEL
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- Electorate: KATHERINE
- Position Sought: Mayor/Alderman
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Jaowyn Association and fire manager
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MADDY BOWER
- Electorate: KATHERINE
- Positon Sought: Alderman
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Indigenous Public Health Practioner
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ben herdon
- Electorate: KATHERINE
- Position Sought: Mayor/Alderman
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Bank Manager
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rob chapman
- Electorate: KATHERINE
- Position Sought: Alderman
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Community development worker, Masters student and parent.
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I was born and grew up on Guringai country on the edge of north-western Sydney, where I roamed the bush alone and with mates from a very young age. After a decade of travel in Australia and overseas I settled in Katherine in 2004, drawn by the remoteness from the big cities and a connection with the natural world. I soon decided I wanted to stay here long-term and have been a passionate Katherinite ever since!
My employment has largely been in community development-oriented roles, including as a linguist at the Katherine language centre, trainee community educator and as co-ordinator of the Lajamanu Kurdiji governance project. In these roles I’ve been honoured to work with Aboriginal people across the region who have always shown patience, generosity and encouragement as I learned to know this big river country and its people and gain small insights into a different, deeper connection to country than the one I was born into.
Katherine has a strong community, with a passion for the place as well as an awareness of challenges. For me, this passion arises from living within a tight-knit and supportive community, wonderful camping, walking and canoeing, the richness of living amongst diverse and vibrant cultures and a relaxed lifestyle that retains some of the independence that has been lost in many parts of Australia. Some of our challenges have been inherited from the past, such as the consequences of land theft and colonisation, and some are only just starting to be felt, such as climate change and some are hardly being noticed yet, such as our future of fossil fuel scarcity.
I believe we must make Katherine an even more living and liveable town by positively addressing these issues, in big and small ways.
By actively working for reconciliation and justice, by planning for a future of climate change and fossil fuel scarcity we can guide our action in smaller ways, such as:
- nurturing organisations and individuals that support healing and growth in vulnerable individuals and communities
- encouraging cycling and walking around town through a network of shaded cycle and walking routes, including re-installing footpaths so parents can safely walk babies in prams around the block, take young kids for walks to the shops and the elderly and disabled aren’t reliant on vehicles to visit friends
- building on Katherine’s very considerate drivers by providing cycling safety training to kids and a network of safe, shaded routes to school
- supporting backyard and small-scale food growing and production and start to develop a Katherine-specific food culture not reliant on importing huge amounts of food from southern markets
- fostering current and new locally owned businesses that contribute to economic and environmental resilience
- assist homeowners and renters to implement energy and resource saving strategies, such as
- appropriate shading
- solar power installation
- natural ventilation and outdoor living areas
- tank and other water-harvesting techniques
- under-mulch irrigation, low-flow showerheads and other water-harvesting strategies
- designing and installing safe and effective greywater harvesting systems
- and most importantly, getting back out on the streets and meeting each other and make this a safe and welcoming town for all!
Blair mcfarland
- Electorate: Alice Springs
- Position Sought: Mayor
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Youth Services Manager
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Hi, I’m Blair McFarland. I am running for Mayor of Alice Springs as i think our town is in trouble and needs someone with real experience in youth, crime and substance misuse to lead the council.I have been living and working in law and community development in Alice and central Australia since 1986. I have raised a family here and been a contributing member of the community, and intend to stay. This is my home town.
Blair works for the Central Australian Youth Link-Up Service – a youth substance misuse prevention programme that operates across remote communities and towns in the bottom part of the Northern Territory.
- Contact Blair for ways to support or get involved in his campaign at: blairiusmaximus@gmail.com
morgan rickard
- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Chan
- Political Affiliation: Greens
- Occupation: Librarian
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- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Chan
- Political Affiliation: Greens
- Occupation: Librarian
karan hayward
- Electorate: Barkly Shire Counci
- Ward: Patta Ward
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Language Centre CEO
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- Electorate: Barkly Shire Council
- Ward: Patta Ward
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Language Centre CEO
Karan Hayward, CEO of Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Corporation and former chair of the Local Government Authority is running for a second term to represent the people of Patta Ward in the Barkly.
Karan says she is standing for election with the belief she can do something meaningful for Tennant Creek and be of value to the community.
Karan says she believes she has the skills to help effect the changes needed to make Tennant Creek a place to be proud of plus brings a wealth of experience in finance and government along with a passion for making our town the best location it can possibly be.
Karan says she is looking forward to continuing to represent the Barkly region and hopes to make a real contribution to Council and the community as a whole.
Emily Webster
- Electorate: Alice Springs
- Political Affiliation: Greens
- Occupation: Teacher
“Hi Mparntwe! I’m running in the upcoming Alice Springs Town Council elections as your Greens candidate. I want to increase the progressive voice on Council and represent those of us who care for our environment; want concrete action on climate change; and want an inclusive town for all.”
“I’m a secondary school teacher at a public school in town. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a legal aid lawyer on welfare rights, women’s rights and housing issues.”
“Alice has been home since we arrived in 2009. I’m grateful to be able to raise my children in a wonderfully diverse community, surrounded by beautiful country. I thank the Arrernte people for the privilege of living and working on their Country, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.”
“I’ve served on the committees of the Arid Lands Environment Centre, the NT Working Women’s Centre and Birth & Beyond Parent Resource Centre. I’m currently on the board of the Watch This Space Artist Run Initiative and I am my school’s Union branch co-representative. I also play in a local netball team (Go Sundowners!). I feel well equipped to take on the responsibility of Council.”
“I’m excited to be running for election in a year where we could break the years-long conservative deadlock on Council. If elected, I would work for social inclusion, climate and environmental action, and making sure Council services are open to everyone.”
Get in touch and find out how you can support Emily’s campaign at https://www.facebook.com/emily4alice
jimmy cocking
- Electorate/Ward: Alice Springs
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Former Director Arid Lands Environment Centre
“I’m running for Mayor in Alice Springs because I know that if we are to face the social, economic and environmental challenges that are already here, we need to be working together as a community.
As someone who has led the peak environmental organisation, the Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC) for the past 13 years, I understand the opportunities and the challenges ahead of us.
Climate change poses a serious threat to my vision for Alice Springs as a safe, vibrant and cosmopolitan regional capital. The risks of heatwaves, extreme weather and the impacts on regional communities requires us to take a regional approach in moving forwards.
With more than 300 days of sunshine, we need to be making the most of the energy source that is clean and cheap. Alice Springs has a reputation as a ‘solar city’ but Council needs to be leading our community to ensure that we transition to renewables as quickly as possible.
Water is life. We have a finite underground water reserve here in Alice Springs. We need to protect our water catchment district from potential threats associated with mining and petroleum activities and I will continue to advocate strongly for this. We also need to support water efficiency and conservation to ensure the continued access to clean and safe drinking water for generations to come.
The already experienced impacts of heat associated with climate change means that we need to be investing in infrastructure to cool areas down and developing a greening strategy to increase shade across town. Developing a climate adaptation strategy as part of our Climate Action Plan is critical.
Alice Springs is surrounded by natural and cultural heritage places. We need to better manage the impacts of weeds like buffel grass in areas that have cultural and ecological importance. I’d like to see Council work with custodians and other groups to support a local ranger team to protect the river red gums in the Todd and Charles Rivers. We also need to work with Arrernte people to better recognise names and places around town, this will help in growing greater respect for the living culture we live amongst.
We also need to work to reduce illegal dumping and waste going to landfill. A waste reduction strategy with an aim to increase recycling rates is required. In the short term, we need to introduce reverse vending machines to support container recycling locally and hard rubbish collection services. We also need to explore a range of options to ensure food and organic waste is being composted to reduce emissions and support healthier soils.
An inclusive community that is engaged in the processes and decision-making of Council is essential in moving forwards. I am proposing the establishment of a Multicultural Advisory Committee and an Arrernte/First Nations Advisory Committee of Council to ensure voices that have traditionally not had access to council will do so. I am also proposing support for local suburban based groups to be established to ensure priorities of council investment and maintenance are community-led.
I am working towards a better Alice, for everyone. This means we need to listen to the community and understand the opportunities to take appropriate action as the situation demands.”
sally gearin
- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Chan Ward
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Former Human Rights Barrister and legal advisor to NT Government
sue shearer
- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Lyons
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: President of Council of the Ageing NT (COTA)
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- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Lyons
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: President of Council of the Ageing NT (COTA)
Sue Shearer is President of Council of the Ageing, running to be your voice in Lyons Ward this election.
Sue has been the voice for senior Territorians at COTA since 2017, and has overseen a massive expansion of the organisation's operations to allow COTA to innovate and increase its reach, impact and its relevance across the Territory.
Sue is an outstanding community advocate - in 2019, Sue was awarded Darwin’s Citizen of the Year – for “speaking out for those who need a voice", she was named the 24th most powerful woman in the NT by the NT News to mark International Women’s Day 2021 and was awarded Darwin Citizen of the Year 2019 for her tireless advocacy.
Sue has an exiciting vision for a more inclusive and sustainable City of Darwin, including:
>Cleaner built and natural environments
> Offer rates discount for owners of commercial premises with a green energy policy.
> Promote use of green space and parks for physical activity.
> Promote easy reporting of issues.
>Safer streets and greater security for communities
> Work with Neighbourhood Watch to promote their activities
> Improve street lighting where needed.
> Work with traditional owners in regard to getting visitors back to country.
> Lobby and work with NT Government for wet areas for visitors from communities to stay.
> Support Neighbour Day and its aims.
>Easily accessible network of linked leisure trails
> Safer trails for ALL users.
> More signage and drinking stations for locals and visitors.
> Promote trail locations and improve access.
>An age-friendly city now and into the future
> Smaller green spaces rather than larger, busy parks with special areas set aside for particular demographics.
> Stable and safe pathways (free from obstructions, smooth surfaced, wide enough to accommodate safely accommodate all users, prams, scooters, bikes, pedestrians, mobility aid users).
> Easily accessible rest areas with well-maintained, clean seating and drinking fountains.
We look forward to working with Sue towards her vision for a more socially inclusive and sustainable tropical city.
You can support Sue's campaign by donating at: http://gofundme.com/.../wj9en-help-sue-get-elected-to...
andrew 'legs' arthur
- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Waters
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Music and Event Producer
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- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Waters
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Music and Event Producer
justine glover
- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Waters
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Registered Nurse and Public Health Practitioner
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- Electorate: Darwin City Council
- Ward: Waters
- Political Affiliation: Independent
- Occupation: Registered Nurse and Public Health Practitioner
Take the pledge
As a candidate endorsing the Communities on Council pledge, you’ll shows voters you’re committed to strengthening sustainability, social inclusion and civic participation and putting these goals at the centre of action within local government.
You’ll become part of a growing network of candidates and community members working for better representation for our communities, economies that work for all of us and a safe climate future.
Sign the pledge today and our team will be in touch to see how we can support you to stand up for these goals in local government.
