West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) covers an area of almost 50,000 km2 of incredible natural landscape in the western part of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, including the world-heritage listed Kakadu National Park.
Council provides local government services to five towns and communities across four wards, including Minjilang and Warruwi (Barrah Ward), Maningrida (Maningrida Ward), Gunbalanya (Gunbalanya Ward) and Jabiru (Kakadu Ward).
Each of these communities is unique and adds to the vibrant culture of the West Arnhem region. We have numerous cultural, tourism, sporting and recreational activities running throughout the year.
Fighting for local business
I am one of the longest-serving councillors with WARC. Born in Germany, I arrived in Australia in 1968 with my mother, father, four brothers, and two sisters. In 1970, the Siebert family set out from Sydney to find work in the Western Australian mining town of Newman. However, upon arrival in Darwin we decided to settle there, battling our way through Cyclone Tracey in 1974. I have lived and worked in the Northern Territory ever since.
I have been a resident of Gunbalanya since 1982. I started work as an apprentice mechanic at the age of 13 and moved to Gunbalanya as manager of Bridge Autos. I have subsequently worked hard to establish my own local businesses.
Since joining council, I have been through ceremony, and have fought long, hard and successfully to obtain housing for locals. I work to develop local business opportunities and local employment. My dream is for the people of West Arnhem to own property and businesses. This is something I continue to fight for every day.
Last year I was recognised at the Local Government Association of Northern Territory (LGANT) annual general meeting for 16 years of service to local government.
I am also currently a LGANT Executive Board Member and have been nominated for the position of Vice President and Executive Board Member at the upcoming LGANT elections in December.
On the ground
I try to be an ‘on the ground’ mayor who is always out and about. I frequently visit the communities around West Arnhem and meet with other councils. A highlight of being mayor in West Arnhem is meeting the community members from around the regions.
I think one of my greatest achievements as Mayor, together with a team of fellow Councillors and staff, is the restoration of the Regional Council to a strong and viable financial position.
Into the future I intend to continue to fight for locals to develop local business opportunities, employment and property ownership.
