Being an elected member
I first came to Katherine Town Council as an elected Alderman at a local government by-election in 2002. I have been involved in the community in various roles from the time I arrived in Katherine in 1989. We only planned to be in Katherine about four years – but fell in love with the lifestyle, and the community spirit that is still very evident today. My husband and I ran a tourist park with a licensed general store servicing the community for nearly 12 years. As Chairperson of the Katherine Region Tourist Association and on the executive for seven years, I was aware of many issues that needed to be addressed and felt I could make a difference through local government.
I resigned my position as Alderman after 18 months when I was elected as the Member for Katherine in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly – again at a by-election. Within 12 months I was reelected again as the local member at a general election. With three elections in as many years I was ‘electioned out’ and wanting to get on with working effectively for my community. Following a serious vehicle accident, I retired from the NT Legislative Assembly. After an extremely good recovery, I was elected Mayor of Katherine in March 2012 and I am enjoying the challenges.
About Katherine Town Council
Katherine municipality is relatively small in area, servicing some 10,000 people. However, we are located at the crossroads of the Stuart Highway and Victoria Highway and are the service town for many outlying remote communities stretching across hundreds of kilometres. As such, we attract a high number of Indigenous visitors and thousands of tourists each year, especially the ‘grey nomads’ who are escaping the cold.
Our municipality is surrounded by Victoria/Daly Shire and Roper Gulf Shire, whose administrative offices are located within Katherine town. A major restructure is being undertaken by the NT Government to address efficiencies and governance roles within the communities in all shires across the Northern Territory. These changes will gradually be implemented over the coming months.
Tindal Airforce Base is also located 17km from Katherine Post Office. The potential for fairly extensive expansion in the future is highly likely. Katherine is the service centre for many top end pastoralists and the mining industry.
We have the potential for several major developments that will have a significant impact on our town, and as such have lobbied hard for land release to cope with the housing demand. Fortunately that issue has been recognised. I have great faith that Katherine is moving positively forward.
Biggest challenge
Without doubt the most challenging part of my role is being aware of what needs to happen for the betterment of the community, but not having the resources to do it in the short term. One of those areas is in the serious lack of short-term accommodation. Katherine has the highest rate per capita in Australia of people sleeping rough. Until this issue is seriously addressed by all levels of government and non-government agencies, many of our local challenges cannot be overcome.
