Home » Board looks to work closely with new Government

Board looks to work closely with new Government

The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) announced the re-election of the Hon Kon Vatskalis, Lord Mayor of Darwin, as President of it’s Board at the recent Annual General Meeting.

The Board is responsible for the overall governance, management and strategic direction of the organisation and for delivering accountable corporate performance in accordance with the organisation’s goals and objectives.

Mr Vatskalis said LGANT’s new Board would focus on working closely with the newly elected CLP Government to continue positive, collaborative efforts for local government reforms.

“With representatives bringing insights from remote, regional, and urban areas, the Board is well-prepared to advocate for the unique needs of all LGANT members,” said Vatskalis.

The full list of Board appointments includes:

• President – Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis, City of Darwin (re-elected)

• Vice President – Municipal: Councillor Allison Bitar, Alice Springs Town Council

• Vice President – Regional and Shire: Mayor Brian Pedwell, Victoria Daly Regional Council

• Board Director – Regional and Shire: Mayor James Woods, West Arnhem Regional Council (re-elected)

• Board Director – Regional and Shire: Mayor Lynette De Santis, Tiwi Islands Regional Council

• Board Director – Regional and Shire: Councillor Peter Clee, Wagait Shire Council (re-elected)

• Board Director – Municipal: Mayor Elisabeth Clark, Katherine Town Council (re-elected)

• Board Director – Municipal: Casual vacancy

• Board Director – Municipal (City of Darwin nominated position): Councillor Peter Pangquee, City of Darwin (re-nominated)

Outgoing members who have completed their terms are Vice President Municipals, Mayor Matt Paterson, Alice Springs Town Council; Board Director, Regional and Shires Councillor Georgina Macleod, Victoria Daly Regional Council; and Board Director Regional and Shires; Councillor Cyril Tasman, Central Desert Regional Council.

Mr Vatskalis expressed his gratitude to these outgoing members for their dedicated service and contributions to LGANT and the local government sector.

“Matt, Georgina, and Cyril have all been exceptional advocates for their communities, while bringing valuable insights and experience to the oversight of LGANT.

“We thank them for their service and dedication, which has strengthened LGANT’s work and influence,” Mr. Vatskalis said.

The newly elected Board represents a balance of experience and fresh perspectives, ensuring LGANT remains responsive to the diverse needs of urban, regional and remote communities across the Territory.

“This Board is uniquely positioned to address a wide range of challenges, and we look forward to working together with the Australian and Northern Territory Governments and other stakeholders to achieve improved outcomes for the local government sector,” Mr. Vatskalis said.

Digital Editions


  • Big attraction for tiny town

    Big attraction for tiny town

    Dozens of tourists have created history as the first passengers in decades to arrive in the tiny southern Queensland town of Thallon by rail. Excited…

More News

  • Dandycon set to return

    Dandycon set to return

    Dandy Con, Greater Dandenong’s much loved comic and pop culture festival, returns on Saturday 11 April 2026 between 11am–4pm, bigger than ever. This free, all ages event fills Dandenong Library,…

  • A creative future for Kingston

    A creative future for Kingston

    The community has been invited to help shape Kingston’s creative and cultural future. Kingston residents are being invited to help finalise the city’s cultural roadmap, with the Draft Creative and…

  • Tweed residents gunking up wastewater

    Tweed residents gunking up wastewater

    Tweed Shire Council is urging residents to rethink what they flush down the toilet and pour down the drain, after revealing that crews remove around 156 tonnes of rubbish and…

  • In memory of Chris Quilkey

    In memory of Chris Quilkey

    It was with great sadness that we learned that former Blacktown City Deputy Mayor and Councillor Chris Quilkey has passed away. First and foremost, our thoughts are with Chris’s family,…

  • Unit demolished as Ipswich flood recovery continues

    Unit demolished as Ipswich flood recovery continues

    Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has welcomed the demolition of Mihi Grove, a flood-hit 42-unit complex in Brassall purchased as part of the Queensland and Australian Government’s Resilient Homes Fund Voluntary…

  • Fraser adopts tree

    Fraser adopts tree

    The Fraser Coast now has an official tree, with Council today adopting the Kauri Pine as a symbol of the region’s culture, history and natural environment. Fraser Coast Mayor George…

  • Council take on much-loved garden

    Council take on much-loved garden

    Glenorchy City Council will take on the administration of the Chigwell Community Garden, securing the future of the much-loved community space and supporting continued shared use by local groups. Glenorchy…

  • Fuel prices hurt country LGAs

    Fuel prices hurt country LGAs

    The fuel crisis is hitting remote, rural and regional communities hard, with farmers, freight carriers, tourism operators and local government all expressing concerns about the lack of supply and the…

  • Navigating grants

    Navigating grants

    How Administrative Complexity Is Eroding One of Local Government’s Most Powerful Tools Local government grants exist to create impact in communities. Yet across the sector, that purpose is increasingly being…

  • Looking to the future

    Looking to the future

    Flinders Lane will be abuzz for two days this month with Townsville Youth Council – supported by Townsville City Council – set to deliver a free festival focused on the…