New Groote Archipelago Regional Council elected

The Northern Territory Government’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington has welcomed the newly elected councillors of Groote Archipelago Regional Council before its first council meeting.

“This is a proud and exciting time and a significant moment in the history of the Groote Archipelago Region as we witness the official formation of the new Groote Archipelago Regional Council,” Mr Edgington said after meeting five of the seven elected officials.

“We have a great mix of experience and youth, women and men, from across the archipelago. Some bring years of experience as councillors and local authority members, even a former CEO, while others are stepping into leadership roles for the first time.”

From left: Groote Archipelago Regional Council CEO Shane Marshall and Minister Steve Edgington with five of the seven newly elected councillors – Councillor Violet Huddlestone, Councillor Kieranson Wurramurra, Councillor Constantine Mamarika, Councillor Gordon Walsh and Councillor Gregson Lalara.

Mr Edgington said the new three ward council – West, Central and East – showed real action in creating certainty in our Territory bush communities by offering fairer and more localised representation to residents.

“We promised to foster self-determination and strengthen service delivery through important reform in the Groote Archipelago Region, and we achieved this by working with locals to provide a council structure that reflected what the community wanted,” he said.

“I know that restoring control of communities to Aboriginal people is fundamental to rebuilding our economy and restoring our unique Territory lifestyle, creating real opportunities for locals to have a more active role in community development and decision-making processes.

“Our government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security for Territorians.”

Declaration of Undertaking Ceremony: (From left) Councillor Gordon Walsh, Councillor Violet Huddlestone, Councill Kieranson Wurramurra, Minister Steve Edgington, Councillor Gregson Lalara and Councillor Constantine Mamarika.

Mr Edgington praised the councillors’ commitment to their communities, saying their induction week had already demonstrated a strong sense of purpose and unity.

“Councillors heard from various organisations, including the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory and the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption about how to stay on track and lead with integrity,” Mr Edgington said.

“They were all there because they want to make their communities better, create local jobs, improve services, engage young people, stay connected to culture, and promote community wellbeing.

Induction Week: Councillor Violet Huddlestone and Councillor Kieranson Wurramurra.