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The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) Annual General Meeting has elected a new leadership team for the next two years that includes:

President Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis City of Darwin

Vice-President Municipal Vice-President Regional Councillor Kirsty Sayers-Hunt Councillor Peter Clee Litchfield Council Wagait Shire Council

Executive Members Councillor Kris Civitarese Barkly Regional Council Deputy Mayor Peter Gazey Katherine Town Council Mayor Judy MacFarlane Roper Gulf Regional Council Councillor Georgina Macleod Victoria Daly Regional Council Deputy Mayor Peter Pangquee City of Darwin Councillor Bobby Wunungmurra East Arnhem Regional Council

The LGANT Secretariat looks very much forward to working with the new President. He has a track record of getting things done, is an expert negotiator with an extensive network within the Territory and across Australia and will have a focus on equity, fairness, and good governance.

There are six first-timers on the Executive drawn from all parts of the Territory, all bringing a unique set of skills and experience, with Mayor MacFarlane, Deputy Mayor Pangquee and Councillor Wunungmurra re- elected from the previous Board.

The LGANT Executive will meet every month and has on its agenda advocacy on issues such as water security, housing, climate change adaptation, cyclone shelters, connectivity, infrastructure funding and working with the Territory and Commonwealth governments, councils, land councils and communities to assist in the progression of closing the gap targets.

The election in Alice Springs marked the end of the tenure of Mayor Damien Ryan as President after ten years on the Executive and eight of those as President. We wish him well in the future and thank him sincerely for his contribution.

Already the Executive has nominated local government representatives to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the Heritage Council, discussed exploring further a LGANT marketing strategy, the development of a Reconciliation and Action Plan, the costs of delivering services to remote communities, NT Government Homelands Policy, climate change adaptation plans, and mining, oil and gas companies engaging with local government councils as part of the approval and social licence to operate processes.

Last month we said goodbye to our Projects & Communications Officer Jennifer Jan who is leaving to take up full-time study. She was a valued and valuable member of the LGANT team. In early 2021 we will welcome two new staff in a Senior Policy Officer and a Member Services Trainee.

Operationally, a new constitution, the implementation of the Local Government Act 2019, options for the delivery of elected member training, for example, are occupying our time., The Secretariat is also working with the Territory Government and the NT Electoral Commission on preparations for the NT Local Government elections set for 28 August 2021. Our objective is to encourage a substantial increase in enrolment, greater elected member nominations and making it easier to vote as there are over 25,000 people not on the roll and not voting.

You do not need me to describe 2020 and just how difficult a time we have all had. I will say that the local government sector can be extremely proud of its resolve, its professionalism, and the care you have all shown to each other both inside and outside the bricks and mortar of the council buildings.

You have done, you are doing and you will continue to make a difference as you know how important your roles are to community wellbeing which is after all why we exist.

The President and I have undertaken to visit all seventeen member councils and shires and we very much look forward to seeing you all in the new year. In the meantime, it is a very Merry Christmas from all of us here at the LGANT Secretariat, enjoy your time with family and friends and stay safe.

Sean G Holden Chief Executive Officer

LGANT Annual General Meeting - November 4-6 2020

The LGANT General meeting dinner was a chance for the sector to be together after being apart for much of the year due to COVID-19 restrictions. A presentation by Ray Smith, General Manager of the Bland Shire Council in NSW, showed how his council answered the big question of how they invigorated their communities and how the council encouraged staff innovation to create community spirit and individualism through such events as "Adding Flavour to Bland Shire Council".

The outgoing president of the Australian Local Government Association, Mayor David O’Loughlin, delivered the inaugural Tony Tapsell Oration on “Leadership, Management and the New Normal” and took the advantage of telling a number of stories about LGANT outgoing President Mayor Damien Ryan. Mayor O'Loughlin spoke highly of Mayor Ryan's contribution to local government sector nationally and how passionately he represented the views of local government in the Northern Territory.

The inaugural LGANT Public Service Officer Award, which recognises a public servant who has delivered outstanding service to our communities, was presented to Jake Quinlivan, Regional Executive Director at Northern Territory Government. Jake was nominated by Katherine Town Council and was presented at the dinner by LGANT President Damien Ryan.

A fitting end to the evening was Damien Ryan’s daughter singing an old time favourite by Frant Sinatra “I did it my way” - a great way to end a very enjoyable night and to farewell LGANT's outgoing President.

The 'MyCouncil' Program The 'MyCouncil' Program is well and truly in effect around the Territory these days with six Councils implementing the system across their Local Government Areas. The initiative encourages spending with local businesses by providing discounts, subsidised through Council and the Northern Territory Government. You don't have to live in the area, just be visiting or passing through! Those participating councils have opened the programs until the funding reaches $0, so support a local business and take advantage of the scheme through the following websites:

• https://my.darwin.nt.gov.au/ • https://my.palmerston.nt.gov.au/ • https://mylitchfield.nt.gov.au/ • https://mykatherine.nt.gov.au/ • https://www.mybarkly.me/ • https://myalice.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/

If you are a local business in the Northern Territory and would like to be a part of the program in your area, please head to one of the above links. If your Council currently does not offer the program, let them know!

Tenders It's a busy month in Procurement at LGANT! There have been three brand new tenders released recently with some new terms and conditions to help small businesses work closely with Member Councils, associate LGANT members, and Northern Territory Non-For-Profit Organisations.

Current Tenders: Contract Name Opens Closes

LB293 - General Hardware Supplies 12/12/2020 2/02/2021

LB298 - Building and Construction Materials 12/12/2020 2/02/2021

LB299 - Electrical and Lighting Supplies 12/12/2020 2/02/2021

If you are a supplier or know of any suppliers in the Northern Territory who would be interested in becoming a Preferred Supplier under the above Local Buy Contracts, please contact Sheridan Rose for more information via [email protected] or 0427965900.

Spotlight on Local Business The theme of the LGANT 2020 Procurement Symposium was "The Power in Local Procurement" and in keeping with this theme, the event giveaways were locally made bags and filled with locally made/sourced products from micro businesses around the Territory. LGANT would like to personally acknowledge their contribution and showcase one or two of these valued suppliers each month. This December we would like to recognise the following businesses:

Ango Mango - 7yo Angus Copelin-Walters. Angus took inspiration from a Japanese style knot bag to create some special bags for the attendees. They were absolutely beautiful and very well received. Buy one for yourself at https://www.angomango.com.au/

Little Sweetie - Vivian at Little Sweetie long desired to develop her own brand of Snowflake Nougat, a whole new experience on traditional Australian nougat. Each piece is handmade and simply irresistible! If you're in the market for some sweet treats made with TLC, contact Vivian for your next conference event candies or even some stocking fillers for Christmas. Visit https://www.facebook.com/littlesweetieau/

Blue Bush Road Project LGANT with the assistance of the Australian Government “Local Road and community Infrastructure Grant” is upgrading the Blue Bush Road in the Barkly Region. This project was delivered by local civil contractors, Phillips Earthmoving Pty Ltd, at a cost of $458,090.00. The scope of works included clearing of batters and winning gravel material to complete full reformation of 27km of gravel pavement. The road services four communities and the rail and gas pipeline from Alice Springs to the Darwin corridor. These upgrades now ensure safer access to these communities and extends the asset life of these important roads by a further 10 years.

Positions Vacant - Member Councils Please visit http://www.lgant.asn.au/vacancies/ for links to employment pages for all NT councils.

Careers at Council Member Value

Unlike the privately owned local government job boards, all income earned from council subscriptions is directed back into marketing the sector. Candidates are reached via campaigns on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Verizon etc. Subscriber councils can also post videos and blog stories about work in their council, highlighting the interesting projects, achievements and culture that exists in local government. National recognition

Careers at Council is recognised as the national portal for local government jobs by the Commonwealth Government and on the Job Search page of the national Apprenticeship and Traineeship site.

This short video explains the purpose, features and results to date - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpsbhbjQuAg

Local Government Professionals - NT Chapter

If you're a local government officer in one of the Northern Territory's 17 councils, now is the time to join your State Association and boost your career with a loaded calendar ahead.

Be a part of upcoming conferences around the corner, put your council's foot in the door for the 2021 Management Challenge, access special executive management courses from neighbouring Queensland and South Australian branches coming up, and become part of National Advisory Groups for our sector. These are just some of the many opportunities available to members.

If you join now, you'll be in time to nominate yourself as part of the national Local Government Women's Advisory Group and apply for a scholarship grant for female members.

Membership is just a tax deductible $250 fee away. Enquire here and prioritise your local government career.

On behalf of your local NT Statewide Super team, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support this year and wish you all a wonderful end to 2020.

Please ensure you are aware of our opening hours over the Christmas period, which can be found on the Statewide Super website here.

In 2021 we look forward to continuing to work alongside you to help create your best financial future.

We wish you a safe, festive, and relaxing holiday season and please make sure you reach out to us for assistance should you need it on (08) 7915 4800.

Regards, Your local NT Statewide Super team

The information provided contains general advice which does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Before investing, you should consider the appropriateness of this general advice with regard to your personal circumstances. You may also wish to obtain independent financial advice. Statewide Super holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) that allows it to provide both general and personal financial advice. For further information and a copy of the applicable Financial Services Guide, visit www.statewide.com.au or call 1300 65 18 65. Statewide Superannuation Pty Ltd ABN 62 008 099 223 (AFSL 243171) Trustee and RSE Licensee of Statewide Superannuation Trust ABN 54 145 196 298 (“Statewide Super”). In deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, a Statewide Super product, please consider the applicable Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available at statewide.com.au or by calling 1300 65 18 65. Issued in December 2020.

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