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Council welcomes New Member and celebrates milestones
WARC OCM 17.02.25.

West Arnhem Regional Council convened its first in-person Ordinary Council Meeting for 2025 on Tuesday, 18 February, in Jabiru. Prior to the meeting, Elected Members had a tour of the Council services around the Jabiru township, including a visit to the Jabiru Childcare Centre, Jabiru Pool, Library, Community Care and Centrelink Office. Along the way, staff provided valuable insights into the services they deliver to Jabiru residents. The tour concluded with a quick stop by Brockman Oval, which will soon boast new lighting delivered by Council and funded by the Rio Tinto Jabiru Social Infrastructure Fund.

The first item of business on the meeting agenda was the swearing in of Ms Tamar Nawirridj as the newest Elected Member, representing the Gunbalanya Ward. Mayor James Woods and fellow Elected Members congratulated Cr Nawirridj on her appointment and expressed their excitement about working together for the Council and Communities of West Arnhem.

The meeting continued with Mayor Woods signing the Maningrida Subdivision Stage 1 Handover agreement, officially transferring responsibility from the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure to the Council. The Department will be finalising some improvements to signage, drainage and the road in this subdivision in coming months. This signifies the end of a long journey for this project and reinforces the Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and managing local roads within the Maningrida Community. 

Council also received a comprehensive overview from the technical services team who are busy delivering multiple projects across the region. As of this month, there has been significant developments including:

  • The Maningrida changerooms roof sheeting has commenced

  • Design of the Jabiru oval lights are under way

  • The new Maningrida airport structures are being constructed

  • Bollards are starting to go up at the Maningrida Cricket Oval

Another highlight of the day was the presentation of a Long Service Award to Councillor Ralph Blyth, presented by Mayor Woods on behalf of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory. This award celebrated Cr Blyth’s remarkable 20 years of dedicated service to local government and his ongoing commitment to the West Arnhem region.

Council also received an important report on the 2025-26 Regional Plan and Budget. This comprehensive document outlines the Council’s upcoming budget, strategic initiatives, and long-term financial planning. It will now proceed to the next round of Local Authorities for further consideration to ensure our Communities have input in shaping priorities and decision-making for the future.

This Ordinary Council Meeting was also the final meeting for outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrew Walsh. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Woods and Elected Members thanked Andrew, expressing their gratitude for his dedication and contributions to the West Arnhem region. They also welcomed Interim Chief Executive Officer Ben Waugh, who will see Council through the transition until the permanent CEO recruitment is finalised.

 All Council meetings are open to the public, with dates and agendas available on the West Arnhem Regional Council website.

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