West Arnhem Regional Council elects new Mayor and Deputy Mayor
West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) has elected James Woods as Mayor and Jacqueline Phillips as Deputy Mayor at the first meeting of the newly elected Council on Tuesday, 23 September 2025.
The meeting also included the swearing-in of all newly elected Council Members, with special guests Member for Arafura Manuel Brown MLA, Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour MP, and the Honourable Warren Snowdon in attendance.
Mayor James Woods said, “It is an honour to be re-elected as Mayor of West Arnhem Regional Council. I look forward to working closely with my fellow Councillors, our communities and stakeholders to build on our strengths and create positive opportunities across the region. Together, we will continue to listen to our people and make decisions that deliver real results for all, ensuring that West Arnhem grows stronger and more resilient for the future generations.”
We are pleased to announce the following Elected Members who will guide the future direction of WARC for the next four years:
Maningrida Ward
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Mayor James Woods
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Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Phillips
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Cr Joseph Diddo
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Cr Jermaine Namanurki
Warruwi Ward
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Cr James Marrawal
Minjilang Ward
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Cr Steven Nabalmarda
Gunbalanya Ward
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Cr Henry Yates
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Cr Ralph McCoy
Kakadu Ward
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Cr Ralph Blyth
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Cr Mickitja Onus
There are currently two vacant positions on Council – one in Gunbalanya Ward and one in Kakadu Ward. The NT Electoral Commission will hold the supplementary elections for these seats in November 2025.