Our longest-serving councillors recognised

Gunbalanya Ward Councillor Davison Nawirridj has the longest service record in West Arnhem with 17 years.

WEST Arnhem Regional Council was second only to the City of Darwin in the number of long service awards it received at a recent Local Government Association NT general meeting.

Fifty-four councillors from seven councils were acknowledged with awards honouring their contributions of 10 years or more.

WARC councillors, honoured for their dedication and commitment to their local communities, picked up 10 of those awards.

LGANT President Damien Ryan said participation in local government was a “labour of love” that required dedication, commitment and community spirit.

“Local government is rewarding, challenging and frustrating in equal measure,” Mr Ryan said.

“Not everybody wants to commit the time and resources it takes to join their local council, but the opportunity to serve your community is a very strong motivation for those that do seek elected office.”

Awards were presented for 10, 20 and 30 years of local government service.

Maningrida Ward Councillor Matthew Ryan was recognised for his 10 years of service, as were former councillors David Narndal, Donald Gumurdul, Harry Thompson, and Jacob Nayinggul, with former councillor David Norton receiving an award for his 15 years of service.

Mayor Lothar Siebert, Cr Ralph Blyth and Cr Helen Williams were recognised for their 16 years of service.

The longest serving councillor in West Arnhem is Cr Davison Nawirridj, from Gunbalanya Ward, with 17 years of service. Cr Nawirridj said he saw his role as Councillor as helping represent the views of people in Gunbalanya while working with all the councillors from West Arnhem.

“It’s about sitting down, communicating, talking with one another about what is wrong, and what is important,” Cr Nawirridj told The Wire.

“That’s the way to do it, help each other, helping hands.

“I used to sit and talk to previous councillors, chairmen, presidents, and Traditional Owners too. A lot of those elders are gone now, and I’m the one left. I guess people from the community recognise that and that’s why they support me, but we are all here working together as a team, black and white.”

Mr Ryan said successful councillors had “their ears to the ground and an eye on the future”, as well as having strong community contacts.

“Congratulations to all award recipients and LGANT will continue to update the honour board in coming years,” he said.

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