Fran Kilgariff AM appointed Deputy of the Administrator of the Northern Territory

Fran Kilgariff AM, of the iconic Territory Kilgariff family, has stepped into one of the NT’s most powerful roles.

Former Alice Springs mayor Ms Fran Kilgariff AM was sworn in as Deputy of the Administrator on Thursday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Former Alice Springs mayor Fran Kilgariff AM has been appointed Deputy of the Administrator of the Northern Territory at a swearing in ceremony at Parliament House on Thursday afternoon.

She will support Administrator Hugh Heggie AO PSM in his duties, and act as his representative in Central Australia at community and ceremonial events.

Ms Kilgariff said it was an “honour” to be appointed to the role, and she “looked forward to continuing to speak to Territorians, to celebrate your accomplishments, and hear your stories”.

Born and raised in Central Australia, Ms Kilgariff is a member of the well-known Kilgariff family that has contributed to governance and representation of the Northern Territory for more than six decades.

Her father Bernie served as a Member of the Legislative Council, as a Senator for the Northern Territory, and then as an Acting Administrator.

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM watches on as his new deputy is sworn in, with partner Ms Ruth Eirwen Jones. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Kilgariff was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her substantial contributions to local government in the Northern Territory, to the economic and social advancement of the community of the Alice Springs region, and through contributions to Indigenous, tourism and community health organisations.

“Having a Deputy of the Administrator, based in Alice Springs, means residents in the Red Centre and the Barkly, will have representation from the Administrators office,” Chief Minister Eva Lawler said.

“Ms Kilgariff herself is well known for her own representation of the region through local government, being the Mayor of Alice Springs from 2000 to 2008. She and her family understand the Red Centre and are deeply embedded in the community.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro also congratulated Ms Kilgariff on her appointment.

“She knows the challenges the Territory faces, but importantly knows the opportunities that lie ahead for us,” she said.

“She’s had a distinguished career in public service and local government and importantly, she has been a consistent and fierce advocate for people in Central Australia.”

The bullet point summary was created with the assistance of AI technology (PaLM2) then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Fran Kilgariff AM appointed Deputy of the Administrator of the Northern Territory