Amelia Vellar appointed as NT Agriculture and Fisheries Department chief executive

A senior executive with deep farming roots and experience in major government projects has been chosen to lead the Territory's agriculture department. Read the details.

Amelia Vellar and Bethany Thornton at the 2025 NT News Futures Northern Territory, Mindil Casino July 18, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley has appointed Amelia Vellar as chief executive of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Ms Vellar is an experienced public sector leaner across Territory and local government, most recently serving as acting chief executive of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development.

In that role, she led a workforce of more than 500 and managed a budget exceeding $850m.

Amelia Vellar has been appointed the chief executive (CEO) of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Picture: Supplied

She has also held senior leadership roles with the City of Palmerston, including Interim chief executive and deputy chief executive, where she oversaw major community infrastructure projects and drove organisational transformation.

Earlier in her career, Amelia held strategic positions in workforce planning, capability development, and organisational reform at City of Darwin and across the NT Government.

Ms Vellar holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School, a Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Sector Management), and a Bachelor of Psychology.

Corrections Minister Gerard Maley at the Holtze Correctional Facility after 41 officers joined the frontline, September 12, 2025. Picture: Thomas McLean

“Hailing from a farm in South Australia, where her family has been farming for five generations, Amelia has a strong personal connection to agriculture,” Mr Maley said in a statement.

“Amelia brings a proven track record of delivering major reforms and building strong organisations, and I’m confident she will guide the Department to support our farms, fishers and regional communities.

“I look forward to working with Ms Vellar as we continue to rebuild the Territory economy with Agriculture and Fisheries as key pillars for future growth and prosperity.

“I thank Mr Jed Matz for the valuable role he has played leading the department as acting [chief executive].”

Originally published as Amelia Vellar appointed as NT Agriculture and Fisheries Department chief executive