Mayoral candidate, councillor Sylvia Klonaris promises ‘empathy, vision and action’ if elected

A sitting Darwin councillor has announced her bid to become the city’s next lord mayor, with promises to build the city into one that is “safe, inclusive and full of opportunity” for everyone. Find out how she plans to make this happen.

City of Darwin councillor Sylvia Klonaris is standing for Lord Mayor. Picture: Facebook

Darwin councillor Sylvia Klonaris said she was ready to take the next step and “give back to the place that’s given so much to me”, throwing herself into the humid capital’s tightly contested race for Lord Mayor.

Ms Klonaris said she was committed to supporting older residents – particularly at a time when the population was “rapidly” ageing – and would establish a women’s shed, which would be a dedicated space where women of all backgrounds could connect and learn skills.

In regards to older residents, Ms Klonaris said she would advocate to develop a senior’s hub, which would be built in Waters Ward, that would serve as a “central space” for older residents to connect, access services and participate in activities.

While the Northern Territory’s median age is currently about five years below the national average of 38, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Darwin’s population over 85-years-old is projected to grow by 700 per cent by 2041.

Ms Klonaris said she wanted to build a city that was safe and inclusive. Picture: City of Darwin

Born and raised in Darwin, the 55-year-old said that more tree planting – whether through community planting days or the council itself – on top of other greening methods, were part of her vision of making Darwin more “liveable and climate resilient”.

Returning to the basics of fixing roads and footpaths and installing better lighting in public areas were also important issues to her, she added.

“Together we can build a city that’s safe, inclusive and full of opportunity for every family, every age and every person,” said Ms Klonaris.

She also said she would introduce a new initiative to support young athletes – dubbed the ‘Local Sporting Champions Sponsorship Program’ – that would offer financial support to athletes, coaches and officials aged 12-18 who are selected to compete at the state, national or international level.

Councillor Sylvia Klonaris and Councillor Kim Farrar at Spook-Tacular Halloween Haunted House Disco at the Malak Community Centre. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Council Grants would be worth anywhere from $400-$800 per person to help cover travel, accommodation and other costs.

Ultimately, Ms Klonaris said she knew what mattered most to locals, and that it would be her leadership which would bring a “fresh energy” to the council.

She said that she would lead with “empathy, vision and action” if she was elected as Lord Mayor.

“I want to make decisions that come from listening, not from party lines,” she said.

“The voice of the council should reflect the collective priorities of Darwin’s people, not party platforms and political agenda.”

Similar to other candidates, Ms Klonaris said she was not aligned with any political party.

To keep up to date with Ms Klonaris’ campaign, follow her Facebook page here: facebook.com/sylviaklonariswatersward

Originally published as Mayoral candidate, councillor Sylvia Klonaris promises ‘empathy, vision and action’ if elected