Kim Farrar wins City of Darwin’s Waters Ward by-election

After a short, high-pressure campaign, a long-term Territorian has come out victorious in the Waters Ward by-election. And she’s revealed what she’ll be focusing on.

A FOURTH-generation Territorian, Kim Farrar is well placed to understand the rhythm and pace of Waters Ward residents, who she has just been elected to represent.

Her great, great-grandfather John Samuel Farrar held pastoral leases across the Territory in the late 1800s and early 20th century including Lake Nash, Nutwood Downs and Elsey Station.

Located in the heart of Darwin’s northern suburbs, Waters Ward includes some of the Territory’s larger suburbs including Anula, Karama, Malak, Moil and Wagaman and was drawn into a by-election after the resignation of previous councillor Justine Glover.

Ms Farrar collected an overwhelming majority of votes. With 48.2 per cent of votes counted, she had 3008 votes compared to her two opponents’ combined vote count of 2873.

Former councillor Gary Haslett came second with 1438 votes and prominent community member Robin Lawrence next with 1435.

Kim Farrar

Ms Farrar’s move into local government has come after seven years working in the not-for-profit sector, most recently with Council on the Ageing NT in Darwin. The death of her elderly mum 18-months ago and her son’s entry into late teenage years has opened up time and space she can now put into the community.

A political first-timer, the former real-estate agent says the big lesson learned out of the election campaign was to “just keep going”.

“It was a very short amount of time to campaign and we had to hit the ground running,” she said.

“I had a lot of family and friends supporting me who wanted to help and I walked the streets for two weeks and worked hard and that’s what I’m going to do now that I’m on council.”

Two issues concerning voters are the state of suburban footpaths and anti-social behaviour.

“A lot of people are talking about footpaths in some of the suburbs obviously needing work to be done and anti-social behaviour is worrying people,” she said.

Her work with COTA has also highlighted the importance of accessibility for disabled and seniors into community infrastructure such as shopping centres and parks.

“But what people are saying is they just want to be listened to and want their voices to be heard in council. I’m going into council because I care about the community and about the community being included and doing things better for everyone,” she said.

“I don’t have preconceived ideas and I’m going into a big learning curve. It’s going to be great.”

Originally published as Kim Farrar wins City of Darwin’s Waters Ward by-election