‘It became clear there’s lots of areas that local governments and sport can work together in’: AFLNT an inspiration for Local Government Associations

Local government leaders across the Territory will draw upon the wisdom of the AFLNT as a successful organisation, after a telling presentation at yesterday’s LGANT Annual General Meeting.

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham gave a speech to members of the Local Government Association of the NT on how they have engaged with the community.

LOCAL government leaders across the Northern Territory will draw upon the wisdom of the AFLNT as a successful and aspiring organisation, after a telling presentation at yesterday’s LGANT Annual General Meeting.

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham was called upon to present to the meeting about how the one of the Territory’s peak sporting bodies was seen as a leader for the Territory’s future.

“The opportunity to talk to local governments from around the NT was an opportunity too good to pass up … when preparing it became clear there’s lots of areas that local governments and sport can work together in,” Mr Totham said.

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“I hope from this we can foster close relationship with the local government sector.”

As well as the similarities of community wellbeing and leadership and social cohesion, Mr Totham’s presentation also focused on leadership in crisis, the value of sport to the community and the AFLNT as an organisation. He said AFLNT’s aspirations of its own marquee stadium and a national team were important traits the perpetually develop the NT.

“I was one of the kids on the Esplanade in 1978 when self-government was granted, we always talked about ‘why can’t we have it in the NT?’,” Mr Totham said.

“We have a responsibility when you’re in leadership roles to inspire and dream big, Michael Long talks about why can’t we have it … that takes us to why shouldn’t we have our own team and why shouldn’t we have our own stadium. They’re big pieces of work,” Mr Totham said.

Last night’s conference dinner and general meeting concluded three days of workshops, looking at a spectrum of issues from cyber security and local decision making to alcohol and drug presentations and connecting to Treaty.

LGANT president Kon Vatskalis wants to meet with Chief Minister Michael Gunner, Police Minister Nicole Manison and Attorney-General Selena Uibo to discuss ways to find solutions to the anti-social issues plaguing the Territory.

“Our communities are struggling,” he said.

“This is not a new problem but it is taking an increasing toll on our communities.

“It negatively impacts on resident wellbeing. It makes it harder to attract and retain businesses. It hurts our tourism ventures many of which are Aboriginal businesses.”

The efforts undertaken by the Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation to curb crime through a night patrol in Tennant Creek was highlighted as a successful program that required greater support.

Mr Vatskalis said the COVID vaccine rollout and housing were the other top issues discussed during the meeting.

Local councils across the NT will head to the election in August.

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