NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran awarded honour from King Charles III

Weeks out from her term ending, NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran has been given a prestigious gong by King Charles. Read why she was honoured.

Outgoing Territory Administrator, Vicki O’Halloran, has become the first Territorian to be awarded a gong by King Charles III.

Ms O’Halloran was named a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the King’s new year’s honours list in recognition of distinguished service as NT Administrator over the past five years.

The citation, published in The Gazette and posted on social media, said the King “has been graciously pleased”, to promote Ms O’Halloran to the Royal Victorian Order.

Ms O’Halloran was made an Officer of the order of Australia in 2019, which is Australia’s highest civilian honour.

NT Administrator Vicki O'Halloran's citation from King Charles III.

A post on the NT Administrator’s Facebook page detailed some of her achievements in the role.

“During her term in office, Her Honour has worked tirelessly in representing and advocating for Territorians across the Northern Territory, Australia and overseas,” the post said. “Committed to connecting with all Territorians the Administrator has spent time with Territorians the length and breadth of the Territory: from Mutitjulu and Kalkarindji, to Alpurrurulam, Groote Eylandt and the Tiwi Islands.

“The Administrator has hosted more than 2500 events in support of the Northern Territory and served as Patron to more than 60 community groups and organisations, and welcomed more than 20,000 visitors through the gates of Government House.

Among her list of achievements was Ms O’Hallorans dedication to telling the “Territory’s unique stories”. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

“Her Honour’s term has been characterised by an enduring commitment to engaging with as many Territorians as possible, and to listening and learning, in order to provide a platform and voice for the Territory’s unique stories.”

Ms O’Halloran will be invested by Governor-general David Hurley on behalf of His Majesty at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House in Canberra later this month.

Dozens of Territorians took to social media to acknowledge Ms O’Halloran’s tenure, which began in October 2017 and will end when former chief health officer Hugh Heggie’s three-year term begins on January 31.

Garry Casey, from Darwin, congratulated the Administrator. “Congrats Vicki,” he wrote. “So well deserved. You will be leaving a great legacy for the incoming Administrator. Thank you for your caring service.”

King Charles III named Ms O’Halloran in his recipient list in recognition of distinguished service as NT Administrator over the past five years.

Darwin resident Hege Ronning-Burns applauded Ms O’Halloran’s award.

“Congratulations, Your Honour. We all know how dedicated you are to all here in Northern Territory and it’s wonderful that your service has been recognised by His Majesty, King Charles.”

Alice Springs resident Jodi Alva also weighed in.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege serving you as your ADC. Unquestionably one of the most inspiring Administrators in NT history. You’ve been a role model to our wonderful community and particularly women who have witnessed your incredible leadership over the past 5 years. Congratulations on this well deserved recognition.”

Nhulunbuy resident Alice Doyle said the award was well deserved. “Fantastic to see all your hard work and Territorian-ism honoured,” she wrote.

There are currently only 24 Australian Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order including former Governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove and former state governors including Hames Gobbo and Roma Mitchell.

The NT News is seeking comment from Ms O’Halloran.