Alice Springs councillor Marli Banks first woman to enter mayoral race for August election

AN Alice Springs councillor is the first woman to announce her run for mayor this August, joining the ranks of six men – most of whom have a council background.

• Councillor Matt Paterson will run for mayor in 2021 Local Government election
• Local business owner Allison Bitar to run for council in August election
• Prominent sportsman Aaron Blacker to run for Alice Springs mayor in August election
• Who is running for Alice Springs mayor in 2021 and what they stand for
• Alice Springs mayor Damien Ryan prepares to step down from role after more than a decade

ALICE Springs councillor Marli Banks is the first woman to announce she will run for mayor in the 2021 Local Government Elections in August, bringing the total pool of candidates so far to seven.

Alice Springs town councillor’s Matt Paterson, Jimmy Cocking, Jamie de Brenni and Eli Melky have also nominated themselves for the role, along with former councillor Steve Brown and local sportsman Aaron Blacker.

The local businesswoman and parent is one of the three female members currently serving on the 13th Alice Springs Town Council.

Cr Banks said she would continue to champion for issues of transparency, regional planning, and the development of community projects.

“As the first female to put a hand up for mayor, I am standing because I believe that strong

leadership is not defined by gender, but rather through our actions.

Cr Banks said she will seek to restore the community’s trust in the council by ensuring

that community-led solutions are integrated into the council process.

She said she would encourage council to tackle issues surrounding community safety.

“Every effort must be made to ensure that all residents feel safe in public areas and at home, and business owners can refocus and start rebuilding without the extra risks and costs associated by anti-social behaviours.”

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Cr Banks said there was a need for a “co-ordinated focus on regional development and master planning, so that the council can develop future projects that align with the existing and long-term needs of the community”.

While serving on the council, Cr Banks said projects she worked on include the library redevelopment and Youth Hub, public water play park, and existing master plans held by the council such as the sports and public art master plans.

She has also worked to ensure continued support for community organisations such as the

Arrernte Boxing Academy and Red Tails/Pink Tails Right Track program.

“It is time for a fresh start and a change of the old guard, as mayor I will put the needs of Alice Springs first, engage locally and ensure that all in our community have the opportunity to come on this journey together.”

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