Tennant Creek councillor expected to go up against mayor for Gerry McCarthy’s Barkly seat
A COUNCILLOR looks set to take on his mayor in contesting the seat of Barkly for Labor after current member Gerry McCarthy announced he was retiring
Centralian Advocate
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A TENNANT Creek councillor and electorate officer looks set to contest the seat of Barkly for Labor at the NT Election in August after current Member for Barkly, Gerry McCarthy, yesterday announced his intention to retire.
The Barkly Sub Branch of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) unanimously voted for Sid Vashist to be nominated for preselection following a special meeting on Wednesday night.
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Mr Vashist is expected to go up against Tennant Creek Mayor and CLP candidate Steve Edgington.
The ALP’s NT Administrative Committee is expected to formally announce a candidate on Friday afternoon at the close of nominations.
Mr Vashist, who migrated to Australia from India in 2007, moved to Tennant Creek 10 years ago to manage the local supermarket.
He worked in the banking sector for a while before taking up a position with CatholicCare where he piloted youth programs in the region.
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Mr Vashist has also worked at the Barkly Electorate Office in Tennant Creek for five years.
Mr Vashist told the Centralian Advocate the Barkly has a prosperous future.
“Labor delivers infrastructure, services and jobs and I’m excited at the prospect of building on the foundation Gerry has laid, not just during his term as local member but for the 40 years he has contributed to making the Barkly a greater place,” he said.
“I’m passionate about progressing businesses in the region, continuing to build capacity in the bush and working with youth towards a better, safer future.”
Barkly MLA Gerry McCarthy said he wholeheartedly supported Mr Vashist in his bid to become the successive Member for Barkly.
“He knows the job, he knows the challenges and he knows the people who live in towns and communities across the vast Barkly,” he said.
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