Darwin councillor Paul Arnold resigns triggering Lyons Ward by-election

A Darwin identity who says his mental health has ‘suffered significantly’ has quit his position as inner-city councillor.

Business owner and photographer Paul Arnold has stepped down from his role as Darwin city councillor. Picture: Che Chorley

A Darwin city councillor has quit saying he needs time to “repair and rebuild” his mental health.

Paul Arnold resigned from his position as Lyons Ward councillor with the Darwin council on Monday.

Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis accepted his resignation, to be effective immediately.

It means about 8000 inner-city ratepayers will head to the polls in the coming months to elect a new representative.

Mr Arnold, who owns Paul Arnold Gallery in Smith St Mall, took to his business’s social media page to reveal the reason behind his departure.

“My mental health and wellbeing has suffered significantly over the past 12 months to the point I can longer perform the duties as a councillor as expected by the ratepayers of Darwin,” he said.

Paul Arnold has long been a prominent local photographer, artist and art gallery owner.

“My focus needs to my own mental health, my family and friends my business and staff.

“It will take time to repair and rebuild my mental state but I have an amazing network around me and I am grateful for that.”

Mr Arnold also thanked the community for its support while saying his focus would now be on opening a new gallery.

“Check on your mates. Ring them. Visit them. Look after yourself,” he said.

Mr Arnold picked up the position in a 2020 by-election before successfully recontesting in the council-wide election the following year.

He represented inner-city suburbs including Larrakeyah, Parap and Stuart Park as well as the CBD and was a vocal advocate for reducing anti-social behaviour.

Mr Arnold was formerly in the Defence Force and has long been a prominent local photographer and business owner.

City of Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis accepted Mr Arnold resignation immediately. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Vatskalis thanked Mr Arnold for his work as a councillor.

“I understand the reasons behind Paul’s resignation and praise him for his continued efforts to represent his constituents and make Darwin a better place to live, work and play,” he said.

Darwin council chief executive Simone Saunders said Mr Arnold had been a proactive and community-focused representative.

“His local business and tourism knowledge has supported industry growth and representation,” she said.

Mr Arnold has been contacted for comment.

The by-election will be the second of the current council’s term following Kim Farrar’s win in Waters Ward in August 2022.

It will be held within the next four months.

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