New LGANT and NORFORCE partnership helping Centralians gain valuable skills
The partnership is being hailed as ‘game-changer’ which ‘benefits everyone’ by the top brass from both organisations. Find out why.
Northern Territory
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A new partnership between the Territory’s local government association and the Australian Army Reserve “benefits everyone,” according to top brass from the reservists.
Announced late on Tuesday, the Local Government Association of the NT (LGANT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE).
LGANT President Kon Vatskalis called the partnership a “game-changer for remote communities across the NT”.
“By joining forces, LGANT and NORFORCE are opening real career opportunities and upskilling local workers to become community leaders,” he said.
NORFORCE Centre Squadron Commanding Officer Major Jeffery Marshall said the reservists are welcomed by regional councils in the NT.
“Extending this co-operation through part-time Army Reserve opportunities benefits everyone,” he said.
The partnership is set to focus on NORFORCE’s forward operating base in Alice Springs, as well as in the force’s bases in Tennant Creek and Borroloola.
NORFORCE Warrant Officer Paul Style the partnership will aim to upskill and train remote community residents by teaching leadership skills, first aid, communication skills and more.
“Working with LGANT brings essential local knowledge to NORFORCE. In return, participants gain valuable skills for both service and community life,” he said.
NORFORCE operates in Central Australia and provides defence assistance to the civil community.
In 2024 it supported NT police search and rescue operations in the MacDonnell Ranges and Tennant Creek.
It also played a part in the government’s response to the Borroloola flooding in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Megan.
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