Peter Styles elected Darwin Lord Mayor, Asta Hill to Alice Springs in 2025 NT local government race
After eight years as Darwin Lord Mayor, Kon Vatskalis will be replaced. Meanwhile in the Red Centre, a young mum has created history, and wants to help change the story of the embattled town.
Peter Styles has officially been elected the City of Darwin’s new Lord Mayor, ending Kon Vatskalis’ long-standing leadership.
The result was made official by the NT Electoral Commission about 4am on Saturday after weeks of counting votes.
The result brings to an end a drama-filled election.
Last week, Mr Vatskalis, as well as candidates Amye Un and Vicki Bonson, lodged formal complaints relating to allegations of fake how-to-vote cards being circulated.
The allegations prompted the NTEC to refer the matter to NT Police, who launched an investigation.
It was later revealed Mr Styles had also lodged a complaint of his own.
On Saturday afternoon, Mr Vatskalis addressed the announcement.
“We live in a democracy, the people spoke with their voice and we have to accept the results,” he said.
Mr Vatskalis said he was “really proud” of his tenure as Lord Mayor.
“We had some difficult times when I was Lord Mayor, from Cyclone Marcus to the Covid pandemic and I am very proud that I managed to hold Darwin together and not (have) the problems we’ve seen down south.”
On his legacy, Mr Vatskalis said he believed he would be remembered as a leader who served the “whole community” rather than a populist who favoured small pockets.
“Of course there will be people who don’t like me because I didn’t do something they wanted,” he said.
“But I want to do things that will benefit the whole community, not a certain group of people.”
Mr Vatskalis refrained from commenting on the live police investigation but said he would await its findings.
In signing off, Mr Vatskalis wanted to thank his supporters and the people of Darwin.
“I wanted to thank all the people who voted for me and all the people who supported me,” he said.
“I’m very pleased that they realise what I did, I did for Darwin - not the selected few.
“I wish all the best for the people of Darwin in the future.”
Meanwhile, Mr Styles’ victory was welcomed by many online on Saturday morning, including fellow Darwin mayoral candidate Leah Potter.
“Congratulations Peter Styles,” she said.
“My poor neighbours have had to listen to me screaming with delight all night.
“It’s not the first election night they’ve had to endure that.”
Meanwhile, 1500 kms south, NT Greens-endorsed candidate Asta Hill has made history after she was announced as Alice Springs’ new Mayor on late Friday night.
Ms Hill edged long-time councillor Eli Melky for the win, with the victor thanking the public in a statement on Saturday.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by messages from community members this morning saying that this result has given them hope for the future of our town,” she said.
“I’m so grateful to be able to give back to the town that raised me.”
Ms Hill said she was excited to help “change the story” of Alice Springs.
“In a time where the Territory government is using division and fear, the people of Alice Springs have chosen hope,” she said.
“I want to pass on my thanks to the other Mayoral and Council candidates for such a collegial and positive campaign.”
The NT Greens took to social media to celebrate the new chapter.
“What an exciting four years we have ahead of us.”
The results mean Palmerston is the only major locality to retain its incumbent Mayor, with Athina Pascoe Bell comfortably holding her seat.
As at 3.30pm on Saturday, Mr Styles had not issued a public statement with multiple calls for comment from this masthead unanswered.
Join the conversation
Alice tennis gun jetsetting interstate to compete in $1m comp
Read more
Hidden Valley waste site to stay open after government U-turn
Read more