Which councillors have announced they’ll be running for Alice mayor in 2021?

WHO’s committed to contesting the top job, who’s thinking about it, and who has no interest at all? FIND OUT HERE

• Council clarifies position on COVID-19 desks

ALICE SPRINGS Mayor Damien Ryan has refused to reveal whether he’ll contest the mayoral race come August 28, when Territory-wide local government elections will be held, though several other councillors have already thrown their hats in the ring.

Mr Ryan would not be drawn on his intentions for the upcoming election, saying his focus right now was on the job at hand.

“(The election) is the furthest thing from my mind at the moment,” Mr Ryan said.

“I’ve got a job which I do daily. I was in (the office) very early this morning and I’ll go home very late at night.”

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Meanwhile, on June 30, Councillor Jimmy Cocking will step down from his role as chief executive at the Arid Lands Environment Centre, a position he has held for 13 years, in order to focus on his mayoral campaign.

“I’m quitting my job and putting it all on running for mayor, because I think this town really deserves someone who’s going to be 100 per cent focused on Alice Springs and on the issues occurring here,” Mr Cocking said.

Councillor Jimmy Cocking outside Alice Springs Public Library. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

Councillor Ely Melky said that while he has not yet fully committed to entering the mayoral race, it is “highly likely” that he would.

“The position of mayor is such a big responsibility,” Mr Melky said.

“It’s a huge sacrifice and you’ve got to be able to commit to it 100 per cent and you need to be able to understand the opportunities to help the community through that role.

“You’ve got to weigh up family and business commitments, and see whether you can do it justice.”

Councillor Jamie de Brenni confirmed that he would contest for mayor.

“I said four years ago, once I’d done my apprenticeship that I’d be putting my hand up and will be running for mayor,” Mr de Brenni said.

“And I welcome anyone who feels they can make a difference to put their hand up and have a go too.”

Councillor Jamie de Brenni said he would contest for mayor. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

Councillor Marli Banks said she doesn’t have her sights set on becoming mayor, and was still deciding whether she will recontest her seat on council.

“The job of mayor is a big role and the town deserves a good spread of candidates,” Ms Banks said.

“I hope the community gets a choice as to who they want to lead, given the crisis we find ourselves in at the moment.

“The community is calling out for leadership. August can’t come quick enough.”

Councillor Glen Auricht will be retiring from council at this election.

“I’ll be 70 this year,” Mr Auricht said.

“I’ve given my four years to the council, which is what I planned all along.

“It’s been a wonderful journey, a great experience, and I’d recommend it to anybody to have a crack at it.”

Councillor Matt Paterson said he also intends to step away from council at the next election.

Mr Paterson said he was frustrated with the lack of progress on youth crime and felt that too much of council’s time was being taken up discussing the issue.

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“I don’t think that youth crime is up to the Alice Springs Town Council to solve. It has to come from the top. And that’s not happening,” Mr Paterson said.

“I think that the town is at breaking point with the crime that’s happening and as major stakeholders in Alice Springs, as the council, we can’t even get a meeting with the Chief Minister to discuss any ideas.”

Councillor Catherine Satour and Deputy Mayor Jacinta Price could not be reached for comment.