Deputy Mayor of Wadeye, Wilfred Harris, faces Darwin Local Court

The Deputy Mayor of Wadeye may find it difficult to fulfil his duties as he is forced to reside in Karama due to his bail conditions. Read the details.

Deputy Mayor of Wadeye Wilfred Harris. Picture: West Daly Regional Council

The Deputy Mayor of Wadeye will be forced to reside 400km away by car in Karama as a condition of his bail.

Wilfred James Harris appeared in Darwin Local Court on Friday facing two charges of breaching a domestic violence order and damage to property — charges the court heard he had faced before in 2024 and 2014 respectively.

It is understood the charges relate to an incident in Wadeye on January 3 this year that involved alcohol.

The West Daly Council still lists Mr Harris as its Deputy Mayor on its website as of late Friday afternoon.

He has held the role since 2020.

During the bail application, the court heard Mr Harris was a “working man”, having served in various roles, including at the Northern Land Council, NT Housing and most recently the Department of Fisheries.

Judge Alan Woodcock granted Mr Harris bail on a number of conditions, which included wearing an electronic monitoring device and not consuming alcohol.

As Deputy Mayor of Wadeye, the most significant bail condition for Mr Harris is that he resides in Karama – a seven hour car journey away, made even more difficult with Wet season road conditions.

A West Daly Regional Council spokesperson said although they could not comment further as the matter was before the courts, the council “strongly condemns violence and domestic violence of any form”.

They also mentioned the Local Government Act 2019, which “includes provisions for term of membership and disqualification of elected members”.

Mr Harris’ case has been adjourned to March 10 for a directions hearing.