City of Palmerston rejoins LGANT as Athina Pascoe-Bell pushes for presidency
The newly elected Palmerston council has re-joined the NT’s Local Government Association nominating its mayor as the new president.
The City of Palmerston will re-join the Local Government Association NT following its first ordinary meeting on October 7 and have nominated Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell to run for the newly opened president position.
LGANT represents the majority of councils in the NT.
The City of Palmerston bolsters the representation of the sector, strengthening local government interests at multiple levels.
It wasn’t under a member under the previous board headed by former Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis, but in her third term now Ms Pascoe-Bell stands as one of the most experienced nominees to take over Mr Vatskalis’ previous role.
LGANT’s role is to ensure NT councils have a voice in Territory and Federal policy and funding decisions, and now the association represents all its members from the Barkly through to Darwin.
Ms Pascoe-Bell said the decision to re-join marked a commitment to work collectively with other councils and ensure Palmerston could contribute and influence Territory-wide reform.
“We have a renewed focus on collaboration, working with other councils to influence and shape Territory and Federal policy for the betterment of all Territorians,” she said.
“I know very well that what happens in any council in the NT can impact us all.
“I look forward to the opportunity, if it arises, to lead LGANT in a way that shapes the future of Local Government in the Territory.”
She said her nomination reflects her commitment to untie the sector, advocate for reform and ensure that local government continues to deliver for communities across the Territory.
Elections for the next president of LGANT will be held at the Annual General Meeting in November.
City of Palmerston will re-take its LGANT membership with immediate effect with council representatives to participate fully in upcoming meetings and forums.
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Originally published as City of Palmerston rejoins LGANT as Athina Pascoe-Bell pushes for presidency
