Roper Gulf Regional Council Deputy Mayor Helen Lee hopes for increased participation

As NAIDOC Week celebrations reach their midpoint, the deputy mayor of one of the Northern Territory’s most remote councils has spoken about what she hopes to see at next month’s local government elections.

Helen Lee was a finalist in the First Nation Women category for the NT News Woman of the Year. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Roper Gulf Regional Council Deputy Mayor Helen Lee knows the importance of “uniting as one” for NAIDOC Week.

To her, the week is more than just a week about celebrating First Nations history and culture; it’s also about empowering the next generation.

“We have a rich culture and significance to country, so we need to celebrate that,” she said.

“Past leaders tried to Close the Gap like we are trying to do now, and now we need young leaders to continue to try Close the Gap.”

However, the proud First Nations woman recognises that there are some hurdles.

Less than two thirds of Lingiari voters had their say in the federal election earlier this year, with only 62.2 per cent of enrolled voters casting a ballot compared to the national average of 90.7 per cent.

With the electorate of Lingiari encompassing 16 of the Northern Territory’s 18 council areas, the result was “certainly” concerning to see ahead of August’s local government elections, Ms Lee said.

Ms Lee noted that change would have to start in the education system. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

She acknowledged that it would be tough to “get our mob to understand the importance of having a voice in parliament or council”, but she hoped that stronger early-years education in communities could improve this.

“We should be educating our young ones, getting them to understand the importance of government, how things are shaped, why is it shaped and who can shape it,” she said.

“That’s the key … you’ve got to educate our mob.”

Despite the sprawling bush seat’s record low voter turnout, representation among First Nations leaders is strong.

Four councils – including the Roper Gulf Regional Council – are made up entirely of First Nations representatives, with a total of 10 councils made up of a majority Aboriginal representation.

“I’m so proud that our mob are stepping up and getting into leadership roles,” Ms Lee said.

Ms Lee says she is proud of her culture. Picture: Supplied

But she was also immensely proud of how many First Nations women were involved in council – especially in the Roper Gulf Regional Council, which is represented by seven women and six men.

“If women aren’t at the table making decisions, you won’t have a good strategic fan,” said Ms Lee, who was a finalist in this year’s NT News Woman of the Year awards.

“Men are always leaders; we have to change that direction.”

Ms Lee, who will be seeking re-election at this year’s council elections, said she hoped to see more young people put their hands up.

“There are a lot of young people out there who are not being recognised that can fulfil our positions and carry on the legacy,” she said.

“They do have visions, and they do have strength.

“Let us empower them.”

Originally published as Roper Gulf Regional Council Deputy Mayor Helen Lee hopes for increased participation