Alice Springs Mayoral race begins early ahead of 2025 local government elections

The race to become Alice’s next Mayor is underway, with one councillor already throwing his hat in the ring, weeks before official nominations open.

Alice Springs town centre. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The race to become the next Mayor of Alice Springs has already begun – with once councillor confirming he has his eyes on the top job only – as others are undecided if they’ll run again.

On Tuesday, Alice Springs councillor Eli Melky announced he will be running in the upcoming August local government elections for the seat of Mayor only.

Alice Springs councillor Eli Melky. Photo: Emma Murray

Mr Melky made the announcement at the ordinary council meeting, where he congratulated current Mayor Matt Paterson for his eight years served on council.

“Mr Mayor, your announcement came as a surprise and largely disappointed many people because they felt that you’ve done a tremendous job and I would agree with that,” he said.

“Your reasons for not contesting are honourable and you put family first and I acknowledge that and I congratulate you on making that call.”

Last week, Mr Paterson announced he will not be recontesting his seat this year.

Mr Paterson has served on council since 2017, while Mr Melky has been on council for 14 years.

Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Matt Paterson. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Also on Tuesday, councillor Kim Hopper indicated this will be her last “in person meeting as an elected member” as she was set to dial in from Western Australia at the next council meeting.

Ms Hopper was asked if she was planning to recontest her seat, but did not respond.

Not present at Tuesday’s council meeting was councillor Michael Liddle, who said he is “not sure” if he will be running again.

Councillor Alison Bitar said she is planning to run again in her seat, while deputy mayor Mark Coffey said he “will make a decision soon” as to his future on the council.

Councillors Marli Banks and Chris Daffy did not respond when asked if they were planning to run again.

Nominations for the 2025 local government elections open on July 11 and close July 31 at 12pm.

Potential nominees must be over 18-years-old, be residents within the council’s area, and must be enrolled to vote in the local government area.

This year’s local government elections will be held on Saturday, August 23.

Originally published as Alice Springs Mayoral race begins early ahead of 2025 local government elections