2025 Groote Archipelago Regional Council General Election: Creation of wards and key election dates

The Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC) general election has been announced, with 7 councillor vacancies across 3 new wards to be filled.

3 wards have been created for the GARC:

• Central Ward includes the communities of Angurugu, Bardalumba, Malkala, Ngadumiyerrka, Wurrumenbumanja, Yanbakwa and Yedikba; 3 members are to be elected.
• East Ward includes the communities of Umbakumba, Akwalirrumanja, Alyingberrma, Amanburnunga, Amirraba, Angwura, Darrangmurmanja, Mawulyumanja and Scott Point; 2 members are to be elected.
• West Ward includes the community of Milyakburra; 2 members are to be elected.

Nominations for the election open on Friday 31 January, and close at 12 noon on Thursday 20 February. The NT Electoral Commission (NTEC) is responsible for the conduct of the election.

Candidates who previously nominated must re-nominate and specify the ward they intend to contest. All prospective candidates must be enrolled in the GARC area and must nominate for one ward. The NTEC will contact all previous candidates to provide updated information about the election.

NT Electoral Commissioner Kirsten Kelly is encouraging anyone interested in nominating to familiarise themselves with the process and eligibility requirements. 

“There are comprehensive resources for candidates on our website, and I encourage anyone interested to contact the NTEC for guidance,” Ms Kelly said. 

She also advised prospective candidates can contact the GARC Chief Executive Officer Shane Marshall, on 8987 7701, to learn more about the role and responsibilities of a councillor.

The Minister for Local Government by gazette notice changed the election day on 18 October 2024 in accordance with the Local Government Act 2019, the reason was to allow for community consultation. 

Election day is 15 March 2025 with early voting and remote voting services commencing from 3 March. 

The NTEC, in collaboration with the Australian Electoral Commission, is finalising the arrangements to introduce the new wards.

All information regarding the GARC general election, including the nomination process, is available on the NTEC website at https://ntec.nt.gov.au/elections/current-elections/2024-groote-archipelago-regional-council. 

For further details, view the GARC FAQs Factsheet. 

View the ward boundaries on the GARC map.