City of Palmerston’s 11th Council resolved at its first ordinary meeting on 7 October 2025 to re-join the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) and nominated Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell to run for the President position of the LGANT Board.
LGANT represents the majority of councils in the Northern Territory and with City of Palmerston joining the association, it now has true representation of the sector, strengthening government interests at both Territory and National levels.
Through its affiliation with the Australian Local Government Association, LGANT ensures NT councils have a voice in Territory and Federal policy and funding decisions, and if Mayor Pascoe-Bell is successful in being elected, will ensure that the association represents all its members from the Barkly through to Darwin.
The decision to re-join LGANT marks an important milestone for Palmerston and demonstrates Council’s commitment to working collectively across all levels of local government. The issues facing local communities—whether in remote townships, regional centres or major municipalities—are interconnected, and Council’s decision ensures Palmerston can contribute directly to shared solutions and influence Territory-wide reform.
Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell welcomes the decision. “It is valuable that we could come together as Palmerston’s newly elected 11th Council, and review our strategic direction and decide to rejoin LGANT. 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, as well as representing the priorities of all local government councils across the NT,” she said.
Mayor Pascoe-Bell has the ability to consider the interests of all members, regardless of their location in the NT as well as strong governance skills which will, if elected, ensure that decisions are made in all councils’ interests. “I know very well that what happens in any council in the NT can impact us all, and 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,” said Mayor Pascoe-Bell. Her nomination reflects a commitment to uniting the sector, advocating for reform and ensuring that local government continues to deliver for communities across the Territory.
Elections for President of LGANT will be held at its Annual General Meeting in November. City of Palmerston’s membership of LGANT takes effect immediately, with Council representatives to participate fully in upcoming meetings and forums.