The Elliott basketball court was the setting for the Barkly Regional Deal Governance Table meeting recently.

This was the first time a Governance Table meeting was held outside of Tennant Creek, following a commitment from the Governance Table to speak with people across the Barkly to hear their priorities for their community and region.

The day saw three grants approved from the Barkly Regional Deal Local Community Projects Fund, including for the “Deadly Hair Dude” to hold a six week hairdressing program for community members in Elliott.

The Governance Table also approved two grants for Aboriginal homelands in the Barkly including a water infrastructure upgrade project for Pukalki, and a tractor and workshop for Nguyarrimini, providing local employment for the community.

Governance Table Member, Daryl ‘Tiger’ Fitz, said it is a really great opportunity to get funding for important projects that will support life on community into the future.

The Barkly Regional Deal Local Community Projects Fund is open for applications to support local projects in communities and Aboriginal homelands in the Barkly region, but outside of Tennant Creek, that will have a lasting community benefit.

Applicants are encouraged to apply and contact the Barkly Backbone for more information.

The Governance Table meeting began with Traditional Owner and local Councillor, Heather Wilson, giving a Welcome to Country followed by a discussion about the Barkly Regional Deal projects and other initiatives that will advance the region’s future.

Directors from the Kulumindini Corporation discussed their vision and local challenges, while volunteers made a damper for morning tea.

The independent chair of the Governance Table, Sean Gordon, thanked the Elliott community for the chance to ‘meet on country to hear first hand their concerns and aspirations’, and encouraged all parties to continue with ‘the fantastic outcomes that demonstrate what can be achieved through collective impact’.

The Governance Table of the Barkly Regional Deal is made up of local community members and representatives from the three levels of government, who work together on the delivery of the Barkly Regional Deal’s 28 initiatives, sharing information and jointly making decisions.

Should you wish to get involved or hear more about the Barkly Regional Deal, check out www.barklyregionaldeal.com.au.

The next Governance Table meeting will be held in Tennant Creek in early September 2022.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 8 July 2022.