As we head to the end of another year, 2023 will herald exciting times for the Barkly Regional Council (BRC), says CEO Emma Bradbury.

After a tough year of staffing shortages and financial struggles, Ms Bradbury says Council has experienced a turnaround of its financial position to a new standing of excellence, with an external auditor citing BRC as one of the strongest in the NT.

To address staff shortages, BRC has engaged with an award-winning personnel management agency to attract talent and expertise while supporting and delivering local workforce development capability.

Upon an invitation from BRC, the Chief Minister will be holding a Community Cabinet in Tennant Creek early next year, and in other good news, BRC has been approved for a trial project for the new Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) – with Council to become a training facility using an innovative approach which has the potential to become nationally significant.

“Council is committed to integrity, transparency and accountability to make it a strong and stable local government,” said Ms Bradbury.

“I admit it’s been a tough 12 months and there is still much to do. However these are very exciting times ahead for the Barkly.”

An internal review into Council culture is currently being undertaken, the findings will not be available until next year.

“When the review is completed we will take on any recommendations outlined to improve Council’s culture and transparency,” said Ms Bradbury.

“We have a strong, committed team of Councillors and we are continuing to build on our workforce to enhance all our services we provide to the Barkly region.”

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 2 December 2022.