The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) has bid farewell to CEO, Sean Holden, after four years at the helm.
LGANT President, Kon Vatskalis acknowledged Mr Holden’s dedication and contributions to the Association.
“Everyone respects him for his unwavering determination to make tough but fair decisions. His ability to offer wise guidance has been invaluable to myself and our member councils,” said President Vatskalis.
“I will miss him both professionally and personally; and thank him for his contribution to our sector.”
He said Mr Holden (pictured) had led LGANT through various challenges and his achievements included:
- The COVID pandemic and the securing of the rapid response package of $11 million from the NT Government to support member councils maintain services to their communities;
- Transition of LGANT from an association to a company limited by guarantee;
- Rebranding of LGANT including refreshed logo, new website, appointment of Marketing and Communications Officer, marketing an communications plan and advocacy plan;
- First and only local government association (LGA) in Australia to be a signatory and active participant in Closing the Gap;
- First LGA to have a Reconciliation Action Plan;
- Secured full NT Cabinet meetings with local government leaders twice per year;
- 150% increase in Conditional Rates for member councils from mining pastoral activity.
“I remain indebted to the LGANT Board, staff and the local government councils for giving me the opportunity to lead them since 2019. I have learnt an awful lot and will miss some wonderful people who strive every day to make lives better for those perhaps less fortunate,” Mr Holden said in a statement.
He leaves to take up the role of CEO at The Flinders Ranges Council in South Australia.
Mayor, Ken Anderson said he was excited to have Mr Holden accept the CEO position.
“Sean’s leadership background and experience living in and working with regional communities makes him well equipped to lead our Council and will see him make a valuable contribution to the Council and our communities,” he said.
“On behalf of The Flinders Ranges Council, and the communities it serves, I extend a warm welcome to Mr Holden and look forward to the positive contributions he will make in steering the Council towards its goals and objectives.”
“After four years with LGANT in Darwin, I have moved back to SA to do something else that I have always wanted to do and The FRC have given me that opportunity, for which I am very grateful. Looking very much forward to repaying the faith and doing my bit to make a difference to people’s lives,” Mr Holden said.
LGANT Director Public Affairs, Mary Watson, has been appointed Acting CEO.
The LGANT Board convened on Friday 9 February to determine the arrangements for the recruitment of a new CEO.
