The Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory has a new mayor, with Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, promising to restore trust and tackle financial concerns after being elected with 54% of the majority vote.
In a Facebook post, Cr Vashist congratulated the 12 newly elected councillors and emphasised his vision for a transparent and effective council that prioritises the needs of the Barkly region. The councillors represent the region’s four wards: Patta, Alyawarra, Kuwarrangu, and Alpurrurulam.
Cr Vashist highlighted plans to improve infrastructure, foster economic growth, and ensure accountability, writing,
“Together, we will focus on delivering core services, ensuring accountability, and being a strong voice for every resident in the Barkly region.”
The results, announced on Monday, mark a fresh start for the council, which has been without elected members since October 2023 following a suspension and dismissal of the previous council due to organisational failures.
Cr Vashist, a mining exploration professional of Indian-Australian heritage, lives in Tennant Creek with his family and describes his election as “humbled and privileged.” Speaking to ABC, he said,
“If you’re willing to listen to the people, no matter where you come from, people will back you.”
Cr Vashist has pledged to seek answers about a $5 million wage bill increase under the council’s administration by the Northern Territory government.
The council’s wage expenditure jumped from $13.7 million in 2022–23 to $18.5 million last year, with staff numbers rising from 245 to 377. He described the increase as “hard to believe” and expressed a commitment to investigating the deficit, which has ballooned to $11 million.
“There will be some answers out there, and I’m keen to work with the government to actually get the answers,” Cr Vashist told ABC.
Cr Vashist has lived in remote Australia for 13 years, with the last seven in Tennant Creek, where he has worked across community projects, youth programs, and local business management. He is also committed to promoting Indigenous rights and supports the Uluru Statement From the Heart, aiming to amplify the voices of First Peoples.
In his spare time, he enjoys photography and playing sports. He holds a degree in Finance and Management and is pursuing a Master’s in Politics.
Tennant Creek, home to 17 language groups, has been a place where Cr Vashist says he has built strong relationships with the Aboriginal community.
“It has been a fantastic journey to live and walk the walk with the First Peoples.”
As the youngest councillor elected to Barkly Regional Council, Cr Vashist brings energy and a commitment to transparency. His promise to rebuild trust and deliver meaningful change comes at a crucial time for a region in need of strong leadership.
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