MacDonnell Regional Council

Our Youth Services team has put together an exciting School Holiday Program for June & July 2026!

There’s heaps on offer, including basketball, arts and crafts, board games, computer games, dodgeball, cooking, a disco, plus special fellas nights and girls nights.

Programs will be running across Amoonguna, Areyonga, Haasts Bluff, Hermannsburg, Kintore, Mt Liebig, Papunya, Santa Teresa and Titjikala.

To see what’s happening in your community, click here: https://loom.ly/HbMkCtw

Always great to hold an outdoor Local Authority meeting - this time in Aputula (Finke).

Our Local Authority members came together today to discuss strengthening community safety, supporting the civil team, and improving local infrastructure.

Local Authority meetings are an important way for residents to raise issues, share priorities, and work alongside Council to create positive change for their community. Strong local leadership helps ensure community voices are heard and continue to shape the future of Aputula.

Finke legend Geoff Curtis joins MRC Morning Tea! 🏁

With Finke Fever taking over the region, we were lucky to welcome racing royalty to our morning tea. Geoff Curtis, winner of the very first Finke Desert Race in 1976, joined us for a special meet-and-greet ahead of this year’s event.

As the Finke celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, it was a privilege to hear from one of the pioneers who helped shape the history of this iconic race.

We hope everyone enjoys the Finke weekend across our region. If you're heading out to watch the action, please stay safe and take care on our roads.

Shout out to “Lingiari Legend” Jonathan from Areyonga. Not only does he work for the MacDonnell Regional Council, he’s also a member of the Local Authority (LA).

While I’m in Canberra, I make sure my team is out in community. I’ve heard loud and clear from yesterday’s LA meeting that the Northern Territory Government isn’t doing its job to fix up people’s houses.

I’ll be writing to the Housing Minister to make sure he gets teams out to Areyonga so locals can stay on community with family in safe, secure housing.

A productive and important few days for our Council last week culminated in a Special Council Meeting on Friday, where Councillors approved the 2026–27 Draft Budget and Regional Plan. The documents are now available on Council's website for public consultation. The Plan sets the direction for Council's priorities and services across our region for the year ahead.

In the lead-up to the meeting, Councillors participated in valuable professional development and governance training. On Thursday, Dr George B. Amegavi from the NT Housing, Local Government and Community Development led elected member training, providing Councillors with important knowledge to support them in their roles and responsibilities.

Prior to Friday's meeting, Rebecca Johnson and Margot Holliman from the Office of the NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption delivered governance and integrity training, helping strengthen Councillors' understanding of good governance and decision-making.

We thank all presenters for sharing their expertise and supporting our commitment to strong governance and continuous learning. Council also extends its appreciation to Alice Springs Town Council for hosting the meeting and training sessions in its Chambers.

The Finke Desert Race is here again, bringing visitors, excitement and more traffic across our region.

Please take care on the roads this weekend. Wear your seatbelt, drive to the conditions, watch for pedestrians, and be mindful of other road users.

By looking out for one another and travelling safely, we can help keep our communities, families and visitors safe throughout the weekend.

Community mob — let’s keep our families and communities safe from diphtheria.

- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Keep cuts or sores clean and covered
- Avoid close contact with people who are visibly unwell
- Follow advice from your local clinic and NT Health

What an occasion! 👏 We're proud to celebrate Ikuntji’s outstanding recognition at the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful Australian Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards in Launceston. 🌿🏆

Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff) received:
• Winner – Litter Prevention Award: Beautification for Now and Tomorrow
• Joint Winner – Dame Phyllis Frost Local Hero Award: Douglas Multa
• Highly Commended – Overall National Tidy Towns Award

A special congratulations to Douglas Multa, whose leadership and cultural guidance continue to strengthen community pride, protect sacred sites, and ensure future generations remain connected to Country.

These awards recognise the strength of local leadership and community-driven sustainability. Ikuntji continues to create innovative solutions through waste management, water conservation, litter prevention, youth engagement, and strong community leadership.

Highlights from our Mother's Day Morning Tea ❤️💐

Wishing all mothers and families a very special Mother's Day this Sunday!

A shoutout to Robbie Kopp for being selected to take part in the prestigious First Circles program.

First Circles is a six-month leadership program supporting emerging Aboriginal leaders from remote communities, providing opportunities to strengthen leadership skills and engage directly with Cabinet ministers to help shape policy across the Northern Territory. Robbie is joined in the program alongside fellow MRC staff member Reggie Lankin.

During the first workshop, Robbie spent time with Steve Edgington MLA discussing important issues affecting his communities and the young people he works with.

We congratulate Robbie on this opportunity and know he will continue making a positive impact in our communities.