The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) and the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) have partnered to deliver training and job opportunities to remote communities in the Northern Territory.
Focusing on the Barkly and Central Desert Local Government Areas, both of which are important patrol areas for NORFORCE, this partnership creates pathways for local government workers to take up part-time service with NORFORCE.
LGANT President, Kon Vatskalis, who signed the Memorandum of Understanding, said that the collaboration will develop skills that benefit both NORFORCE’s operations and local community resilience.
“This partnership is a game-changer for remote communities across the Northern Territory. By joining forces, LGANT and NORFORCE are opening real career opportunities and upskilling local workers to become community leaders. It shows what can be achieved when local government works with industry leaders,” Cr Vatskalis said.
NORFORCE, with its Forward Operating Base in Alice Springs and Patrol Bases in Tennant Creek and Borroloola, will lead the initiative in these priority areas.
NORFORCE Warrant Officer Paul Styles said the partnership would further strengthen strong ties to remote Indigenous Australians by providing training in leadership, first aid, communication and vehicle operations.
“Working with LGANT brings essential local knowledge to NORFORCE. In return, participants gain valuable skills for both service and community life,” Mr Styles said.
NORFORCE Officer Commanding Centre Squadron, Major Jeffery Marshall, said, “Regional council service centres have always welcomed NORFORCE. Extending this cooperation through part-time Army Reserve opportunities benefits everyone.”
NORFORCE’s presence in these regions has historically supported Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC). In 2024, NORFORCE played a critical role in supporting remote area NT Police search and rescue operations in the MacDonnell Ranges and Tennant Creek, and contributed to the Whole of Government response to severe flooding in Borroloola following Tropical Cyclone Megan.
Cr Vatskalis praised the forward-thinking approach of both organisations.
“Together, LGANT and NORFORCE are building resilience, empowering communities, and creating meaningful job opportunities for remote Territorians.”
