As we move through the wet season, I want to acknowledge the strength and resilience of our communities across the West Daly region. While this time of year can bring challenges, it has been encouraging to see the way people have come together to support one another.

Recently, our Palumpa community experienced significant flooding, and I would like to sincerely thank Council teams and emergency services for their efforts in supporting the safe evacuation of residents and assisting with recovery. Their professionalism and care reflect the strong spirit of cooperation across our region. Having served as an elected official for many years, my focus has always been on seeing meaningful and lasting change across the region.

As Mayor, my role is to support better outcomes for our communities of Wadeye, Peppimenarti, and Palumpa, ensuring that their needs are represented and addressed. Looking ahead, key priorities for our region include improving roads and access to homelands, which are essential for connectivity, safety, and supporting everyday life in our communities. Council continues to engage closely with community members, including Local Authority representatives, to ensure that voices are heard and reflected in decision-making. We are also committed to supporting local employment and economic opportunities by employing local people and advocating for more regional jobs through initiatives such as the RJED Program.

I encourage everyone to continue looking forward with confidence, be yourself, and if you see an opportunity, go for it. Together, we can continue building a strong and connected future for our communities.

Terry Sams

Mayor

West Daly Regional Council