Civic
City of Darwin Council
Your local government guide — services, decisions, elections and how to have your say.
About City of Darwin Council
The City of Darwin Council is the local government body responsible for the 112 square kilometre Darwin municipality, covering the CBD and inner suburbs from Larrakeyah to Karama. It serves a population of approximately 85,000 residents and delivers the day-to-day services most people associate with local government: kerbside waste collection, roads and footpaths, parks and playgrounds, libraries, community events, and local planning decisions.
Councillors are elected by Darwin residents to four-year terms. Northern Territory council elections are held every four years, with the most recent election in August 2025 and the next due in 2029. The elected council, led by the Lord Mayor, sets the annual budget, approves the local planning scheme, and votes on major development applications and policies.
Key services
Current Lord Mayor
Kon Vatskalis
Council meetings
Council meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Darwin City Council Chambers, Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin. Meetings are open to the public.