Cross-Government Principles

City of Palmerston

The success of the Palmerston Youth Action Plan is a great example of Cross Government Principles in action, and testimony to the effective collaboration between members of the Local Action Group (LAG).

The Local Action Group is comprised of key stakeholders from the local community, nongovernment organisations and government agencies and is coordinated by the Palmerston Youth Program Coordinator, a stakeholder engagement position located within the NTG Department of Territory Families Housing and Communities.

The collaboration has introduced a number of positive programs and outcomes for young people in Palmerston and demonstrated a remarkable commitment to working together for the benefit of young people in the Palmerston region. In 2024 plans are already underway for the Palmerston Youth Festival in July, building on the success of the 2023 event with over 7000 participants.

Testimonials, such as from the Mayor of Palmerston and Serena Dalton's from Grassroots Action Palmerston, echo the importance of the LAG in giving young people a voice and actively involving them in creating meaningful change.

“The Local Action Group is solution and outcome focused. Everyone contributes to the delivery of the Action Plan. We have seen many great programs and outcomes delivered for our youth as a result of the collective action and cooperation.” - Mayor of Palmerston Athina Pascoe-Bell.

“I love being part of the LAG. This group is so important, it allows our kids to have a voice and be part of the real change.” Serena Dalton Grassroots Action Palmerston

City of Palmerston, City of Darwin and Litchfield Community Council

The three Councils have been working closely with NT Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet through the Greater Darwin Regional Network Group partnership, to assist people with high needs and vulnerabilities link to support services and agencies such as health, social security and the Return to Country programs.

The Local Council Rangers work independently and collaboratively with other agencies and stakeholders including Larrakia Nation and the NT government’s Aboriginal Interpreter Service, contributing to daily and weekly meetings of cross agency groups for rapid responses. Over the 2023–24 wet season additional short-term and emergency accommodation has been stood-up to support people.

City of Darwin, City of Palmerston

NT Department of Education has worked closely with the cross-agency teams in Darwin and Palmerston City Councils to support school-aged children enrol in school and with Territory Families Housing and Communities assist families return to remote communities in time for the start of term 1 of school for 2024.

West Arnhem Regional Council

A collaboration between NT Department of Education and West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) staff at Warruwi has successfully delivered strong community-based programs including footy and fitness programs for women and introducing more families to the Families as First Teachers and Council programs and job opportunities.

Roper Gulf Regional Council

Roper Gulf Regional Council staff have committed to upgrading their skills through undertaking a Certificate IV in training and assessment with an aim to deliver the NT government’s ‘Back on Track’ drink and drug driver course. Currently one of the biggest barrier for jobseekers joining the workforce is re-gaining a driver’s licence. RGRC aims to improve access to the course, improve safety on the roads and assist local people into more jobs.

Central Desert Regional Council, MacDonnell Regional Council

In Central Australia the Department of Education provides support through subsidised bus transport and family payments for those with school-aged children by working with Tangentyere Council, NPY Women’s Council, Central Desert Regional Council and MacDonnell Regional Council community services and youth teams