Alderman Garry Lambert

Richardson Ward

Alawa, Brinkin, Leanyer, Lee Point, Lyons, Nakara, Tiwi, Wagaman and Wanguri.

Address:       445 Trower Road Brinkin NT 0810
Mobile:         0401 119 118
Email:           g.lambert@darwin.nt.gov.au
Elected:        2001

 
Committees: 

• Corporate and Economic Development Committee
• Administrative Revew Committee
• Ambon Sister Cities Community Committee
• CBD Parking Advisory Committee
• Town Planning Committee
• Development Consent Authority (Alternate)
• NT Settlement Planning Committee
• Youth Advisory Committee (YAG)

Welcome to the decade commencing 2010
Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as a Territorian. My wife and I came to the NT in 1977 from Tamworth NSW, having been recently married and ready to start a new adventure together. Now I have four grown children, each starting their careers.

Marg and I both started working in the Territory as teachers at a two teacher school called Djembre on Elsey Station. If you ever saw the 1980’s production “We of the Never Never” then you would have seen some of the great kids my wife and I taught. John Jarret was in the movie and recently reignited his career starring in “Wolf Creek” – a movie loosely based on the Falconio killings in the NT.

I eventually moved on to become a school principal spending much of my time working with Aboriginal people in really remote locations including Oenpelli/Gunbalanya in Arnhem land – fascinating experience. Just like Charles Darwin suggested – evolution is ever present and I have again moved on from my early days in education. These days I am employed by the NT Police in an information/privacy management role dealing with para-legal issues and legislative frameworks.

It is during my time in remote locations that I became involved in politics and working with the community. My first interest was ignited in 1977 when I became Secretary of the Mataranka Progress Association. Mataranka then had about 25 Europeans – but we were progressive! Since that time I have attempted to give something of myself to the community in which I live.

In the mid-eighties my wife and I embarked on an enterprise to develop 'Milton Springs' a rich farming property near Adelaide River. The property features in the Australian classic novel 'The Unlucky Australians'. During this time at the farm my wife and I raised a family, became hay producers and bred cattle (and kids!) The cattle I sold, the kids I had to keep! This experience with land management led to an interest in Landcare and I found myself Chairman of the Landcare Council (NT) until that body was dissolved by the government in 2009. This role was (and remains) something I am very proud of. The movement has so many dedicated people all working to improved sustainability and the environment. Its disappointing the Government felt the need to disband the NT Landcare Council. I publicly thank the members of the Landcare Council for their involvement.

In the early '90s I championed the development of local government in the Adelaide River/Batchelor area. From being President of the Progress Association I became the founding President of the Coomalie Council when it was created. This was one of the greatest and most rewarding and interesting experiences I was ever involved in, the other was my time as Lord Mayor, Darwin. In 2007 through to April 2008 I was Lord Mayor of Darwin, following historic controversy in Council regarding improper use of Council funds by the ‘former’ Lord Mayor. I stepped down, not contesting the election, believing the community need the opportunity to elect an unencumbered individual. I was honoured, humbled and proud to be your Lord Mayor during that time.

Outdoor activities head my list of interests (when I’m not undertaking academic study). I am a semi-retired dirt bike rider and I enjoy motorcycling generally as well as most motor sports. Last Year I went to the World MotoGP in Sepang (Malaysia) and watched Casey Stoner blitz the field. I eagerly await the arrival of the Darwin round of the Australian Superbike Championship.

At the moment I’m between bikes – trying to restore my CB750 K1 Honda 4 (ca1971). Any tips on CB 750 restoration or parts will be well received. The bike has pedigree – it was owned by Tasman Series race winner Warwick Brown, and used to sponsor Target. I recently purchased another Honda CB 750 in great condition, so now I have two Honda 4’s. One for pleasure as a classic bike for riding in club events, and the other for a bike rebuild project. I have also recently purchased a Honda NSR 250R (MC21) to take out on track days and for some Hidden Valley exercise. Presently I am preparing it for track use and getting my paperwork correct. I also enjoy fishing and boating and I especially looked forward to basketball - until my last ACL broke. Now I just walk for exercise. I was a senior delegate for Saint Mary's Lightning – now I’m just a senior!

Since being on Council I have taken a direct interest in town planning and planning law. I sit on the Darwin chapter of the Development Consent Authority, and I am enrolled in a law course at CDU. There’s a lot more I could tell you but space runs out. If you want to get in contact send me an email.