Population 82,912 (2015 est) Website City of Darwin Area 112 km² Council seat Darwin Region Darwin | Established 1959 Founded 1959 | |
Territory electorate(s) Casuarina, Fannie Bay, Fong Lim, Johnston, Karama, Nightcliff, Port Darwin, Sanderson, Spillett, Wanguri | ||
The City of Darwin is a local government area of the Northern Territory, Australia. It includes the central business district of the capital, Darwin, and represents two-thirds of its metropolitan population. The City covers an area of 112 square kilometres (43 sq mi) and, at the 2011 census, had an estimated population of 73,000 people.
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History
The first Town and District Council was formed in 1874. The Darwin Town Council was created in 1915. From 1921 the five member Council had been elected on a ratepayer's franchise. In 1930 the Mayor and Councillors resigned in protest against the re-introduction of adult suffrage. A caretaker Council was appointed until 1937, when it was abolished at the Council's own request.
In 1955 a statement added to the Local Government Ordinance provided for the Constitution of the Municipality of Darwin. In 1957 the Council was increased to twelve members and a Mayor.
An annual election providing for the Mayor and half of the Council members to be retired at each election, was also introduced at this time. In 1959 an Ordinance provided that the Municipality of Darwin be constituted a city and named 'The City of Darwin'.
The first Lord Mayor of Darwin was Dr Ella Stack, who served as the Mayor of Darwin from May 1975 to November 1979, and Lord Mayor from November 1979 until May 1980.
Wards and councillors
The City of Darwin is divided into four wards, governed by 12 alderman across those wards, as well as one directly elected Lord Mayor. Aldermen from each ward are elected using a Single Transferable Vote (STV) proportional system.
Most of the suburb of Charles Darwin (National Park) reaches outside of the Darwin City limits into unincorporated territory, as do large parts of Berrimah and Hidden Valley. The last two suburbs, Buffalo Creek and Holmes, were approved in 2007. They are still largely undeveloped, especially Buffalo Creek.
Sister Cities
The city of Darwin has six sister cities.