I am proud to announce that I am running as a candidate in the 2026 City of Darwin Chan Ward By-election.
Darwin is a unique place, and I’m stepping up because I believe our local Council can—and should—do more to represent the people who live here. I’ve launched a website where I’ll be sharing updates and more details on my vision for the ward:
Visit the site: nickkirlew.au
Why I’m Running: My Core Pillars 
My campaign is built on three main priorities to ensure Chan Ward remains a vibrant, accountable, and beautiful place to live:
Protection of Heritage and Open Space: We need to safeguard our local history and ensure our parks—like the Esplanade—stay in public hands. I am committed to protecting these spaces from overdevelopment.
Giving Community a Real Say: No more token consultations. I want to ensure the community is at the table before the big decisions are made, not after they’ve already been decided.
Restoring Accountability: Transparency shouldn’t be optional. I’ll work to ensure Council meetings are open, information is easy to find, and your questions actually get answered. Ratepayers deserve better!
Let’s Connect 
If there is something on your mind or a specific issue you’d like to discuss, please reach out to me directly. I’m here to listen.
Email me: nick@nickkirlew.au
If you believe in these priorities, I would be most grateful if you could share this post with your friends and neighbors in the Darwin community. Let’s work together for a better Chan Ward!
Regards,
Nick Kirlew
Authorised by Nicholas Kirlew, Larrakeyah NT 0820.