Regional Development Australia NT welcomes new Committee Members

Regional Development Australia Northern Territory (RDA NT) is strengthening its regional leadership with the appointment of four new Committee Members – James Morgan, Angela Sammon, Sid Vashist, and Belinda Urquhart.

Together, they bring deep local knowledge, cultural insight and diverse expertise from across the Territory ensuring strong regional voices are represented on the Committee. Their appointments reflect RDA NT’s ongoing commitment to driving inclusive, regionally informed decision making that supports growth, innovation, and sustainable development in communities throughout the Northern Territory.

James Morgan is a Bininj man from Kakadu and is currently practising as a lawyer with Bowden McCormack Lawyers. He has more than a decade of experience in the Commonwealth Public Service in both Canberra and the Top End. James is passionate about economic self-determination for First Nations people, founding Yibekka Kakadu Rock Art Tours and the Bininj Mungguy Aboriginal Corporation, where he serves as Managing Director. James also contributes his expertise to national advisory bodies and serves as a voluntary non-executive Director of Oxfam Australia.

Angela Sammon is an Indigenous entrepreneur in the Barkly region leading Sammon’s Contracting, delivering labour hire and on country programs and also consults on behalf of Mona Aboriginal Corporation to create local jobs and youth pathways. She serves on the Barkly Regional Deal and the Barkly Regional Alliance Committee, as well as supports the Elliot Local Authority for Barkly Shire Council.

Sid Vashist MAICD, Mayor of the Barkly Regional Council, brings extensive experience in local government, regional advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration. Based in Tennant Creek for nearly 15 years, Sid is passionate about strengthening economic opportunities in our regions and regional connectivity across Northern Australia. His focus on innovation and regional empowerment aligns strongly with RDA NT’s vision for a resilient and prosperous Northern Australia.

Belinda Urquhart, Chief Executive Officer of MacDonnell Regional Council, joins RDA NT as an Advisory Member. With extensive leadership experience across government and community sectors, Belinda has driven cultural and organisational transformation, positioning the Council as one of the largest employers of Aboriginal people in Central Australia. Her commitment to sustainable regional development and community empowerment will be invaluable in shaping RDA NT’s work across Central Australia.

Chair Kon Vatskalis welcomed the appointments, noting the depth of regional knowledge and leadership the new members bring.

“Our new committee members represent the heart of the Northern Territory, from the Top End to Central Australia and the Barkly. Their diverse perspectives and expertise will strengthen RDA NT’s capacity to deliver on our mission to drive economic growth, collaboration, and innovation across the region.”

RDA NT continues to work with local councils, industry, and community partners to advance strategic priorities that build resilience, strengthen local economies, and enhance the liveability of Northern Territory communities.