About Council

The Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) commenced on 1 July 2016 and initially consisted of five elected representatives (Councillors), each serving a four-year term.

On 4 February 2021, Assistant Minister for Territories, Nola Marino, suspended the Council and appointed Mike Colreavy as Interim Administrator, pending a Public Inquiry into the financial operations of NIRC. On 6 December 2021, following considerations into the findings of the Public Inquiry into the Norfolk Island Regional Council, the Council was dismissed and Mike Colreavy appointed as Administrator of Council for a three-year period until 2024.

In November 2024, Minister for Territories, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP, announced that a new model of governance - the Norfolk Island Assembly - would be established by the end of 2025. To support the final stage of this transition, a new administration team was appointed. Lead Administrator, Scott Mason and Financial Administrator, Gary Mottau commenced their roles in December 2024, following the conclusion of Mike Colreavy's tenure.

The Norfolk Island Regional Council is unique in that it provides a broad range of services to the community of Norfolk Island. In addition, Council is contracted to provide a number of Commonwealth-funded state-type services, including (but not limited to):

• Land titles registration
• Motor vehicle registration and driver's licence
• Courts and legal services
• Ports management.

A full list of services is available via the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

The day-to-day management of Council is the responsibility of the General Manager, who reports to the Administrator. The General Manager is supported by five Portfolio Managers across Council services.

Our Vision

Norfolk Island – the Best Small Island in the World

Source:
“If a concerted effort were made, backed by larger financial resources, the community could turn the very small area of the island to its own advantage by converting Norfolk Island into ‘the best small island in the world’, a model haven of considerable beauty, of unique historical interest, of a thriving community, and of rest and relaxation – which are the objectives of the overwhelming mass of the tourists who make the journey to its shores.” 

Professor G J Butland – Population Study of Norfolk Island, 31 March 1974
(commissioned by Commonwealth Government)

Our Mission

The Norfolk Island Regional Council will provide local civic leadership and governance through good decision-making, accountability, and transparency.

We will protect and enhance our unique culture, heritage, traditions, and environment for the Norfolk Island people. We will promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, look after our community assets, and foster a prosperous economy.

Our Values

The Norfolk Island Regional Council embraces the following values, developed in collaboration with Councillors under the I CARE framework:

I ntegrity
C ommunication
A ccountability
R espect
E xcellence