07/08/2025
Vote 1 Leah Potter for Mayor to reopen the Vic Hotel with Dr. Elephant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday 7 August 2025
**LEAH POTTER TO REDIRECT CIVIC CENTRE FUNDS INTO CITY HEARTBEAT - DR ELEPHANT TO DONATE CONCERT FOR DARWIN **
Darwin, NT – Lord Mayoral candidate Leah Potter has today announced a bold and community-minded plan to redirect the controversial $151 million earmarked for the new Civic Centre development — reimagining it as a grassroots investment in Darwin’s cultural, social, and economic revival.
Potter, known for her work in homelessness services, comedy, and radical kindness, says the plan is about putting people before concrete.
“In the middle of a housing crisis and economic slump, I find the $151 million Civic Centre plan not just out of touch — I find it repulsive,” said Potter. I’m redirecting our money to where it belongs — on the streets of Darwin, in the hands of local artists, traders, and communities.”
Potter also announced that her business partner, Damien Wicks, front man of Darwin’s beloved Dr Elephant, has offered to donate their performance fee to help launch this new era with a free live music celebration at the new Vic.
“This is the opposite of how politics usually works,” said Potter. “I’m not handing public money to my partner. We’re giving back to the people — to the people who make this city.”
“The Vic will relaunch as a living symbol of that — not a monument to power, but a stage for the people. A place where Darwin comes alive.”
“The Vic will relaunch with a celebration of everything Darwin does best — live music, community connection, and joy on the streets,” Potter said.
This announcement forms part of Potter’s broader campaign platform focused on dignity-first solutions to homelessness, public space revitalisation, and youth crime.
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Leah Potter for Lord Mayor
