Vicki O’Halloran AM, chief executive officer of Somerville Community Services has been appointed as the Northern Territory’s 22nd Administrator by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd).

Mrs O’Halloran’s two-year appointment comes as the term of the current Administrator, the Hon John Hardy AO comes to a close on October 30 this year.

Federal Minister for Local Government and Territories Senator the Hon Fiona Nash said Mrs Halloran is a long-term Territorian who had done great things in the disability and family services sector.

“Mrs O’Halloran is a leader and advocate for the disability sector and is involved in a number of organisations locally and nationally.

“She is a chairwoman and member of a number of boards and committees that do great things in the Territory, including National Disability Services, NT Government Ministerial Advisory Committees on Disability Reform, Red Tape Reduction Strategy, Council of Social Services, National Disability Insurance Scheme and Housing Innovation Working group.

“She has devoted her entire career and many volunteer hours to welfare services throughout the Northern Territory and in 2014 was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to people with a disability.”

In 2015 Mrs O’Halloran was a state finalist for the Australian of the Year.

Mrs O’Halloran, a Tasmanian by birth, took up an opportunity to relocate to Darwin in 1989 and has been the chief executive officer of Somerville Community Services for nearly 20 years.

“Like many Territorians, Mrs O’Halloran never expected to stay longer than a couple of years and after 28 years is firmly entrenched in the Territory lifestyle and community,” chief minister Michael Gunner said.

“Her tireless advocacy work in the family services and disability sector is known across the community, as is her reputation as a strategic and forward thinking leader.

“I congratulate Mrs O’Halloran on her position and look forward to working with her over the next two years.”

Ms O’Halloran will be officially sworn in by the Governor-General at a ceremony held in Parliament House on October 31.