Supplementary elections will be held in March this year for 16 vacancies across 10 council areas following last year's periodic local government elections.
Eligible South Australians from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences are encouraged to nominate for the following vacancies:
- Copper Coast Council (one area councillor)
- District Council of Kimba (one area councillor)
- District Council of Mount Remarkable (one councillor for Willochra ward)
- Northern Areas Council (one councillor for Broughton ward)
- Southern Mallee District Council (five area councillors)
- District Council of Streaky Bay (one councillor for Eyre ward)
- District Council of Tumby Bay (four area councillors)
- Wudinna District Council (one area councillor).
Kingston District Council and the District Council of Robe both have mayoral vacancies after their respective mayors, Kay Rasheed, and Alison Nunan, did not stand for re-election.
As community leaders, elected members have a wide range of responsibilities. These include providing a voice to residents, community groups and businesses, making decisions about community assets such as parks, roads, and infrastructure, and working with their community to determine what services and facilities should be provided in their local area.
Minister for Local Government Geoff Brock said, it is vital that a diverse group of people nominate for their council, including women, young people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds and people living with disability, so that their council can best represent their community.
Councils across the state are hosting information sessions to help prospective candidates understand what is involved in serving as an elected member. To register for a session in your local area, please head to LG briefings - Electoral Commission SA (ecsa.sa.gov.au)
Nominations to stand for election in the 2023 Supplementary Local Government Elections open today, Friday 13 January. Polling will close at noon, Tuesday 14 March.
For more information visit: https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/
Quotes
Attributable to Geoff Brock
These supplementary elections are a second chance for anyone looking for an opportunity to shape the future of their local community.
A council that can advocate for and represent its community is particularly important in regional areas, as they often provide critical leadership on important issues such as attracting essential workers, aged care, childcare and local economic development. It is important that these values are represented by the best our great communities can offer.
Being on council is a wonderful opportunity and privilege. My years as a councillor at Port Pirie Council, and subsequently as mayor, were among the most rewarding of my life.
If you're interested in nominating or just want to know more about the vacant roles in your area, please attend a candidate briefing session. These sessions will be your chance to hear the ins and outs of the role to help inform your decision to nominate.
