Yankalilla’s own Ryan ‘Fish’ Fisher was announced as the South Australian Local Government Apprentice/ Trainee of the Year out of 68 Councils at the Maxima Awards evening on Thursday 27 May. 

Fish completed his schooling at Yankalilla Area School, then spent three years working on the family farm and milking cows before gaining a 3-year traineeship with the council through Maxima to complete a Certificate 3 in Horticulture in 2017. 

District Council of Yankalilla Chief Executive Nigel Morris says; “Fish completed his traineeship at the end of 2020 and due to his strong work ethic and enthusiasm we offered him a full-time role with Council”. 

“Fish, who is a keen footballer for the Yankalilla Tigers, is currently sidelined due to injury but is certainly still kicking goals for Council with this award win, everyone at Council is extremely proud of his achievement.” 

Fish says; “I was relieved when I won the award and was quite shocked as I didn’t expect to make the top 3, it’s pretty good really.

“What I love about working for Council is the variety of work and being able to work in my home town. 

“I am proud of the contribution I have made to projects like the rebuild of the public amenities at the Yankalilla Skate Park, Myponga Beach and at the Village Green. 

“I’d like to thank everyone at Council for teaching me what I’ve learnt so far and for putting up with me, which is a big job.

“In the future, I’d like to stay employed with Council and work towards becoming a Team Leader within the organisation.”