The southern Fleurieu councils are rallying together to call for nominations from the community ahead of the 2022 Council Elections in November. 

Participating in local council elections is one of the most direct ways to make a difference to everyday life in your community. 

Becoming an elected council member enables you to influence important local decisions and address issues that affect quality of life or liveability in your area. 

Nominations open on Tuesday 23 August and close at 12 noon on Tuesday 6 September, so now is the time to start considering nominating. 

Lou Nicholson, former candidate for the state seat of Finniss, has already said she will run for Alexandrina Council and disability advocate Angela Schiller has put her hand up for the City of Victor Harbor.

Leaders from Alexandrina Council, City of Victor Harbor and District Council of Yankalilla stand united in their views of the skills required to be on council, the value in a diverse council, and the importance of local government when it comes to influencing day-to-day community life. 

Alexandrina Council Chief Executive Officer Nigel Morris says the role of a council member is both rewarding and challenging. 

“Being a council member requires commitment, responsibility and accountability. If you are a strong leader, willing to work as part of a team, and keen to learn, you can make a real difference,” he says. 

“You don’t need to know absolutely everything about local government – there will be an induction program and ongoing workshops to equip you with the information you need – however you do need to be passionate about your community.” 

Karen Rokicinski, City of Victor Harbor Acting Chief Executive Officer, says that diversity is extremely valuable in a local government environment. 

“Having a diversity of people on councils is important to ensure fair representation of the diverse communities it acts on behalf of,” she says. 

“I would love to see nominations from people with a wide range of backgrounds, ages, abilities, religions, genders and professions.” 

District Council of Yankalilla Chief Executive Officer Nathan Cunningham says many people don’t realise the vast range of services and initiatives provided by councils. 

“From parks to paths, buildings to bushwalks, rubbish to roads, events to economic initiatives – councils are responsible for making a wide range of strategic and sustainable decisions to cater for the current and future needs of local communities,” he says. 

“By nominating to be on council, you can help shape everyday life for residents, businesses, visitors and ratepayers.” 

Nominations, as well as voting, are open to a wider range of people than in state or federal elections. 

Anyone interested in learning more about the role of a council member and becoming a candidate can attend one of three information sessions in the southern Fleurieu region. 

The information sessions are an opportunity for potential candidates to learn more about the role of local government and understand the responsibilities. 

Candidate Information Session - City of Victor Harbor

Wednesday, 17 August from 5.30pm

City of Victor Harbor Council Chambers (1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor) 

Candidate Information Session - District Council of Yankalilla 

Tuesday, 23 August from 5.30pm.

Club Fleurieu (140-142 Main South Road, Yankalilla) 

Candidate Information Session - Alexandrina Council

Monday, 29 August from 5,30pm.

Alexandrina Council Civic Centre (11 Cadell Street, Goolwa) 

Voting in the 2022 Council Elections will be conducted via postal ballot, with ballot papers distributed in October and voting closing at 5pm on Thursday, 10 November. 

Visit www.councilelections.sa.gov.au for more information.