There has been a changing of the guard at the District Council of Yankalilla with the election of two new councillors as Mayor and deputy Mayor.

A special meeting of the council, held last Thursday 24 November, elected Cr Darryl Houston as Mayor for the next four years and Cr Tim Moffat as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Houston is one of two new representatives of Field ward, along with Cr Lawrence Polemka; Cr David Olsson and Cr Simon Rothwell were re-elected.

Cr Moffat is one of two new representatives of Light ward, along with Cr Wayne Gibbs; Cr Davina Quirke, Cr Bill Verwey and Cr Glen Rowlands were re-elected.

Cr Quirke remains the only female councillor.

The new Mayor has lived in Myponga for seven years and is married with two adult children.

He has a background in banking and finance and runs his own finance business, as a well as a small farm.

“I enjoy being actively involved in community organisations including Chairperson of the Myponga Hall and Myponga Progress Association,” Cr Houston says. 

“I understand the need for regional development through diverse initiatives, promoting community connection and strong community engagement for future growth. 

“My strong belief is that sound planning and good governance provides for solid long term achievements.”

Cr Moffat is a retired lawyer who moved permanently to Carrickalinga two years ago after owning a house in the area for 20 years.

The District Council of Yankalilla had one of the highest voting rates in the state at 51 per cent, compared with 46 per cent for the City of Victor Harbor and 44 per cent for Alexandrina Council.

At its Inaugural meeting on Tuesday 29 November, the councillors agreed to hold ordinary council meetings once a month on the third Tuesday, starting at 4pm in the Council Chambers at 1 Charles Street, Yankalilla.

The council has thanked its outgoing councillors; Alistair Christie, Peter O’Neil, Bruce Spilsbury and Leon Zarins for their service and dedication to the community. 

It also thanked its staff who dedicated their Saturday to counting the thousands of returned votes, under the guidance of the Electoral Commission of South Australia.

Deputy Mayor Tim Moffat