Kingston SE is a three hour drive south east of Adelaide, on Lacepede Bay. The first settlement beyond the spectacular Coorong, it is Gateway to the Limestone Coast. The 2440 residents enjoy a quiet beachside lifestyle, and a thriving tourism sector supplements the economy. The district’s other main industries are agriculture and fishing. Our many amazing beaches with beautiful foreshores are safe for families. There is an extensive network of bike and walking tracks, also tidy and well-maintained parks
and gardens.
For all the community
I was first elected to Council in 2014 and appointed to position of Deputy Mayor.
In 2018 I became the first ever female mayor elected at Kingston.
I have always enjoyed playing an active role in the community – on the Community Library Board, the Kingston Tourism Association, the Show Society, and the Kingston Pageant, school, kindergarten and local sporting club boards.
I stood for Council to be involved with the community and contribute at a different level, particularly through ensuring no part of the community is overlooked. Having lived rurally, I want to ensure the rural community is well represented, including on the maintenance of rural and unsealed roads.
Also advocating on issues that have a significant impact on the community, for example I am a member of the Kingston SE Childcare Working Group to address the critical shortage of childcare in Kingston.
I am now semi-retired, but as a former nurse and current small business co-owner, I am particularly passionate about the availability of health services in small rural communities such as Kingston, especially the number of doctors and provision of aged care.
Another focus I have is the economic development of the town and the benefits increased tourism can play. Council is investigating and implementing various projects to boost tourism growth, which will have a flow-on effect to other business sectors of the town.
A good team
Kingston District Council has a dedicated team of eight elected members and 24 staff. Being a small team it is crucial that we all work together cohesively to achieve our common goals. Leading a team who are engaged, honest and communicate effectively results in a productive, efficient and enjoyable working environment.
As the public face of Council, it is invaluable to know I have the full support of my fellow councillors and our staff.
Kingston’s location has left us vulnerable to many coastal issues such as erosion and sand accumulation.
Construction of a rock seawall to protect infrastructure and the purchase of a dredge to keep the entrance channel of the Cape Jaffa Anchorage Marina free of sand accumulation, so it remains open and navigable to our commercial and recreational fishers were significant undertakings.
Council always endeavours to act in the best interests of the whole community. Sometimes this means making decisions that are not popular to some segments of the community. Strong leadership is important in these situations and having a unified ‘elected body’ who are confident in their decisions and decision-making processes makes this easier.
We are currently working on the Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park Master Plan to build on the business potential of that key asset to promote tourism and economic growth in the town.
Kingston Main Streets Project will create a vibrant and welcoming precinct for locals and visitors with over $1million of Federal and State grant funding.
During my time, Council has received extensive government grant funding for various projects, including most recently, for an Integrated Public Art Strategy, which will tie in with many of Kingston’s existing features and attractions as well as the Main Streets upgrade.
Work done well
We are very proud to have received multiple awards through South Australia’s Local Government Risk Services for workplace health and safety and risk activities.
Over the past few years the way we communicate and engage with our community has developed and expanded with better utilisation of social media. We now have a much more effective way to inform and engage our people.
Being a councillor means being able to be involved with, advocate for and make an impact on issues that are important to my community.
I enjoy representing my constituents at forums such as Limestone Coast Local Government Association and South Australia’s Local Government Association meetings. Also advocating to state and federal MPs and Ministers about issues important to the community.
On the other hand, knowing that it is not possible to please everyone all the time and having to make tough decisions in the face of resistance can be challenging. While there may be those who are unhappy with decisions, Council must be responsible with the use of ratepayer’s money and keep sight of the bigger picture – one that has greatest benefit to the wider community.
