City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans has been named the 2023 recipient of the LGA’s esteemed Joy Baluch Award, which recognises outstanding female leaders currently serving as elected members of SA councils.
Named in honour of the late former Port Augusta Mayor and LGA President (Nancy) Joy Baluch AM, the award is presented to eligible individuals who demonstrate leadership, innovation and support the role of women in local government.
Mayor Evans – who has served 16 years on council, including one term as LGA President between 2020-2022 – has made significant contributions to the Charles Sturt community and broader local government sector during her tenure.
She has overseen the redevelopment of major Charles Sturt precincts including the award-winning $8.4 million Henley Square Precinct, the $110 million Port Road Drainage Project and the $26.5 million St Clair Recreation Precinct, to name just a few.
Mayor Evans has also participated in numerous groups including the Gender Matters Panel, the LGA’s Greater Adelaide Region Organisation of Councils, and the Climate Emergency Australia Strategic Advisory Group and has regularly made herself available to support members, particularly women, within the sector.
She said it was a huge honour to receive the Joy Baluch Award in front of her peers at last Friday’s LGA Ordinary General Meeting, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
“Encouraging more women to stand for local government is incredibly important, and it’s something I’ve actively promoted during my time on council,” Mayor Evans said.
“Strong female leadership is vital for a well-functioning council, and I thank everyone who decided to choose me as this year’s recipient of the Joy Baluch Award.
“It’s an incredible privilege.”
In addition to her achievements at City of Charles Sturt, Mayor Evans demonstrated exceptional leadership as LGA President.
During her term she strengthened relationships with regional councils through extensive visitations, led the sector through COVID, successfully lobbied for funding during state and federal elections, and oversaw the implementation of the Local Government Reforms and new Behavioural Standards Panel.
“Angela has served her council and the LGA with distinction and has been an inspiration for women in local government throughout her career,” LGA President Dean Johnson said.
“She is an incredibly worthy winner of this year’s Award – not just for her achievements, but for her continued advocacy and championing the importance of female representation, and leadership, within councils.”
