Mayor's Message - January 2026
2026 arrived with excitement for the return of the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival, and it was a fantastic reinvention of the traditional festival. Whilst old favourites like the Tuna Toss and Parade were family favourites, new events, like Rock the Bay brought crowd numbers, and the return of the swim-thru and triathlon added another element to the vibrant weekend.
Personally, there were several highlights, including the Blessing of the Fleet Tunarama opening ceremony. It was wonderful to have dignitaries attend, but more than that, it was heartfelt to see some of the families of those lost at sea, and those being remembered for the first time on the Fisher’s Memorial.
I am grateful for the participation of the Minister’s Association, including Deacon Brenton Mortimer and Pastor Tim Newman who delivered a reverent blessing, finished with a hymn led beautifully by Johana Page and local musicians. To have Ngahuia Trewartha offer blessings also, incorporated our multicultural community into this poignant, hopeful and all-embracing event.
The Blessing of the Fleet would not be possible without sponsorship, and I thank the Seafood Industry of South Australia (SISA) for their support, their Chair, Alison Lloyd-Wright for emceeing the event and for Damien Mrdjen’s team delivering delicious seafood canapes.
What made the event a true experience, were the vessels tied alongside the service wharf at the Marina. Many thanks to the owners, skippers and crew of the MFV Tacoma; MFV Kylie; MFV Challenge and MFV Pelorus. With their flags fluttering in the breeze, and visitors on board, the event truly highlighted our fishing industries.
Minister Clare Scriven, representing the Premier and her portfolio as the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, officially opened the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival, and also placed a wreath at the Fisher’s Memorial, at the close of the official ceremony. Minister Scriven was heartfelt in her tribute to our industries, festival, and we are very grateful for both her attendance, and the attendance of all the politicians from all sides of government, who joined us.
Another highlight of the Festival, was a very small morning tea I held, for the Life Members of Tunarama. Personally, I have served on many of their committees, and proudly supported former Quest Entrants, so it was very important for me, on behalf of the City of Port Lincoln, to say ‘Thank You’. Their legacy has been the previous sixty festivals, that we have loved and enjoyed. Council is now the custodian of Tunarama, and we cherish the legacy this has created, not just for Port Lincoln and our community but the whole Eyre Peninsula and Southern Eyre region.
There was so much energy and vitality, our city was vibrant, alive and ready to party! I hope we carry that energy throughout the year, and wish everyone a prosperous and compassionate 2026, with each of us looking after our family, friends and neighbours.
On behalf of the City and Elected Members, I thank the Council led by CEO Eric Brown, and the whole Council team, especially the naming rights partner, Bendigo Bank, and all the sponsors; the Tunarama Reference Group; the Tourism & Economic Development team and SRO Events. This was a whole of Council effort, with everything from resourcing, fundraising, garden beds, rubbish collection, to event management, road closures, planning and more.
Most of all, I thank YOU, our locals and community groups, who assisted with marshalling the parade; entering floats; hosting and attending events; showing community pride; welcoming Tunarama back with a bang; and adapting to changes in timing, events and programming. Be very proud Port Lincoln!
Moving on from Tunarama, I’d like to make special mention of the Award Recipients at the Australia Day celebrations. Congratulations to Joy Milton; Isabella Slater; Port Lincoln Tuna Classic and Bill Kannussaar for their outstanding contributions to Port Lincoln and beyond. Their inspiring journeys have reached beyond our shores, touched hearts and charities, and truly make a difference.
Congratulations also to our twelve new citizens that we welcome to Port Lincoln. A shout-out to the Port Lincoln City Band, who perform for sheer joy and delighted us all with songs of Australia. Again, these events are not possible without the sponsors, including Magic 89.9, the many food donors and the Eagles Softball Club for their breakfast preparation to help Elected Members serve you.
Before I finish this January Newsletter, I also acknowledge the importance of local participation from our media partners. Council is often challenged with ways of communicating and spreading the word, and our Media team and partners continue to do their best. You also have a role to play in communication, and there is nothing better than ‘word of mouth’, and a chat with those in your circle of influence. Please continue to spread news about Council, and ask your family and friends to subscribe to the newsletter and check the website for coming events, consultation and more.
I finish this January Newsletter with a copy of the speech I delivered at the Blessing of the Fleet, for those that may be interested. It was a privilege to keep the message of the importance of our fishing industries, as more than a job, but also to ‘keep it real’ and make it about the people, our people, our families and our community.
Wishing you all a safe, healthy and prosperous 2026.
Diana Mislov
Mayor, City of Port Lincoln