Mayor's Message - June 2026
As Council works through its Budget and Annual Business Plan for 2026-27 and also our Community Engagement Policy, I have been reflecting on the feedback we have received from our community over recent weeks.
Community engagement is never easy. People rightly hold strong views about the future of our city, the services Council provides, and how ratepayer funds are invested. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback, whether through formal submissions, conversations with elected members, or discussions in wider community.
One theme that has emerged is a perception from some members of our community that Council is not always listening. While opinions may differ on individual decisions, perceptions matter, and there are lessons here for all of us as elected members, myself included.
Our community Engagement Policy is not simply a document or a process to follow. It is a commitment to meaningful dialogue, respectful debate and genuine consideration of the views of our residents and ratepayers. As elected representatives, we must continue to improve how we engage, how we communicate decisions, and how we respond to enquiries from members of the public.
Good governance is not only about making decisions, it is also about ensuring people feel heard, respected and informed. I believe these is always room for improvement, and I know all elected members share a desire to strengthen the relationship between Council and our community.
There are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of Port Lincoln, particularly when we look at the next generation of leaders emerging in our city.
Recently I have had the pleasure of learning more about Youth Opportunities and the remarkable work this organisation is doing to support young people across our region. Through mentoring, personal development and leadership programs, Youth Opportunities is helping young people build confidence, resilience and aspirations for their future. Their work is making a real difference, and our community is stronger because of it.
There are many other programs and studies being offered in Port Lincoln, and I encourage students, parents and caregivers to reach out to local institutions like TAFE and Uni-Hub, so that we can offer pathways to education for students to consider tertiary education and trade careers. It was inspiring to host Australian of the Year, Ms Katherine Bennell-Pegg in Port Lincoln, to share her journey and aspirations as an astronaut. She reminded us all that dreams are not limited by geography or circumstance, that potential has no postcode or gender. Her message to young Australians is simple: Curiosity, confidence and hard work can take you further than you ever imagined, and parents play a vital role in encouraging their children to aim high and embrace opportunity.
I have also been encouraged the engagement we continue to receive from school students, most recently at Navigator College. It was a privilege to have students read the Mayor’s Blessing of the Fleet speech at the Fishermen’s Memorial, participating at one of Port Lincoln’s most important landmarks.
Equally inspiring has been the correspondence I have received from students on matters affecting our city. Their thoughtful questions and genuine interest in civic affairs demonstrate a deep connection to our community and remind us that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow – they are important contributors today.
As we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing Port Lincoln, collaboration will be more important than ever. I encourage local businesses and community leaders to consider joining the Port Lincoln Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Strong communities are built when people support one another, share ideas and work together to create opportunities.
Finally, I want our community to know that my door is always open. I welcome conversations with residents, ratepayers and community groups, whether you have concerns to raise, ideas to share or simply to discuss the future of our city. May I also say, that we often receive compliments too, and it gives me great pleasure to share them with our elected members, CEO and staff.
Please contact the Council office, during business hours if you would like to make an appointment to see me, I look forward to hearing from you.
Together, by listening, learning and supporting one another, we can continue to build a stronger Port Lincoln for everyone.
Diana Mislov
Mayor - City of Port Lincoln
