Mayor's Message - May 2026

It has been my pleasure to celebrate our community volunteers over the last few months.  Last week, our Volunteer Week celebrations concluded with a morning tea at the Library.

Volunteers are the quiet backbone of every strong community.  They give their time, energy and compassion not for recognition, but because they genuinely care about the people and places around them.  From sporting clubs and community groups, to emergency services, events, charities and cultural organisations, volunteers help create the connection, belonging and spirit that make a city truly thrive.

Volunteers are also Ambassadors for our city.  Through their generosity, welcoming nature and community pride, they help shape the experience people have when they visit, participate or choose to call Port Lincoln home.  They represent the very best of who we are – resilient, compassionate, hardworking and connected.  Every act of service, conversation or helping hand contributes to the heart and reputation of our community, and for that our volunteers deserve immense gratitude and respect.  Together, we say ‘thank you’.

If you are thinking of volunteering, or looking for new ways to contribute, please pop into the Library and take a look at the wall of programs and opportunities. I am sure there is something to suit your skills and passions.

At the most recent Council Meeting, the Annual Business Plan and Budget was released for public consultation.  This is one of the most important and detailed pieces of work Council undertakes each year.  It is far more than simply balancing numbers on a page – it is a strategic process that carefully considers the needs, priorities and future direction of our entire community.

The budget is developed over many months through collaboration between elected members, Council staff and key stakeholders.  It involves detailed forecasting, asset management planning, infrastructure renewal assessments and service reviews, while also considering current pressures and future opportunities.

Balancing financial sustainability with the services and projects our community values most often requires difficult decisions.  This process reflects Council’s commitment to transparency, responsible financial management and ensuring that every dollar invested delivers the greatest possible benefit to our community, both now and into the future.

For more information, including dates for public information sessions and future meetings, please visit Council's Engagement Hub yoursay.portlincoln.sa.gov.au.

It is with much pride that I congratulate the City of Port Lincoln team on receiving the prestigious award for Environmental Leadership and Sustainability at the LG Professionals SA's recent Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.

This achievement reflects our commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural assets while tackling the many challenges such as climate change, carbon emissions, waste, coastal management, water and biodiversity.  One of the key goals in our strategic directions plan, is to be ‘clean, green, renewable and resilient’, and to be a ‘Leader in Local Government Environmental Sustainability’, so to actually win an award, for that very category, is just fantastic!  The Award is a credit to the elected members and community also, for their leadership and engagement, and providing valuable feedback through consultation processes.

I recently had the privilege of speaking at a Changemaker event for Yarredi Services and the Zahra Foundation, on the sensitive topic of Domestic and Family Violence.  Domestic and family violence is not a private issue hidden behind closed doors – it is a whole-of-community issue that affects families, workplaces, friendships, sporting clubs, schools and neighbourhoods.  Every person deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in their own home and relationships.

Preventing violence starts with all of us: speaking respectfully, challenging harmful behaviours, supporting equality, listening without judgement and not staying silent when something does not feel right.  Small actions and conversations can make a profound difference in someone’s life.

As a Council, we have met with the Changemaker organisers.  While many of the systemic changes required sit at a national level, we are committed to doing what we can, through advocacy, providing information, and raising awareness.

As a community, we all have a role to play in creating a culture where violence is never excused or ignored.  That means checking in on those who may be struggling, educating young people about healthy relationships and promoting kindness, accountability and respect and supporting our local services.  If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to trusted support services, emergency services or local organisations.  Together through awareness, compassion and collective action, we can help build a safer and stronger community for everyone.

Looking ahead, Council Elections are to be held later this year.  Some key dates to be aware of include:

• Friday, 31 July 2026, 5pm:  Close of rolls.  If you’re enrolled to vote in SA State elections, you are automatically enrolled to vote in Council elections, and will receive a ballot pack in the mail.  You can check your enrolment details on the Australian Electoral Commission website at:  https://check.aec.gov.au/
• Tuesday, 25 August 2026:  Nominations open.
• Tuesday, 8 September 2026, midday:  Nominations close.

If you are interested in becoming a candidate, I encourage you to find out more about the nomination process and consider putting your name forward.  Becoming a candidate is a meaningful way to contribute to your community and help shape the future direction of Council decisions and priorities.

My door is always open, should you wish to learn more about Council Elections, the Annual Business Plan and Budget, or any other matter.

Diana Mislov
Mayor - City of Port Lincoln