Mayor's Message - October 2025
Mayor’s Variety Concert
On behalf of Council, I extend sincere thanks to everyone who attended and supported the recent Mayor’s Variety Concert, a highlight of our local events calendar celebrating community talent and connection. We could not hold this event, without the support of the performers who donate so freely of their time and talents, and I take this moment to thank the acts involved this year:
Multiple performances from the Port Lincoln Calisthenics Club; Margaux Santos; Cookie Farmers – Matty Stigwood and Andrew Foster; Japanese Drummers; Jake Daulby and Johana Page; Jayde Whittaker accompanied by Bill Kannussaar & Johnny Murray; Filipino Dancers; Drew Cornell Trio and the Tacoma Sea Shanties.
The Mayor’s Variety Concert truly had ‘something for everyone’, and I was delighted to share the MC role with Port Lincoln’s 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Mr Peter Hughes.
Thanks also to the backstage helpers, Port Lincoln High School’s Helen Marks, Josh & Jay, and our wonderful team at the City of Port Lincoln for front of house, ticket sales, organisation, sound and production – special mention to Amanda, Mandy and Pete.
Thanks also to Golden Sable Florists for their sponsorship, and mostly to you – the community who came out to enjoy the event. The evening was a reflection of past Tunarama’s and a celebration of the new refreshed Tunarama Festival to come, in January 2026, with net proceeds going toward delivering an event at the festival.
Algal Bloom
Over the past few months, Council has been advocating for the City and Region on the impacts of Algal Bloom. I have personally represented the City in Canberra at a Delegation involving Mayor’s and representatives from across the State, and presented on the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry. The October 2025 Council Meeting received a report from the Mayor and also from Council on our actions to date, and I recommend those interested to check the Agenda for those items if interested. The State Government has recently announced its Summer Plan, which has possible implications for businesses and recreational fishers in our region, and I urge you to check their website for the details. We also encourage hospitality, accommodation and tourism businesses to register for the Coast is Calling voucher program, and grant opportunities where applicable.
Governor-General’s Visit
Council was honoured to receive a visit from Her Excellency the Governor-General of Australia Ms Sam Mostyn AC, and appreciated her connection to community, through dinner engagement with service providers, breakfast with First Nation’s representatives and a tour of the City of Port Lincoln’s Foreshore Redevelopment project, visit to The Fresh Fish Place and Marina Hotel to see first-hand some of our fish processing operations, hear from local fishing representatives and taste some of our wonderful local produce.
The Governor-General was keen to support our fishing industry, and made a short video showcasing fresh seafood, eaten at the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’ which was shared on her social media channels, and has received much engagement with her followers.
We appreciated the visit, and opportunity to showcase Port Lincoln, and offered the Governor-General one of the first official invitations, to attend the opening of Tunarama 2026.
Exploring a Maritime Heritage Reserve
Council recently supported a motion to investigate the creation of a Historical Marine Reserve - a dedicated area where decommissioned vessels could be safely scuttled following the removal of all contaminants such as fuel and oils. The concept aims to preserve our regions maritime history, and create new opportunities for safe navigation, marine habitat development, diving tourism and coastal education. You can read more about the process in the Agenda for the October 2025 Council meeting.
Sharing Compassion and Connection
In recognition of the challenges many in our community have faced – through personal hardship or sadness, business loss, the passing of loved ones – I reflect on our community’s resilience, compassion and care. There is the possibility that we could come together soon, with kindness, reflection and mutual support – a collective ‘community hug’ that reminds us we are not alone, and that empathy and connection remain at the heart of who we are.
This seems particularly appropriate, as we now approach the Christmas Season, and I extend to you all the very best.
Until next time, my grateful thanks for the compassion and kindness shown to me, personally, and in my role as your Mayor.
Diana Mislov
Mayor - City of Port Lincoln
