Aerial photo of Christies Beach

Published on 23 July 2020

Make a difference

Want to make a difference?

Nominate to become a councillor or vote for the candidate who will represent your community in the upcoming Mid Coast ward supplementary election.

One of the two Mid Coast ward elected member positions became vacant earlier this year when Councillor Beau Cowan resigned due to health reasons.

Nominations for the position opened today and will close midday on Thursday 6 August, with the mail-out of voting materials to take place from 18-24 August and voting to close on midday, Monday 7 September.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said elections are one of the most direct ways you can make a difference.

“Becoming a member of Council is an important decision and a great way to make a difference to your local community,” she said.

“If you’re interested in influencing local directions and creating long-term positive outcomes in your community, and you’re prepared to contribute strategically to decision-making processes that benefit the broader community, then you should explore what it takes to be a councillor for the Mid Coast ward and nominate.

“I encourage those that live in the Mid Coast ward to then vote for who will represent your community.

“Voting for a candidate that represents your views is a great way to influence what happens in your neighbourhood because they’ll be a voice on Council that helps makes decisions about local services, programs and infrastructure.”

To nominate

Nominations, which are open to all City of Onkaparinga residents until midday on Thursday 6 August, are encouraged from people of diverse backgrounds because this ensures a wide range of views are represented.

Head to council’s website for more information on how and where to lodge your nomination, and for a wide range of candidate resources.

Nomination kits are available to collect from council’s Noarlunga office and a candidate briefing session will be held in the City of Onkaparinga Civic Room, Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre at 6.30pm on Wednesday 29 July.

Eligibility criteria is available at the Electoral Commission SA website.

To vote

If you live in the Mid Coast ward (see ward maps) and are on the state (House of Assembly) electoral roll or have completed an enrolment to join the supplementary roll, you’ll receive a voting pack in the mail from mid-August.

Your voting pack will contain a ballot paper, candidate profile brochure, a ballot paper envelope and postal voting guide, and votes must be returned via the reply-paid envelope before midday on Monday 7 September.

You can also drop the completed ballot into a ballot box in our Noarlunga office.

Unlike state and federal elections, it’s not compulsory to vote in SA council elections, but by doing so you can make a difference in your community.

Head to the City of Onkaparinga and Electoral Commission SA websites for more information on voting.

 

Authorised by Scott Ashby, CEO, Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre 5168.