Mayor's Message

March 2024

LGA Constitution Workshop

It was great to be part of the review of the LGA Constitution. This marks a significant milestone as they embark on the first major update since reforms in 2018. This is just one step the LGA are taking to modernise governance and increase effectiveness as the peak body for local government in South Australia.

Club Fleurieu February Lunch

At the February Club Fleurieu Lunch President Louise Allstrom and myself presented a cheque for $4,250 to representatives from 5CY (Keren Webber and Janet Graham) following the inaugural Mayor’s Charity Lunch in January.

Keren and Janet were thrilled to accept on behalf of their organisation and Keren shared some background information about 5CY Community Pantry and told us their services continue to be needed more than ever in our local area.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone involved in making this event such a great success and plans are underway to hold a similar function each year.

Cape Jervis Progress Association AGM

It was a pleasure to assist with the Cape Jervis Progress Association AGM and I would like to congratulate them on a job well done in promoting Cape Jervis and the many great achievements this year including the continued collaboration between the 4 town sectors - the CFS, The Club, Progress Association and the Coastal Group. As a united force, they are continuing to raise the profile of Cape Jervis and advocate for the needs of their community. For example, at the recent Elected Member Forum, they discussed the safety issues around the helipad and I am pleased to announce at the recent Council meeting the Elected Members unanimously agreed to the motion of addressing the safety issues around the helipad. Great work all round and shows how strong our community is.

Normanville SLSC & Cafe/Kiosk Formal Opening

Council is delighted to have partnered with the State Government and the local Normanville Surf Lifesaving Club to deliver this new and iconic beachside destination. It’s been fantastic to see the vision now operational and the early positive feedback has been overwhelming, never more so than the positive energy felt at the formal opening held on Saturday 9 March.

What a day, amazing weather, positive energy, great activation and wonderful guests to celebrate the completion of this great community asset.

Special thanks to Uncle Mickey O’Brien for his smoking ceremony which blessed the building, welcomed all-comers, connected visitors to the past and sought a blessing for the future.

Warm regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

February 2024

It was a pleasure to be part of the Club Fleurieu fundraiser in support of 5CY. The kitchen was bustling and with the wonderful support of Club Fleurieu members and the 58 attendees, the event was a resounding success. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the enthusiasm of participants, we raised an impressive $4,250.00 to aid 5CY in their vital work.

One of my highlights of the month was judging the Library Cow naming competition at the Yankalilla Library. Celebrating the library's first birthday, the competition invited imaginative names for our beloved bovine friends. Amidst a field of creative suggestions, I had the difficult task of selecting winners. Congratulations to the winning names: Moonights, Cowlick, Milkshake, Sparkles, and Daisy. These titles were bestowed upon the cows and Rocky the Blue Heeler at the Australia Day Celebrations.

Our Australia Day festivities were nothing short of fantastic. I extend my congratulations to all the Council staff involved in the meticulous planning and execution of the event. It was a great day and Peter Goer’s speech was very entertaining.

Exploring the wonders of our local ecosystem, the Native Pollinator Event at the Fleurieu Environment Centre was a great educational experience for attendees of all ages. From learning about native pollinator species to creating beautiful pollinator art, it was a day filled with discovery and creativity. The grandkids loved it!

The collaborative efforts of Resilient Hills & Coasts continue to make significant strides in enhancing the resilience of our communities and environment. The release of their Annual Report underscores their dedication to addressing the dynamic challenges posed by climate change.

It was a pleasure to engage with the Yankalilla Men’s Probus Club and provide updates on our exciting developments, including the new Normanville Surf Life Saving Club and Café/Kiosk building.

Warm Regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

December 2023

This month, I had the honour of attending the Yankalilla Area School Year 12 Graduation celebration and awarding the Mayor’s Award to Alex Munro. The Mayor’s Award recognises Academic Excellence and is awarded to a Year 12 Graduating Student for their commitment to their schooling and personal learning.

I would like to congratulate the Yankalilla and District Lions Club and all the volunteers involved with the Yankalilla Classic Motor Show. What a fantastic event! I had a lot of fun in awarding a prize -THE MAYOR’S MACHINE -The car the Mayor would like parked in front of the Council Office.

Finally, it was an absolute privilege to assist in recognising our great volunteers at the Volunteer Thank You, Christmas Lunch. Their willingness to share both time and talent by volunteering with the District Council of Yankalilla says a lot about each of them as human beings and the ability to give and to help others, speaks to both their strength and quality of character.

Regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

November 2023

This month, it was with great pleasure that I wrote a Letter of Congratulations to Tim Jarvis on being named SA 2024 Australian of the Year! His dedication to the environment is truly inspiring and on behalf of Council, I commended his extensive work worldwide and his leadership in our Council area through The Forktree Project and 25Zero Project which are making a real difference.

People that I know who have had the pleasure of meeting Tim are consistently and positively impacted and inspired by his passion and hard work in the field of environmental science.

His humility in accepting this award speaks volumes about the kind of person he is - dedicated, humble and committed to making a positive change.

I believe Tim’s efforts will continue to inspire not just us in South Australia, but people across the country and around the world.

Regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

October 2023

I must say that this is my favourite time of the year, and I was honoured to open the Yank Show. I would like to extend thanks to the Show Society for entrusting me with the privilege of opening this event in its 141^st year.

The Yankalilla Show is not merely a celebration; it is a testament to the spirit of our community. It is an integral part of our Australian Culture, and we cannot underestimate the importance of events like these in strengthening the fabric of our community. The Show brings us together, not only in the excitement of the festivities but also to reflect on the rich tapestry of our shared heritage and the values that unite us.

It was great to celebrate the many talents, creativity and hard work of our fellow community members. From the captivating displays to the competitions, this event is a showcase of our collective achievements and is a reminder that we are a community of resilience, creativity, and boundless potential.

Some of my fondest memories growing up is going to my local show -with my Nanna & Aunty always entering cakes & scones into the baking competition – and particularly the year my Aunty won BEST SCONE in the show.

I would like to express my gratitude to President Dalton Dupuy and the entire Show Society committee, volunteers, stall holders and local farmers for their tireless efforts in bringing this event together. An event like this wouldn’t happen without their dedication and commitment which are truly commendable.

Regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

September 2023

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of witnessing an impressive turnout of support for the Cape Jervis Jetty. Joined by community representatives, the Hon Leon Bignell MP and representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), the event left me feeling confident that we can achieve a positive result for our community.

As a Council, we stand firmly behind this vital community asset. I encourage everyone to participate in the DIT survey, as your valuable feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the jetty's future.

The Yankalilla Library Common Threads Film initiative has been nothing short of inspiring and I would like to thank all involved in this project. Witnessing our community come together in our new library to support youth initiatives has truly been a rewarding experience.

If you haven't had the chance to view the film yet, do yourself a favour!!

The recent gathering in Myponga for the Redicommunities project showcased our community's remarkable enthusiasm and innovative thinking. The brainstorming session yielded some fantastic ideas.

What's particularly noteworthy is the experiment of involving our young people in related activities during the workshop. I believe it's vital that we continue to include our youth in such activities, as they bring fresh perspectives and boundless energy to the table.

For those unfamiliar with Redicommunities, it comprises a series of workshops facilitated by the Australian Red Cross, aimed at enhancing our local disaster resilience through community co-creation. The workshops will serve several critical purposes, including identifying local multi-hazard risks, fostering community connections and promoting inclusivity, equity and sustainability.

Participants in these workshops receive ongoing support from both the Red Cross and the District Council of Yankalilla, empowering them to implement their actions well beyond the workshop setting.

Warm Regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

August 2023

As Mayor, I'm privileged to connect with a diverse range of people, from government officials to business owners and ratepayers. This month, a different theme emerged—one that allowed me the unique opportunity to spend valuable time with some of the younger members of a community.

Firstly, I had the honour of participating in the Judging for the Mayor's Short Story Challenge for 2023. This collaborative event brings together the District Council of Yankalilla, Alexandrina Council, and the City of Victor Harbor. Since its inception in 2010, the Challenge has celebrated creative writing among school-aged children from reception to year 10. The joy of reading and evaluating the fantastic stories submitted has been a highlight of my first year as Mayor. I look forward to the joint regional presentation at the City of Victor Harbor Library in early September 2023, where we will unveil the winner.

Equally rewarding was my recent excursion to Yankalilla Area School, where I visited Miss Ray and her year 3-4 class. I received a warm welcome and was asked some very insightful questions about my role as Mayor. It was a pleasure to invite the class to attend an excursion to the Yankalilla District Council Chambers. To my delight, the students presented me with a bottle of homegrown "Amaroo Farm" Olive Oil—a product of the Yankalilla Area School.

Warm Regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

July 2023

It has been a busy and eventful month, filled with opportunities to connect, acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements within our community.

On the 6th and 7th of July, I had the privilege of attending the CEO and Mayor Forum. This event highlighted the significance of fostering a strong working relationship between the CEO and myself as the Presiding Member. Together, we aim to create lasting change and make a positive impact on our local communities. The forum stressed the importance of a united approach in leading behaviour, enabling us to excel in our respective roles while promoting collaboration for the benefit of our council and the community as a whole. The experience provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our understanding of leadership responsibilities and forge meaningful connections with fellow Mayors and CEOs from across the state.

I also recently attended a thank-you BBQ held at the depot, where we expressed our gratitude to the exceptional depot team for their outstanding work throughout the year. It was heartwarming to acknowledge their unwavering dedication, which continues to make a significant difference in our community.

Additionally, it was an absolute honour to attend the 39th Lions Handover Dinner, a special event that celebrated the accomplishments of the Lions Club and their remarkable dedication to community service. During the evening, I had the privilege of expressing gratitude to the outgoing President, Graham Buttery, for his exceptional leadership. I also extended a warm welcome to President-Elect Vicki Morecroft and the newly appointed board members. The Lions Club is a global network of men and women who tirelessly work to make a positive impact on communities worldwide. With a rich history spanning over a century and a local club established in 1985, the Lions have garnered a reputation for their significant contributions to improving our community. Their efforts are truly commendable.

This month has been marked by strengthening relationships, expressing gratitude and celebrating the remarkable achievements of our community members. I am grateful for the opportunities to connect with fellow leaders, express appreciation to dedicated individuals and highlight the outstanding work done by organisations like the Lions Club.

Warm Regards,

Darryl Houston

Mayor

June 2023

It gives me great pleasure to announce that I had the honour of presenting Savannah Benetta with a 12-month fully paid scholarship to participate in the Yankalilla Youth Theatre. This scholarship will allow Savannah to pursue her passion for theatre and nurture her talents in this creative field. I am proud to support the aspirations of our talented young residents and provide them with opportunities to flourish. Congratulations, Savannah!

In other news, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Gilbert Dashorst's latest artwork at the Mistletoe Block Project. The display inspired me to purchase a print of our Council's Emblem, which Gilbert Dashorst has recently completed. This beautiful piece of art will be donated and displayed at our Council Chambers, enhancing the aesthetics of the space and celebrating our local talent.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the residents who actively participated in the Community Consultation process for this year's Annual Business Plan & Budget. Your feedback and involvement have been instrumental in shaping the final Budget proposal.

The upcoming year, 2023-24, presents us with significant challenges, influenced by the external economic climate. However, I want to assure you that our goal has been to develop a budget that is fair, financially prudent and aligned with a sound long-term financial management plan. With the dedicated efforts of our Elected Members and Executive Staff, we are working towards setting ourselves up for future success.

Regards,

Mayor Darryl Houston

May 2023

It is my pleasure to report that the 10th Festival Fleurieu was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of the dedicated organising Committee. I would like to congratulate them on putting together a dynamic and innovative program that truly celebrated the arts, culture, community and environment of our District.

One of the highlights of the festival was the magnificent ART Exhibition, The Mistletoe Block Project, which was held at the Myponga Hall. I was thrilled to see so many renowned local artists using various media to showcase the land, vegetation, birds, and animals of Mistletoe Block.

I also had a wonderful time at the Rocking The Cape event at Cape Jervis Community Club and The Flaming Sambucas at Second Valley Hall. It was heartening to see such a great turnout and I am grateful for the positive feedback from everyone who attended.

On another note, the draft 2023-24 Annual Business Plan & Budget Community Consultation has begun with a drop-in session at the Yankalilla Library. While the economic climate has presented its challenges, I want to assure you that the Council is committed to being financially prudent and aligned with sound long-term financial management. It is our goal to set ourselves up for future and sustained success and we need your feedback to achieve this.

I urge all residents to consider the draft 2023-24 Annual Business Plan & Budget and provide feedback on how we can best prioritise our deliverables. Every piece of feedback will help the Elected Members to make the best decisions for the community we serve.

Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Don Law for inviting me to the Men’s Shed for a demonstration of new machinery. It was great to catch up with the guys and see the impressive range of items they can now produce. I look forward to involving them in some of the Council's upcoming projects.

Warm Regards,

Mayor Darryl Houston

April 2023

I am pleased to share with you some recent events that have taken place in our District to which I have had the pleasure of attending.

On the 12th of March, I attended the Inaugural Myponga Loop, organised by Great Southern Runs. This fantastic event saw 799 registered runners compete in a long course circumnavigating the Myponga Reservoir, complete with stunning rainbows and challenging hills. The event brought a buzz to the town, and we can't wait for next year's event.

Another great event that I attended was the Fleurieu AGFest on the 20th of March. It was fantastic to see schools from all around the region attend, including Yankalilla Area School, Kangaroo Island (KICE) – Parndana and Penneshaw, Investigator College, Mount Compass Area School, Tatachilla Lutheran College, Willunga High School, Aldinga Payinthi College, Eastern Fleurieu School, and Murray Bridge High School. The event showcased a range of career pathways and the latest ideas and technology being used in agriculture, primary production, conservation, and land management.

I would like to congratulate Amy Williams and all Council staff involved in organising this great event and look forward to next year's festival.

On the 30th of March, I had the pleasure of attending the Myponga Bowling Club Presentation Night. It was a great night, filled with good food and wonderful people.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Brett & Renee for undertaking the new initiative Lollies and More@84 at Ironbark Hill. This lolly shop is a great new destination for both visitors and locals alike, where you can relive childhood memories and enjoy sweet treats.

These events all highlight the many wonderful initiatives and activities that are taking place in our District and that make our community such a vibrant and enjoyable place to live.

Warm regards,

Mayor Darryl Houston

March 2023

This year is flying by, and another busy month has passed.

It was an honour to MC the 35th Anniversary of the Tjilbruke Dreaming Track markers dedication ceremony at Carrickalinga, as the first of four plaques within Yankalilla Council were unveiled by the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency, Frances Adamson.

Senior Cultural Custodian Karl Telfer led a smoking ceremony and accepted the tributes offered on behalf of his late mother for her life’s work and gave us a ceremonial welcome, which touched and embraced us all. It was a lovely afternoon and again I would like to thank all Council staff involved with this project as we finished the day with tasty offerings made from bush ingredients to spoil us all.

As part of my mandatory training, I attended the Principal Members Forum with 50 Mayors from across South Australia participating in the LGA’s two-day course. The forum provided a unique opportunity for us as Principal Members to build our knowledge as local leaders, while fulfilling our training requirements under the new Local Government legislative provisions. It also gave us the opportunity to come together as a group – catching up with familiar faces and meeting new Mayors many of whom like me, are beginning their first term on Council. I found it a very worthwhile exercise.

A big thankyou to Linda Ross who asked me to join the Yankalilla Library Sprouts at Rapid Bay Primary School for Storytime, Maths Fun for under 5s and Little Bang Discovery Club session. We read books, had a sing along and engaged in different activities to promote early literacy development, socialising, science discovery, maths, creativity and fun! It was a great activity, and I would highly recommend this to all parents with pre-schoolers. Looking forward to starting the process of Township Plans this month and the challenge of the Budget process for next year.

Kind Regards,

Mayor Darryl Houston

February 2023

January and February have been very busy months as I continue to familiarise myself with and meet the many wonderful community groups that contribute to our District.

A big thankyou to Vicki Morecroft, Acting President of the Yankalilla and District Lions Club for inviting me to the Lions International Youth camp held at Willow Creek Adventure Camp. The Lions International Youth camp is a life-changing experience. Young people between the ages of 16-21 are encouraged to use this travel opportunity to represent their home countries and share their own culture whilst travelling to another and participating in a youth camp.

Each year the Lions International Youth Camp program gives thousands of young people worldwide the opportunity to experience life in other countries and gain a new understanding of culture through travelling overseas. The youth had spent the day visiting Victor Harbor with a trip on the cockle train followed by a cruise on the Coorong to the Murray Mouth. The day's final destination was Willow Creek Adventure Park, with burgers for tea, live jazz music from Geoff and Kym, and a talk on the origin of Fleurieu Milk by Don Clark, finishing up with roasting marshmallows by the campfire. All had a great day, and what an excellent program.

I also had the pleasure of opening of the new Library which was a great event and well attended by the Community. Council's investment in this vital infrastructure improves a valued community facility. The new Library will be a vibrant community hub that will enhance the connections and creativity within our Community and be a centre of excellence for literacy, learning, innovation, and discovery. Thank you to the previous Elected Members and Council Administration for starting the journey of making this new Library a reality. Thank you also to the library staff for being flexible in their service delivery by providing the Library Services from the Visitor Information Centre during the building process.

Last but not least, I would like to congratulate all the Council staff involved with the planning and organisation of our Australia Day Event. It was a very successful Event with over 200 Community Members in attendance. The feedback that I received reflected what a fantastic celebration of our community the event was. Congratulations to all the award winners, new citizens, and grant recipients.

Kind Regards,

Mayor Darryl Houston

Christmas Message from the Mayor

Christmas means different things to each of us; for some, it is a chance to spend time with family and exchange gifts, while for others, it is a religious celebration.

I hope this Christmas will bring you many reasons to smile and share this wonderful time of year with those near and dear to your heart.

I would like to thank all the great volunteers and community groups in our Council area who are deserving of our deep and ongoing gratitude for the work that they have done to protect and support us this year. They make our community a better place to live, work and raise our families.

I hope each of us will have an opportunity to stop, rest, reflect, and pay attention to what is most important in life. In the spirit of Christmas please try to find ways to support those in need that may find it difficult at this time of year.

On behalf of Council staff and my Councillor colleagues, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year.

Mayor Darryl Houston

December 2022

It has been a big month in Council and I was honoured and privileged to be elected as Mayor of our beautiful region. My approach to being Mayor is to be open, energetic and balanced. I will listen, as I am grounded in community values and compassion.

A hallmark of my leadership style is ‘2022 and beyond’ thinking. Understanding that our primary producers and business sector are the backbone of a successful community and therefore support for these sectors will be critical going forward. The existing Economic Development Strategy provides this platform for us to build on.

I believe in showcasing our strengths ‘Made by Nature’, yet bringing change that is sensible and broadly supported by all community members. Supporting our community to remain strong and engaged and above all having the capacity to listen.

I and the other eight Councillors have spent November and the beginning of December attending induction and training days, being taught the requirements and expectations that come with the role of being a Councillor. The experience has been a helpful one, as we learn to work together as a team.

I have also spent time visiting Council sites and assets as I observe the processes and current Council projects.

I was impressed when I visited the ‘Yankalilla Cultural Centre and Library’ which is nearing completion. Council have invested in this key piece of infrastructure which will improve community facilities and quality of life for our residents. This new library will have something for every resident regardless of age. I am sure it will become a vibrant community hub where residents can meet friends, play, read, study and learn.

The final cabins have arrived at the Big4 Normanville Jetty Holiday Park and are being installed. The first group of new cabins should be ready for visitors by Christmas, with the remainder being ready for the end of January 2023.

The Normanville Foreshore is looking fantastic! It really is a credit to the Council Depot Team. I would like to thank them for their great work and I am looking forward to seeing the lawn and playground being used and enjoyed by our community over the summer holiday season. We are expecting the work to be completed by late December.

The Normanville Surf Life Saving Club Café & Kiosk rebuild has commenced with construction planned to be completed in approximately 12 months.

Thank you to all for the positive and supportive feedback I have received since being appointed Mayor and I look forward to hearing more from locals as I am out and about in the District.

Mayor Darryl Houston