Heading up the State

Erika Vickery OAM takes on top role at LGA

Naracoorte Lucindale Council Mayor Erika Vickery OAM has been elected as the new South Australian Local Government Association president.

Mayor Vickery, who has chaired the LGA’s South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC) Committee since 2015, will succeed City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans in the role for the next two year term.

Mayor Evans will remain on the LGA Board of Directors as the immediate past president.

LGA chief executive Clinton Jury praised Mayor Evans for serving with distinction during her presidency and welcomed her incoming successor Mayor Vickery. “Angela has been an exemplary advocate for local government while representing the LGA,” Mr Jury said.

“During her tenure, Angela has overseen significant legislative change such as reforms to the Local Government Act 1999 and the revision of LGA Training Standards which have positioned the sector to meet the high standards our communities expect of local government representatives.

“Erika has demonstrated excellent leadership in chairing the LGA’s SAROC Committee and I look forward to working closely with her as president,” Mr Jury said.

Mayor Evans thanked the LGA secretariat for the support she received during her term and cited the local government reforms and regional visits as some of the most rewarding highlights.

“I’m particularly proud of the work done to create the Behaviour Management Framework, which will take effect at the completion of the November council elections,” Mayor Evans said.

“This new framework, which includes the establishment of the Behavioural Standards Panel, ensures our elected members continue to develop leadership skills, build effective working relationships, communication and influencing skills, and manage and resolve conflict, which are all essential to a council performing well.

“Another part of the presidency I have greatly enjoyed is visiting our regional councils, which has given me invaluable insight into their strengths and challenges and a greater appreciation of the work they do for their communities.”

Mayor Vickery said she looked forward to succeeding Mayor Evans as president and continuing the LGA’s important advocacy work on behalf of the sector.

“I congratulate Angela on the wonderful job she has done as president and thank our South Australian councils for supporting and electing me to the role for the next term,” Mayor Vickery said.

“It’s an honour to serve as president and I welcome the opportunity to further represent our sector.”

Mayor Vickery officially assumed the role of president following the LGA Annual General Meeting in Adelaide last Friday