Ms Wauchope has accepted a position with the SA Housing Trust as Executive Director of Property Services.
“I’m really excited about this next chapter,” Ms Wauchope said.
“Housing and infrastructure are areas where I feel I can make a real difference. For me, it’s about delivering practical outcomes that improve people’s lives and create stronger, more sustainable communities.
“At the same time, serving as CEO of Barunga West Council has been one of the best times of my career. Together with the mayor, elected members, staff, and our community, we’ve delivered outcomes that have strengthened our region.”
During Ms Wauchope’s tenure, Council invested in record levels of infrastructure and community initiatives.
Key achievements included the Fisherman Bay Freeholding Project, major upgrades to wastewater infrastructure, upgrades to town halls, significant road and streetscape projects, residential and industrial land developments, and sand replenishment programs that strengthened the district’s coastal areas.
Under her leadership, Council also launched the Top of the Yorke tourism campaign and built a strong program of community events. Annual highlights such as Feast on the Foreshore, Port Broughton Show ’N’ Shine, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks have become much-anticipated celebrations for residents and visitors.
Council secured more than $7.7 million in one-off state and federal government grants during Ms Wauchope’s time as CEO, ensuring that projects could be delivered without placing the full burden on ratepayers.
Advocacy has also been a hallmark of Ms Wauchope’s leadership. Council successfully secured the expansion of the Rural Care Program in Bute and the State Government’s commitment to the multimillion-dollar Upper Yorke Road upgrade.
The Barunga West Council area received recognition at both state and national levels during the past five years. Port Broughton was named 2023 SA Tiny Tourism Town of the Year, while the Bute Silo Art project won Gold for Best Rural Art and Silver for Best Mega Mural at the Australian Street Art Awards.
Mayor Leonie Kerley thanked Ms Wauchope for her service and leadership, noting her role in driving outcomes that will continue to benefit the region well into the future.
Recruitment for a new CEO will begin immediately, with advertisements to appear next week.