Barunga West remains one of the few councils in South Australia that is required to elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor from among its elected body.
This occurred on 22 November 2022 during the new Council's first ordinary meeting for the 2022-2026 term of local government.
Councillors congratulated Mayor Kerley and Deputy Mayor Button and praised them for their work ethic, strong values and fierce determination to listen to their community.
Mayor Kerley, who is entering her seventh term on council, said she was incredibly honoured to be re-elected as Mayor.
“Council has been part of my life for more than two decades and I remain as energised as ever about leading a progressive and enthusiastic council with a couple of new faces,” Mayor Kerley said.
“During my previous term as Mayor, I had the honour and privilege to attend and preside over all 48 Ordinary Meetings of Council. I take my responsibilities as Mayor seriously and it is pleasing that a Behavioural Standards Panel is not something our council has needed.
“I look forward to continue listening to our ratepayers, representing their views and participating in decisions to make our region vibrant and welcoming, whilst protecting our beaches and pristine coastline. It is vital ratepayers and councillors respectfully work together.”
Deputy Mayor Button said he was determined to bring a strong sense of community to his role and keep an open mind when making decisions.
“It is a real honour to be entrusted with this role and I make the commitment to represent ratepayers and advocate for their concerns and issues to be given a fair hearing,” he said.
Barunga West Council CEO Maree Wauchope congratulated the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and said she and her team looked forward to achieving positive outcomes for the community.
“The level of interest and participation shows a strong interest from our community to contribute to the civic leadership of our region,” Ms Wauchope said.
“I, along with my team, look forward to working closely with the new council to keep delivering for our growing region.”
There were nine councillor vacancies in Barunga West contested by 11 candidates.
The newly elected Council for the next four years is made up of Mayor Kerley, Deputy Mayor Button, Kim Gregory, Cynthia Axford, Brian Lockyer, Dave Eason, Kevin Beinke, Margaret McDonald and Grant Rowlands.
Councillors have been appointed to liaison roles with key stakeholders: Barunga Village Inc. (Mayor Kerley and Cr Gregory); Port Broughton Area School Governing Council (Cr McDonald); Port Broughton District Hospital and Health Advisory Council (Cr McDonald); Barunga West Building Fire Safety Committee (Cr Lockyer); Barunga West Bushfire Prevention Committee (Cr Lockyer); Barunga West Road Safety Committee (Deputy Mayor Button); Fisherman Bay Progress Association (Cr Axford); Bute 2000 Onwards (Cr Axford); Tickera Community & Recreational Association Inc. (Cr Eason); Mundoora Progress Association (Cr Lockyer); Kulpara Progress Association (Cr Beinke); and Alford Progress Association (Mayor Kerley).
Ms Wauchope thanked all candidates who participated in the 2022 Barunga West elections, congratulating all successful candidates and also thanking those who were unsuccessful.
Georgie Simmons, 88, had served on Council for 25 years and Rob Locke had been a valuable member of Council’s Assessment Panel. Former councillor Rebecca Hewett has won a position on Mount Barker District Council.