While it is not compulsory to vote in local government elections, a high number of Barunga West residents responded to encouragement from Council CEO Maree Wauchope, who urged ratepayers to have a say on their local decision-makers.

“The participation by Barunga West Council citizens was brilliant considering on average only a third of the state voted in the 2022 council elections, whereas our council area recorded a participation rate of 51.31 per cent,” Ms Wauchope said.

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 Kim Gregory, Cynthia Axford, Peter Button, Brian Lockyer, Dave Eason, Leonie Kerley, Kevin Beinke, Margaret McDonald and Grant Rowlands.

Mr Button polled the highest number of first preference votes (265).

Barunga West is one of the few remaining councils that is still eligible to elect a mayor and deputy mayor from among the elected body. Councillors will conduct this vote at their first meeting scheduled for 6pm on 22 November 2022.

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, 83, 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.

“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.”