With nominations to stand for local councils now open, LGA is encouraging a diverse range of people to register, particularly women and those from First Nations and non-English speaking backgrounds to better reflect South Australian society.

Michelle Campbell, who served as a councillor for Berri Barmera Council from 2010 to 2014, said her experience in the role was extremely rewarding and exposed her to endless opportunities.

“I have to say this was the most enjoyable chapter of my life,” she said.

When Campbell decided to run for council, she was a stay-at-home mum to two young boys.

While she had worked with the state government and on issues relating to the Murray-Darling Basin in the past, it was her experience in motherhood and thinking of her children’s future that drew her to the role.

“Being a mum and walking around the streets of Berri quite a lot with the pusher, there were a number of issues that would come to mind,” she said.

“The footpaths were in a really bad state in the townships. There were very few and they were really bumpy, so that really bothered me.

“Another big thing that had my attention was a waste dump being proposed at the time that I wasn’t comfortable with.

“I thought ‘well there’s no point complaining, I’ll see what I can do about it’.”

Setting a budget with her husband for $300, Campbell began campaigning. She went to the local printer and had them print and fold brochures that she had created herself, then set out on distributing them.

“Campaigning was so easy and really fun,” she said.

“I got on my bike and delivered brochures to every single letter box that I could put one in which was reasonably quick.

“I then went and spent a day at each of the post offices in the region where I talked to people as they came to get their mail and I handed them a brochure.

“When you give time to stand around and talk to the community, you meet lots of interesting people and talk about things from a range of perspectives.”

Campbell said showing initiative and good character is key to campaigning, and to the role itself.

“In the regions, the community will usually support people who put their hand up to be a leader,” she said.

“The main thing is just to show that you’re serious and you want to give it your all.

“It’s also important to understand your community. I talked about the things that bothered me but I wanted to know what mattered to them too.”

Campbell said securing the position as councillor completely changed the way she viewed her town and she gained significant learnings from the role.

“You know everything about what’s happening around you with every step you take down the road from your local jurisdiction,” she said.

During her time as councillor, Campbell built meaningful relationships and had proud achievements such as establishing a wetland committee that she chaired.

“There are so many opportunities that come with the role; they’re endless,” she said.

“The people you meet, the events you go to, the networks you’re exposed to – it’s as big and as wide as the amount of time you’re willing to put into it.”

She said critical innovation will come with having more younger people and a range of ethnicities on councils.

“There’s a very singular line of thinking when you get all the same people in a room,” she said.

“Imagine how exciting, adventurous and innovative it would be with more diversity.

“It would be amazing to have younger, more diverse people who were willing to do more than the status quo.

“I’m so excited even thinking about it and all the cool stuff that would happen.”

President of Australian Local Government Women’s Association SA (ALGWA SA), Cr Julie Woodman, said she hopes to see more women, in particular, run for council.

“Despite the fact that women make up more than half of the population, after the 2018 elections only 35 per cent of South Australian councillors were women,” Woodman said.

“We know that when more women stand up, more women are elected.”

LGA Chief Executive Officer Clinton Jury said candidates should reflect the community they serve, and come from a range of backgrounds, cultures and professions.

“The greater the diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that our councillors have, the richer council discussions and decision-making becomes, and the better the outcomes for communities,” he said.

There are no qualifications needed for the role and elected councillors receive training, inductions and workshops to build their skills and understanding of council.

Candidates must be 18 or over, Australian citizens and eligible to vote in the elections.

Nominations to stand as a candidate close midday, Thursday 6 September. To find out more visit www.councilelections.sa.gov.au