Council Member Profile

Quarterly Column

November 2025

As my third year as an elected member comes to a close, I can reflect on the last three years. When I nominated, I had little understanding as a brand-new elected member the amount of time that is required to truly be a dedicated member.

Often there is the misconception that council members attend one or two meetings a month. But, this is just the surface of what elected members are involved in. Often there are briefings and training sessions each month, it is not unusual that council members meet once a week. Briefings, trainings and meetings always involve reading, digesting and more commonly researching to truly understand the subject matter involved, and how matters discussed can affect internal and external stakeholders. If you can’t get hold of one of your elected members on a Sunday, it is likely because they are deep into a report that at times are hundreds of pages long and they are refreshing their knowledge for the meeting the next day.

At this point, I want to thank the council staff that put together these reports. While they are long, they are comprehensive, and often there are no questions, as they provide most of what we need to know.

Often there are battles of the heart and of the mind in each councillor when considering matters that may provide a service for ratepayers, but ultimately means spending council money. Considerable time can be spent by councillors taking matters to public consultation, speaking to residents, then weighing up the benefits and downsides. You will often see your council members at community events, celebrating wins with the community, and even celebrating community.

One thing that simultaneously has surprised me, is the length of time that it can take to get some things done. However, after three years I have an appreciation of why. I understand that there is often frustration with how long things can take from concept to consultation to completion. Often referred to as “red tape”, it can be annoying. However, the purpose it serves is to ensure community is involved in the decisions, the best decisions are made to benefit ratepayers, and it is something to be proud of is a delicate balance. One that we as elected members take seriously and naturally is wanting full access to all the information available. Unfortunately, this takes time, but it means we make the best decision we can, with input from you, and well researched and compiled reports.

Sometimes, we have the absolute pleasure to see the finished product, for example the Civic Park Playground. When I nominated for council, one of my main reasons was to encourage and support more free activities and reasons to stay and live in Whyalla for young families and children. Seeing the opening of the Civic Park Playground was a moment of success and achievement for the community.

Keep looking forward, there are great things ahead.

Previous columns:

August 2025

I was born in Whyalla, educated in Whyalla and live and work in Whyalla.

My parents are both well-known members of the Whyalla community, with my mum Phyllis Campbell teaching special needs children at kindergarten, and my father Bill Campbell first working at OneSteel as an electrician, then moving to TAFE as an electrical lecturer.

I completed all my schooling in Whyalla and on completing school, followed my father and older brother into an electrical trade at OneSteel. I later left OneSteel to pursue a government position, which required me to leave Whyalla for a short few years to study and live in Adelaide and Port Augusta, returning to Whyalla permanently in 2004.

I have remained living here since that time, purchasing a family home and raising my five boys, the oldest who now lives in Adelaide.

I chose to move back to Whyalla with my children because I enjoyed my childhood here and wanted my children to have the benefit of the facilities and activities that blend into a country lifestyle. I believed, and still do, that Whyalla has the perfect blend of opportunities and country-style living that I enjoyed as a child and wished for my boys also.

My interest in council began around 2015 when, as a parent, issues raised directly affected me as a resident and parent. I began attending meetings, speaking to council members and members of state parliament about this. As a result of this contact, I was encouraged to express my concerns and continued to liaise with council members and state members on this particular issue. Although the outcome was not one I desired, it generated an interest in me that there was a place for the voices of single parents and low earners within the council.

Nominating for a position in the Whyalla City Council as an Elected Member and being successfully elected was a humbling experience and has continued to be. There was a lot to learn and, with the support of members of the public, experienced elected members and the executive team, I quickly adjusted and continue to learn.

As a result of living all of my childhood and the majority of my adult life in Whyalla, I have personally seen and felt the impact of a cycle of struggles that Whyalla has faced. The struggles are often directly attached to the health of the steelworks. I have also seen the resilience, determination and fight that Whyalla residents possess rise to the surface each time, refusing to give up. I am proud to be part of such a spirited and determined community.

I am always available to discuss any matters with residents by phone and email and have been able to quietly assist many in this way, either by explaining decisions, explaining options, or taking the views of residents to the meetings. As an elected member, I believe that I am here to represent your views and look forward to talking to more of you as my term continues.

March 2025

I was born in Whyalla, educated in Whyalla and live and work in Whyalla.

My parents are both well-known members of the Whyalla community, with my mum Phyllis Cambell teaching special needs children at kindergarten, and my father Bill Campbell first working at OneSteel as an electrician, then moving to TAFE as an electrical lecturer.

I completed all my schooling in Whyalla and on completing school, followed my father and older brother into an electrical trade at OneSteel. I later left OneSteel to pursue a government position, which required me to leave Whyalla for a short few years to study and live in Adelaide and Port Augusta, returning to Whyalla permanently in 2004.

I have remained living here since that time, purchasing a family home and raising my five boys, the oldest who now lives in Adelaide.

I chose to move back to Whyalla with my children because I enjoyed my childhood here and wanted my children to have the benefit of the facilities and activities that blend into a country lifestyle. I believed, and still do, that Whyalla has the perfect blend of opportunities and country-style living that I enjoyed as a child and wished for my boys also.

My interest in council began around 2015 when, as a parent, issues raised directly affected me as a resident and parent. I began attending meetings, speaking to council members and members of state parliament about this. As a result of this contact, I was encouraged to express my concerns and continued to liaise with council members and state members on this particular issue. Although the outcome was not one I desired, it generated an interest in me that there was a place for the voices of single parents and low earners within the council.

Nominating for a position in the Whyalla City Council as an Elected Member and being successfully elected was a humbling experience and has continued to be. There was a lot to learn and, with the support of members of the public, experienced elected members and the executive team, I quickly adjusted and continue to learn.

As a result of living all of my childhood and the majority of my adult life in Whyalla, I have personally seen and felt the impact of a cycle of struggles that Whyalla has faced. The struggles are often directly attached to the health of the steelworks. I have also seen the resilience, determination and fight that Whyalla residents possess rise to the surface each time, refusing to give up. I am proud to be part of such a spirited and determined community.

I am always available to discuss any matters with residents by phone and email and have been able to quietly assist many in this way, either by explaining decisions, explaining options, or taking the views of residents to the meetings. As an elected member, I believe that I am here to represent your views and look forward to talking to more of you as my term continues.