Council Member Profile

Quarterly Column

May 2026

It is that time of year again when the weather is getting colder and I start complaining it is too cold. But on the bright side, it also means one thing… cuttlefish season is almost here, and that’s something I look forward to every year.

The Australian Giant Cuttlefish have always had me in awe with their beautiful ever-changing colours and patterns. What even is more remarkable to me is that this mass breeding event only happens right here, in our region. It is something truly unique to our coastline and draws attention from marine lovers and visitors far and wide. It’s one of those things that reminds me how lucky we are to live where we do.

I unfortunately have not had the chance to see these amazing creatures up close, but it is definitely on my wishlist. From what I have heard, it is an unforgettable experience.

It is why every year Council delivers a free event known as Salty ‘Sea’esta. This event is a family-friendly event, and it celebrates these fascinating animals and the beautiful coastline they call home. It is not just about the entertainment, it is about raising awareness, appreciating our local environment, and bringing the community together. With live entertainment, performers, market stalls, delicious food and drinks, a kids’ zone, and so much more, it is a fantastic way to celebrate something truly special right on our doorstep.

It is a nice reminder that even though I complain about the cold, this time of year brings something pretty special with it.

Previous columns:

November 2025

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the recent official opening of the Civic Park Playground. The upgrade to the playground and area has been a long-waited initiative - one that I am very proud of.

The new playground looks amazing! It is inclusive for everyone with accessible play equipment, and educational and sensory elements for all ages and abilities. It is also close to the shopping centre and food outlets, which makes it a convenient and enjoyable spot for families to visit and enjoy.

While I was sad to see some of the trees removed, I also understand why it was necessary. The area has opened up, letting in much more natural light and revealing a clearer view of the space, including the beautiful green grass. This will also give the remaining trees a thriving boost to grow even stronger and look more beautiful.

I have heard that some people are sad and angry about the removal of some of the playgrounds. I am too, but again, I understand why. It is about the safety of the children. Old equipment can break at any time and can cause harm, and council must follow safety regulations to ensure playgrounds meet certain standards.

Growing up, I was never able to physically play on the playgrounds, but I just turned that into a positive and found ways to keep me entertained with friends and family. Even though some playgrounds have been removed, the open spaces remain, so with a little creativity and imagination, children can still come up with many different ways to play and stay entertained for hours.

August 2025

This year is a big one for both me and the Council.

Personally, my sister Cyanne, Tamy Pond, and I are currently organising an event for International Day of People with Disabilities this year in December. We’re passionate about making this day special and meaningful, and we’re planning a fun-filled day with a variety of activities that everyone in the community can enjoy. It will be a day to celebrate diversity, promote awareness, and bring people together in a spirit of unity and inclusion.

I’m also excited to see the Council making progress on several long-awaited major projects. These include the airport runway being completed in record time—under budget and ahead of schedule, which is a fantastic achievement. In the coming weeks, the Civic Park playground will undergo a major upgrade, along with improvements to the Mitchell Quinn Playground, and later in the year, the new splash play plaza.

I’m especially looking forward to the upgrade of the Civic Park playground. For as long as I can remember, the playground has always been the same. The new design will feature inclusive and accessible play equipment, with educational and sensory elements for all ages and abilities. I also can’t wait to see the in-ground trampoline in action—and I might even give the inclusive roundabout a go to see just how dizzy I can get! It’s going to be a great space for everyone in the community to enjoy.

March 2025

For as long as I can remember, I have been an advocate for people with disabilities. I may not be the best at roundtable discussions, but give me something constructive to do, and I’ll be happy to do it!

Since 2016, I have been a founding member of the Whyalla Disability Inclusive Reference Group. Over the years, we have undergone several name changes, but our goal has always been the same: advocating for people with disabilities.

Living with a disability myself, I often find that accessibility is not always at the forefront of people’s minds. However, for those of us with disabilities, every step outside the house can be a challenge. This is why I advocate — to help improve lives.

Whyalla’s accessibility has improved over the years with initiatives like Changing Places, beach mats at the foreshore, and accessible toilets with hoists at Bennett Oval and the airport.

I am always approachable and welcome feedback on accessibility issues that affect you or any ideas you may have. I also find that reporting issues through the MLS app can be very helpful!

I am also super excited about the recent announcements of government funding for the splash play and foreshore building. This is what the community has been waiting for ever so patiently—I know I have been! Like many of Whyalla’s old buildings, they aren’t up to today’s DDA standards. However, with this new initiative, it will be accessible to all ages.