Photo supplied- LGA President Angela Evans and City of Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin
Mayor Clare McLaughlin Named The
Joy Baluch Award Recipient
Mayor Clare McLaughlin was recognised for outstanding service to the local government sector in South Australia during the 2022 Local Government Association’s Annual Best Practice Showcase dinner.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin was named the 2022 recipient of the prestigious Joy Baluch Award.
LGA President Mayor Angela Evans said the Award, named after Mayor Joy Baluch AM, was presented to honour the contribution of women serving as elected members in SA and Mayor McLaughlin was a worthy recipient.
“The assessment panel was impressed by Mayor McLaughlin’s long list of achievements in representing her community through challenging periods,” Mayor Evans said.
“As well as supporting her community through recent uncertainty surrounding the Whyalla steelworks and the impacts of COVID-19, Mayor McLaughlin has been instrumental in many projects to move Whyalla forward, including the Foreshore Masterplan, redevelopment of the airport and plans for a National Green Hydrogen Hub.
“The Joy Baluch award is unique in that it recognises an Elected Member who has not only made a significant contribution in her own right but has also actively encouraged and supported other women to get involved in the sector.”
Mayor McLaughlin said it was an honour to be nominated and receive the Award.
“I feel very grateful to accept this award. I’d like to pay tribute to the other finalists and make special mention of the Elected Members who chose to nominate me. I thank them and the Whyalla community for their support over the last three-and-a-half years.” Said Mayor McLaughlin.
“I’d also like to acknowledge my fellow Mayors as part of the EPLGA and the Upper Spencer Gulf Group, who have been nothing but supportive in my Local Government journey.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the great work of council representing the City of Whyalla and working with the State and Federal Government as we move forward with some exciting projects for our city.”