Norwood Payneham & St Peters supplementary election - Councillor for St Peters Ward

Count Summary
The scrutiny and count were conducted on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
| Enrolled electors | 3,864 |
|---|---|
| Envelopes returned | 1,057 (27.36% return rate) |
| Envelopes accepted | 1,044 |
| Envelopes rejected | 13 |
| Declaration envelopes excluded upon opening | 1 |
| Voter participation* | 26.99% of the total enrolment |
| Formal votes | 1,038 |
| Informal votes | 5 |
| Quota | 520 |
* Participation is calculated as the number of formal and informal votes counted as a percentage of the number of enrolled electors
Results
| Candidate | First preference votes | Percent | Votes at Exclusion / Election | Elected or Excluded |
| RAKSHIT, Rima | 18 | 1.73% | 18 | Excluded |
| CAVENEY, Ben | 20 | 1.93% | 30 | Excluded |
| YOUNG, Zane | 97 | 9.34% | 111 | Excluded |
| EXCELL, Rita | 327 | 31.5% | 495 | ELECTED |
| GOODE, Matthew | 203 | 19.56% | 305 | |
| CHENOWETH, Spencer | 191 | 18.4% | 227 | Excluded |
| GRAHAM, Patrick Litchfield | 158 | 15.22% | 180 | Excluded |
| KUSHNIR, Julienne | 24 | 2.31% | 25 | Excluded |
| Total | 1,038 |
Outcome of the election
After the distribution of preferences, Rita EXCELL obtained 495 votes and was declared elected under quota at 03:22pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
To view the distribution of votes refer to the scrutiny sheet.
Daily Returns
| Event | Legislation* | Date |
|
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Monday 30 June 2025 |
|
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 24 July 2025 |
|
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 |
|
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 Link to live draw https://www.youtube.com/live/5kCJcTQd2js |
|
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Friday 15 August 2025 to Thursday 21 August 2025 |
|
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 26 August 2025 to Monday 1 September 2025 |
|
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) |
5pm, Monday 15 September 2025 |
|
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) |
12 noon, Monday 22 September 2025 |
|
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) |
Tuesday 23 September 2025 |
| Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
Enrolment
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
Candidate information and regulations
Visit our Candidate section for more information about;
- Acts and Regulations
- Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
- Candidate disclosure returns
- Candidate responsibilities
- Electoral advertising
- Forms and handbooks
- Responsibilities as a member of a council.
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (link to external website)
Due to the high volume of supplementary election events scheduled for September, our candidate portal is currently unable to accommodate individual Council names. As a result, we have opted to use the generic label "September 2025 Supplementary Elections" on the portal’s landing page. Candidates wishing to nominate will select this option, after which they can proceed to nominate within their respective election.
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper was held on Thursday 7 August 2025. The result of the draw are detailed below. Disclaimer; Candidate information is accurate as of the date of publication and will remain unchanged until archived.

RAKSHIT, Rima
I am resident of Norwood , I am a mental health practitioner and social worker . I have experience working with diverse population and is involved in the community services .I want to be part of council to make changes . I am also part of the eastern advisory panel.
I do not live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: reema431 @gmail.com
I am not a member of a Political Party

CAVENEY, Ben
Hi, I’m Ben Caveney. Running for city council with these goals: Keep Our Community Safe: Prioritize security and well-being. Reduce Loneliness: Strengthen community bonds and support programs. Maintain Council Surplus: Ensure fiscal responsibility. Protect Green Spaces: Preserve our natural environments. I’m an accounting student committed to balancing social wellbeing with financial health. Vote for practical solutions that enhance safety, reduce loneliness, maintain financial stability, and protect green areas. For further information go to my website https://bencaveney.my.canva.site/
I do not live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: BenjaminCaveney @outlook.com
I am not a member of a Political Party

YOUNG, Zane
You don’t live in Norwood, and you don’t live in Payneham. St Peters deserves a bold, passionate, experienced voice. Who can genuinely stand up for this community and who is not beholden to any voting group. My priorities are: safer streets through modern streetscape design, preserving and growing our tree canopy, heritage protection with a balanced development plan, responsible financial decisions to keep rates under control, and our libraries and community facilities. You don’t have to take my word for it. As an elected member at Mitcham 2006-2010, I worked closely with other members Liberal, Labor, and independent, and proudly achieved: preservation of mature street trees and local heritage, solar panels on Council buildings, transition to a hybrid vehicle fleet, workable cat registration, more sensitive tree-trimming under power lines, and safe cycling corridors There are 12 months until the next Council election. It’s a crucial time to modernise and refresh our Council.
I live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: npsp @zaneyoung.com
I am a member of Australian Greens SA

EXCELL, Rita
As a long-term local resident of the St Peters Ward, I am passionate about service to our local community and ensuring that our voices are heard. I understand that challenges for local residents are as diverse as the finding solutions for our local streets, that are being used for all day parking and to avoid Payneham Road; through to the delivery of sustainable services for our community and protecting our local environment. As a practicing civil engineer with over 30 years’ experience in traffic, stormwater and sustainable planning, as well as being a volunteer at my local Catholic parish and Friends of the Billabong, I am asking for your support to be your voice in St Peters Ward. I have brought my family up in this area and care deeply about what you care about; smart spending, sustainability, safe streets, responsible development and thoughtful growth. Call 0404 049 760 or email rita.excell @icloud.com
I live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: rita.excell @icloud.com
I am not a member of a Political Party

GOODE, Matthew
I have been a resident of St Peters since 1976, so I know the area very well indeed. I live at the river end of Winchester Street. My son went to Hackney Kindergarten and East Adelaide Primary. I am an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at what is now Adelaide University. I work part time as a consultant at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I worked for the the South Australian Attorney-General in a senior position for over 20 years. At that time I specialised in legislation to deal with terrorism and organised crime. I volunteer at a religious tolerance programme for schools. Between 1982 and 1997 I was an elected member of the then St Peters Council. I was Mayor between 1987 and 1991. I invented the Local Government Mutual Liability insurance scheme which saved local government millions in insurance premiums. I was a director of the local government Council Purchasing Authority Pty Ltd. I was heavily involved in planning issues. Contact at mrgoode @0ptusnet.com.au
I live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: mrgoode @optusnet.com.au
I am a member of the Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch)

CHENOWETH, Spencer
I’m standing for Council because, as a proud Joslin resident who has lived here most of my life, I care deeply about our future, and I want to preserve what makes our area so special. As a Law Student working in a Community Engagement role, I bring extensive professional experience in delivering positive outcomes for residents. If elected to represent the St Peters Ward, I’ll prioritise upgrading lighting and streetscapes to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall appeal of our neighbourhood. I’ll champion the protection and restoration of our local environment and heritage. I’ll push for fair, reasonable rates that deliver real value for money. I believe that Council should be open, transparent, and people-focused with better outreach to all, especially to elderly residents and community groups who are too often left unheard. Your voice matters, and I am committed to listening and making it heard in the Town Hall.
I live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: spencerforstpeters @outlook.com
I am a member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division)

GRAHAM, Patrick Litchfield
Patrick is a fresh face, unaffiliated with any party, committed to listening to residents and representing them with fresh energy. His priorities are fiscal responsibility, addressing rate rises by increasing council revenue through sourcing grants, collaborating with business, nearby councils, and other levels of government. A lifelong local, his family has lived in the area for 40 years. He was Deputy Head Boy at Pembroke while playing for Norwood and league for Sturt. His studies in Science, Law, and Arts, gave Patrick the ability to co-found Switch Productions, his work earning significant acclaim. Producing the only Australian film to win a Silver Bear at Berlinale that also qualified for the '24 Oscars. He teaches film and acting locally. Patrick brings a much-needed new perspective focused on people and delivering positive change. If elected, he’ll ensure ratepayers are heard, promote good governance, protect heritage, and maintain the vitality and beauty of the St Peters Ward.
I live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: Patrick @switchproductions.com.au
I am not a member of a Political Party

KUSHNIR, Julienne
With a long and respected career in marketing and communications, I have always been passionate about initiatives that strengthen local economies and help them thrive. My motivation stems from a genuine commitment to supporting people and businesses in ways that create lasting, positive change. I have held senior roles in local and state government as well as the private sector. Stepping away from full-time work, I now have time and energy to focus on council responsibilities. I have been a resident of the council area for 30 years and value the heritage and character of our region, while recognising the importance of balancing this with the needs of a growing, progressive community. We are fortunate to have a vibrant business community that deserves strong support to stay relevant. Our parks reflect the lifestyle and environmental values we all share and must continue to protect. Facebook site: Julienne Kushnir for City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters or email JAKushnir @gmail.com
I do not live in St Peters Ward
Contact Details: JAKushnir @gmail.com
I am not a member of a Political Party
Adelaide Hills Council supplementary election - Councillor for Valleys Ward

Count Summary
The scrutiny and count were conducted on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
| Enrolled electors | 12,837 |
|---|---|
| Envelopes returned | 3,055 (23.80% return rate) |
| Envelopes accepted | 3,001 |
| Envelopes rejected | 54 |
| Declaration envelopes excluded upon opening | 4 |
| Voter participation* | 23.35% of the total enrolment |
| Formal votes | 2,960 |
| Informal votes | 37 |
| Quota | 987 |
* Participation is calculated as the number of formal and informal votes counted as a percentage of the number of enrolled electors
Results
| Candidate | First preference votes | Percent | Votes at Exclusion / Election | Elected or Excluded |
| ROBERTS, Scott | 305 | 10.3% | 354 | Excluded |
| GLADIGAU, Richard | 1,155 | 39.02% | 1,155 | ELECTED 1 |
| PENNO, Mell | 416 | 14.05% | 563 | Excluded |
| TRESCOWTHICK, Alex | 416 | 14.05% | 1,113 | ELECTED 2 |
| STEINBECK, Matthew | 149 | 5.03% | 166 | Excluded |
| BRAY, Martin | 519 | 17.53% | 782 | Excluded |
| Total | 2,960 |
Outcome of the election
As Richard GLADIGAU obtained 1,155 first preference votes, they were declared elected over quota first at 05:58pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
After the distribution of preferences, Alex TRESCOWTHICK obtained 1,113 votes and was declared elected over quota second at 05:58pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
To view the distribution of votes refer to the scrutiny sheet.
Daily Returns
| Event | Legislation* | Date |
|
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Monday 30 June 2025 |
|
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 24 July 2025 The Adelaide Hills Council will be holding an in-person candidate briefing session for Valleys Ward from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 24 July 2025 at Fabrik, Lobethal Woollen Mill, 1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal. |
|
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 |
|
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 Link to live draw https://www.youtube.com/live/5kCJcTQd2js |
|
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Friday 15 August 2025 to Thursday 21 August 2025 |
|
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 26 August 2025 to Monday 1 September 2025 |
|
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) |
5pm, Monday 15 September 2025 |
|
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) |
12 noon, Monday 22 September 2025 |
|
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) |
Tuesday 23 September 2025 |
| Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
Enrolment
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
Candidate information and regulations
Visit our Candidate section for more information about;
- Acts and Regulations
- Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
- Candidate disclosure returns
- Candidate responsibilities
- Electoral advertising
- Forms and handbooks
- Responsibilities as a member of a council.
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (link to external website)
Due to the high volume of supplementary election events scheduled for September, our candidate portal is currently unable to accommodate individual Council names. As a result, we have opted to use the generic label "September 2025 Supplementary Elections" on the portal’s landing page. Candidates wishing to nominate will select this option, after which they can proceed to nominate within their respective election.
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper was held on Thursday 7 August 2025. The result of the draw are detailed below. Disclaimer; Candidate information is accurate as of the date of publication and will remain unchanged until archived.

ROBERTS, Scott
As an Adelaide Hills resident, I’m deeply connected to our community and passionate about protecting what makes it special. With a background in banking and investment advising, I bring strong financial skills to tackle the Council’s growing debt and ensure ratepayer money is spent wisely. I support small businesses, champion sustainable tourism, and believe in practical, transparent decision-making. I’m running to bring accountability, fresh thinking, and a community-first approach to Council one that supports local enterprise, protects our environment, and strengthens the future of the Hills for all who live and work here.
I live in Valleys Ward
Contact Details: scott.roberts16 @icloud.com
I am not a member of a Political Party

GLADIGAU, Richard
I have lived near Mt Torrens all my life. My family settled in the Adelaide Hills in 1849 and have remained an active part of the community since. I run two dairy farms supplying local cheese factories. My long-standing history in the area has discovered my passion for the hills and its people. I have always been committed to serving the community, being former Chair of the local church and school, played sport for Mt Torrens, and a member of the local dairy discussion group. I have been involved in state and national boards, inc. Dairy Farmers Milk Co-op, SA Dairyfarmers (12 years) and Australian Dairy Farmers (6 years, 2 years as President). These roles have developed my skills in leadership, governance, advocacy and strategic planning. If elected, I will be a strong voice for community, focusing on maintaining roads and infrastructure, reducing rates, enhancing small business, tourism and primary production, preserving our heritage and ensuring our elderly are catered for.
I live in Valleys Ward
Contact Details: 0429 807 682
I am not a member of a Political Party

PENNO, Mell
I am a passionate Northern Adelaide Hills resident of 8 years. I own and operate the Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha (since July 2023). I am a proud member of the Torrens Valley Lions club, The Torrens Valley women's group and support the local food pantry and provide Gumeracha primary school lunches. I am a huge Community advocate and love speaking up and listening to Community concerns. I love communicating. I also received an award for active citizenship this year (truly honoured).
I live in Valleys Ward
Contact Details: 0407 996 070
I am not a member of a Political Party

TRESCOWTHICK, Alex
I’m nominating for Council to strengthen local industries, grow regional tourism, and help the Adelaide Hills lead in environmental excellence. I’m a vineyard owner, winemaker, and President of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region Association, with practical experience in regional leadership, sustainability, and small business. I also serve on the wine region’s Environment Sub-Committee, advocating for responsible land management and environmental stewardship. I’ve worked with Hills vineyards since 2007, owned property here since 2018, and have lived in Lenswood since 2021. I’m raising my family here and I care deeply about the future of our region and the community that supports it. My priorities include supporting local jobs, growing tourism, and strengthening community infrastructure. Having coached junior football in the Hills, I’m passionate about community connection and practical outcomes. I will listen, collaborate, and work hard to represent the diverse voices of the Adelaide Hills..
I live in Valleys Ward
Contact Details: 1658 Lobethal Rd, Lenswood SA 5240
I am not a member of a Political Party

STEINBECK, Matthew
Ratepayers deserve a candidate with extensive experience and that is passionate about improving the local area. As a currently serving Inspector of Police, if elected I will bring a wealth of experience in operational management, strategic planning and corporate governance to the council with a focus on service delivery, financial management and capacity planning. I have served on several boards and committees which gives me the skillset to ensure that whether you are a resident, local business or community organisation you will receive your fair share of the councils focus. I currently live in the ward with my wife and 3 children who all attend local schools, and I am actively involved in the community with sport and volunteering. I am excited to see the local area grow but we must ensure that the services provided are sustainable and focused. Public amenities, transport, parks and local tourism are specific areas that I intend to focus on if elected.
I live in Valleys Ward
Contact Details: steinbeck4valleys @outlook.com
I am not a member of a Political Party

BRAY, Martin
Competent basic council services should be delivered within community ability to pay. I advocate CPI rate capping, balanced budgets and debt reduction, helping deliver such a plan with other councillors at Onkaparinga where I served 12 years. I oppose: hills rezoning, and divisive identity ideology creep at a local level. I support minimal population growth, smart pocket developments within town boundaries, protection of existing residents from visual intrusions, diligent infrastructure maintenance, continual street tree improvement program, restoration of Australia Day, and cost-neutral sustainability initiatives. I’m university educated, retired successful small business owner of 30 years, published public health writer with Melbourne University Publishing and Choice Magazine and retired reviewer of cancer research grant applications. My past service includes CFS instructor and community member in Clarendon. I live in Mt Torrens. I am a volunteer manager at Steamranger.
I live in Valleys Ward
Contact Details: 0424 615 265
I am not a member of a Political Party
Adelaide Hills Council supplementary election - Councillor for Valleys Ward

| Event | Legislation* | Date |
|
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Monday 30 June 2025 |
|
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 24 July 2025 |
|
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 |
|
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 |
|
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Friday 15 August 2025 to Thursday 21 August 2025 |
|
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 26 August 2025 to Monday 1 September 2025 |
|
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) |
5pm, Monday 15 September 2025 |
|
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) |
12 noon, Monday 22 September 2025 |
|
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) |
Tuesday 23 September 2025 |
| Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
Enrolment
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
Candidate information and regulations
Visit our Candidate section for more information about;
- Acts and Regulations
- Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
- Candidate disclosure returns
- Candidate responsibilities
- Electoral advertising
- Forms and handbooks
- Responsibilities as a member of a council.
* More information for Candidates
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (linked website)
Light Regional Council supplementary election - Mayor

Count Summary
The scrutiny and count were conducted on Tuesday 29 July 2025.
| Enrolled electors | 11,931 |
|---|---|
| Envelopes returned | 3,016 (25.28% return rate) |
| Envelopes accepted | 2,960 |
| Envelopes rejected | 56 |
| Declaration envelopes excluded upon opening | 2 |
| Voter participation* | 24.79% of the total enrolment |
| Formal votes | 2,951 |
| Informal votes | 7 |
| Quota | 1,476 |
* Participation is calculated as the number of formal and informal votes counted as a percentage of the number of enrolled electors
Results
| Candidate | First preference votes | Percent | Votes at Exclusion / Election | Elected or Excluded |
| CLOSE, Bill | 1,144 | 38.77% | 1,400 | ELECTED |
| ZELLER, Simon | 252 | 8.54% | 252 | Excluded |
| PHILLIPS-RYDER, Michael Arthur | 1,012 | 34.29% | 1,271 | |
| CHAMPION, Linda | 543 | 18.4% | 578 | Excluded |
| Total | 2,951 |
Outcome of the election
After the distribution of preferences Bill CLOSE obtained 1,400 votes and was provisionally declared elected under quota, at 1:59pm on Tuesday 29 July 2025.
To view the distribution of votes refer to scrutiny sheet attached here.
Daily Returns
Timetable
| Event | Legislation* | Date |
|
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Wednesday 30 April 2025 |
|
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 29 May 2025 |
|
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 12 June 2025 |
| s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 12 June 2025 |
|
|
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Friday 20 June 2025 to Thursday 26 June 2025 |
|
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 1 July 2025 to Monday 7 July 2025 |
|
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) |
5pm, Monday 21 July 2025 |
|
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) |
12 noon, Monday 28 July 2025 |
|
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) |
Tuesday 29 July 2025 |
| Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
Enrolment
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
Candidate information and regulations
Visit our Candidate section for more information about;
- Acts and Regulations
- Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
- Candidate disclosure returns
- Candidate responsibilities
- Electoral advertising
- Forms and handbooks
- Responsibilities as a member of a council.
* More information for Candidates
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (linked website)
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper was held on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The result of the draw are detailed below.

CLOSE, Bill
Light Regional Council is my lifeblood. I grew up in and was educated in this community; my family has lived and worked here since 1847 and I have run a successful farm business here for 50 years. I became a councillor 20 years ago to serve this community; support it to grow; see businesses develop and thrive and provide best value for our ratepayers. As Mayor, I will ensure that Light Regional Council improves services, roads, transport, education and employment so that ratepayers receive the highest level of service. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science from Roseworthy and post-grad agricultural economics. I served on Rotary committees, the Trinity College Foundation and was awarded Life Membership of the Gawler Show. I listen to ratepayers, I have a strong personal and business connection to ratepayers across the council. I will represent your needs and aspirations for our community so Light Regional Council is the best place to live and work.
I live in the area
Contact Details: 1145A Hayman Road, Gawler River, SA, 5118
I am not a member of a Political Party

ZELLER, Simon
Local Government is the tier of Government closest to the people. It's where decisions are made that have a real and direct impact on our daily lives. From the maintenance of local roads we all use every day, the playgrounds and public spaces, to the management of our sewer system and household waste. From planning work for construction and growth to supporting local business operators, from free holiday entertainment for kids to celebrating Australia Day, Council does it all and much more. The rates property owners pay, that is a tax on the value of that property, is what funds it all. The main focus of the Elected Body therefor has to be, that this tax collected from our residents is used most efficiently and most effectively to achieve the greatest possible benefit for the greatest number of people. For this we need a dedicated team under good leadership, that listens to and represents the will of the people, and works in respectful and proactive collaboration with all stakeholders.
I live in the area
Contact Details: 0411 488 894
I am a member of Australian Greens SA
PHILLIPS-RYDER, Michael Arthur
I’ve served as Acting Mayor since March 2025 and was elected Deputy Mayor in November 2024. A Councillor since 2022, I live in Hewett with my four children and work in the delivery of major infrastructure projects. I hold qualifications in law, economics, and construction management. As Mayor, my priorities include maintaining a strong focus on core services particularly road upgrades and maintenance, ensuring rates are fair and tied to essential service delivery, supporting our primary producers and related businesses during this difficult drought, opposing boundary changes affecting Hewett and Gawler Belt but advocating for a regional approach to solving local problems, and I will continue to campaign to protecting prime agricultural land from overdevelopment. I am committed to sustainable affordable housing, community-led projects, and transparent and accountable government. I will continue to listen, advocate, lead and ensure Council delivers on what matters most to our community.
I live in the area
Contact Details: michael.phillipsryder @gmail.com
I was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division) until 15/10/2024
CHAMPION, Linda
I am a proud long-term resident of the region - a mother, grandmother, qualified solicitor and barrister, and an active community member with deep roots in local issues. My experience spans small business ownership, legal advocacy and political engagement, giving me the skills to listen, lead, and deliver. I am passionate about transparency, responsible spending, and ensuring local voices are heard. I care deeply about social justice and believe our council should focus on real outcomes: roads, safety, services, and support for families, businesses, and retirees. I finished raising my family here and built my life here. I understand our challenges and see the untapped potential of our district. I will work hard every day to serve our community with integrity, accessibility, and determination. With me as Mayor, you will be heard and your needs will be actioned.
I live in the area
Contact Details: lindachampionformayor @gmail.com
I am a member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division)
