Light Regional Council supplementary election - Mayor

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.

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)

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.

Election of Mayor Ballot Draw

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)