Moira Were AM
Candidate for
Mayor
City of Onkaparinga
What have I done as Mayor
As Mayor you do nothing on your own - it is a team effort. I am grateful to the Councillors, volunteers, staff and community leaders who serve and make Onkaparinga a place where we can all say: we love where we live.
Renewed our cultural heart
Along with hundreds of others, I championed the refurbishment of Hopgood Theatre — and on reopening night, had the honour of presenting the Keys of the City to the Hon Don Hopgood, the man whose name it bears. I have had the incredible privilege of welcoming new citizens in Citizenship Ceremonies in this iconic location.
Delivered a top notch aquatic facility
I kept a close watch on the $15 million renewal of Noarlunga Aquatic Centre, ensuring it stays on track to open before summer 2026 — ready for our community to use and enjoy. As Mayor you only get to vote when the vote is tied, and I used my deciding vote to support a splash pad to be added to the site and construction on that will start in 2027.
Fought for Federal Funding
I led the motion at the Local Government National General Assembly, calling for an increase in Federal Assistance Grants — money that flows directly to councils and the communities they serve. This was part of a national campaign and I was proud to add my voice.
Built a 10 Year plan with community
I championed genuine community involvement in developing our 10-year Community Plan, setting ambitious new targets across community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and affordability. This is now delivering results for our people and places, assets and bringing innovation to our long-term financial management.
Advanced reconciliation in a meaningful way
I initiated the Mayor's Reconciliation Recognition Awards, creating a dedicated civic moment to acknowledge and celebrate the First Nations knowledge, culture, and leadership in our community.
Celebrated the simple things that bind us together
I brought back the Mayor's Gardening Competition — because pride in where we live starts at home, and small things matter. I love being a part of our children's library times and supporting reading with the Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge. Now we are part of a national program joining eager readers all over the country.
Kept essential services in public hands
I championed keeping our Community Wastewater Management System (CWMS) in public ownership, protecting ratepayers from privatisation and ensuring long-term community control. I continued to advocate to State Government for a fair water deal for our residents.
Showed up in good times and hard times
I helped plant trees, attended hundreds of community events, hosted civic celebrations for volunteers, young leaders, business leaders, and coastal champions. I celebrated milestones like the 50 years of City of Onkaparinga Pipe Band, Southern Singers, South Port Primary Schools, 150th birthday of South Adelaide Football Club. And I grieved with our community when we lost leaders like Helen Oxenham OAM and faced the dreadful marine mortality event that was the algal bloom.
Brought the world to our backyard
I helped attract a world-class business innovation and investment festival to the McLaren Vale region, putting Onkaparinga on the map as a destination for ideas and enterprise. South Start will be coming to us again for the fourth year in a row, bringing investors and entrepreneurs together.
Answered the call - thousands of times
I have responded personally to thousands of phone calls, emails, and chats in parks and playgrounds, about roads, trees, sporting facilities, and community services. Accessible, responsive leadership is not a promise I make — it is what I do.
I have made mistakes - and learnt
I haven't got everything right. I have reflected, sought advice from others that might know better, done course correction and owned my mistakes - blaming and shaming others serves no one. I am worried about online toxic behaviour and grievance politics that is all about complaining and not offering to be part of the solution.
I have done my best
While my best may not meet everyone's expectations, I have given the role and responsiblity of being Mayor my very best. I intend to keep the momentum going to continue to show up, speak up and stand up for our community.
