Regional CEO named female local government leader for 2024

The Joy Baluch Award, which honours the late former Port Augusta Mayor, acknowledges senior female leaders working in South Australian councils who demonstrate leadership and innovation, and support the role of women in local government.

As the council’s first female CEO, Mrs Wauchope has overseen transformative projects including the completion of the $22 million infrastructure works at Fisherman Bay, as well as a $1.5 million redevelopment of Civic Square in Port Broughton.

She has also been a tireless advocate for the inclusion of more women in local government and community leadership roles, with her tenure as CEO coinciding with a shift in the makeup of her council’s workforce and elected body.

LGA South Australia President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said Mrs Wauchope had been a driving force for positive change within the Barunga West community and was a worthy winner of this year’s Joy Baluch Award.

“In her four years as CEO at Barunga West Council, Maree already has a long list of achievements to be proud of that have delivered real outcomes for her region,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.

“Importantly, she has been a champion for women in local government, leading initiatives which have fostered more female involvement and representation within her own council, but also in her community.

“Councils function best when diverse views are considered and it’s critical we encourage more women to lend their voices to the conversation and create a space where they feel supported to get involved with local government.

“I congratulate Maree for her ongoing leadership and vision at Barunga West Council and for being our 2024 Joy Baluch Award recipient.”

^{Barunga West Council CEO Maree Wauchope accepting the 2024 Joy Baluch Award from LGA South Australia's Immediate Past President, Mayor Dean Johnson.}

Mrs Wauchope said she was honoured to receive the Award and reflected on the importance of getting more women involved with local government.

“As a council, we’ve seen a positive shift in how women in our region are engaging and helping shape decision-making that determines our community’s future,” Mrs Wauchope said.

“Whether it’s through participating in local projects, involvement in volunteer groups, or seeking positions on council, more and more women in the Barunga West area are getting active and having their say, which is so pleasing to see.

“We want women in our community to feel supported and heard, and I’m proud to have played a part and seen our council leading the way and creating an environment where this can occur.”

About Joy Baluch

As the Mayor of Port Augusta for 29 years, held over three separate terms, Joy (Nancy) Baluch AM was a fearless and feisty advocate for the city that she loved.

She was a passionate supporter of her community and of regional Australia – constantly reminding governments there was life on the other side of Gepps Cross.

Also serving a term as LGA President, Joy was a strong defender of local government and councils’ role in making a difference to their communities.

She was an advocate for solar power, clean air, women's rights and education.

Joy led Port Augusta City Council with influence, vision and tenacity before her passing in 2013 after a long battle with cancer.

See the list of past Joy Baluch Award winners: www.lga.sa.gov.au/joy-baluch