Port Lincoln Mayor wins prestigious 2026 Joy Baluch Award
The announcement, made in recognition of International Women’s Day, highlights Mayor Mislov’s contribution to strengthening women’s leadership and representation in local government across South Australia.
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.
After being elected as Mayor in 2022, Mayor Mislov has delivered significant outcomes for Port Lincoln and the wider Eyre Peninsula, driving economic growth, strengthening community resilience and championing inclusive local leadership.
A standout achievement has been the revival of the iconic Tunarama Festival, which attracted more than 20,000 attendees and generated an estimated $12 million economic boost for the region.
Mayor Mislov has also secured nearly $1 million in funding to support electrification and solar upgrades at the Port Lincoln Leisure Centre, delivering long-term cost savings and reducing emissions.
She has played a key role in shaping the future of her community through the development of the city’s first Youth Action Plan, ensuring young people have a strong voice in decision-making. At the same time, she has actively advocated for solutions to critical regional challenges, including housing, childcare and environmental issues such as algal bloom impacts.
A passionate advocate for inclusion and opportunity, she has also inspired and supported women in leadership through mentoring, public speaking and championing women’s achievements across her community– including most recently at the Civil Contractors Federation, “Women in Civil” regional conference.
City of Port Lincoln Mayor Diana Mislov said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Joy Baluch Award for Local Government.
“The contribution of women in local government continues to inspire stronger and more connected communities. I’m also grateful to the many people - women and men alike - whose encouragement and example have helped shape my leadership journey in public service.”
LGA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said having strong female leaders like Mayor Mislov was important for success of local government.
“Mayor Mislov has shown leadership, dedication to her community and a commitment to local government, she is a very worthy recipient of the 2026 Joy Baluch Award,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
“It is evident that regardless of the size or scale of City of Port Lincon’s policies or projects, Mayor Mislov has taken an inclusive approach and emphasises the importance of listening to and engaging with community voices.
“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.”
Mayor Diana Mislov joins award finalists Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson, who was recognised for her outstanding leadership and advocacy work in leading a delegation to Canberra to discuss the harmful algal bloom event, along with Ms Heather Schenkel for her strategic policy work as Director of Corporate Services at Kingston District Council.
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