The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) has announced the winner of the 2024 Joy Baluch Award, recognising outstanding community leadership and efforts to get more women involved in local decision-making.
Barunga West Council CEO, Maree Wauchope, has received the award, which honours the late former Port Augusta Mayor, Joy Baluch, and 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, Ms 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.
LGASA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross, said that Ms Wauchope had been a driving force for positive change within the Barunga West community and was a worthy winner of the 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.”
Ms Wauchope said that 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,” Ms 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.”
