Gretel Wilkes

I became an elected member because I thought I’d be a fantastic go-between for residents, council projects, all requests, and council staff. Thankfully, I have found my empathetic, open, and caring personality is well-suited to the role. I bring compassion, commitment, quick wit, and a level-headed approach that has already produced several results for the Mid Coast Ward. I understand problems can’t be fixed overnight, but if we build relationships and have respectful and honest discussion, problems can be resolved. If you have community-based problems, questions, or issues, I encourage you to make contact and see if I can help!

The key priorities I’d like to achieve as councillor is driven by my constituents’ requests. I have no personal agenda apart from listening and responding to my community. I strive to listen to every voice, not just the loudest, and I enjoy being approached to help. I’m a respectful, hardworking, compassionate individual who isn’t scared to action concerns and implementing change to help our community thrive. So far, I’ve noticed the community is calling for functional, vibrant neighbourhoods, and I aim to use my empathetic and logical mannerisms to make this happen. In short, my priority is to be approachable for the public. I don’t have a personal agenda of projects, but my aspiration in this role is to be a responsive, open-minded, and strong advocate for my community.

My passion is spending time with my family and friends that live in and around the beautiful City of Onkaparinga. I love going to the beach, swimming, running, and exploring our beautiful array of local shops and precincts. I have an amazing partner and three children, who I believe keep this role relevant. My close circle consists of all ages, and I truly love spending time chatting and mingling with anyone and everyone! I’m a realist that knows I can’t change the world, but I am a hard worker who will never stop asking questions. I feel blessed to live in this beautiful part of the planet and acknowledge the responsibility that local councillors have to the community, culture, and people. The connection to the region is one that has developed from my early teens, and I am passionate about leaving this region in a healthy state for our children’s, children.

Everything—there’s no problem too big or small, and if it’s not a local government issue, I’m more than happy to point residents in the right direction! I know I wouldn’t be here without the locals’ support, and my platform coming into Council, which certainly hasn’t changed, is that I’ll help wherever I can. I often post on my social pages monthly Council meeting updates, community events, council incentives, motions passed, and about local restaurants, cafes, and hangouts. Please feel free to follow along on my Facebook page and Instagram, or contact me via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you.