Why I'm Running for Councillor
You may not have asked, but I'll tell you anyway
You can read my recent Ground Control post for an overview of who is running for Councillor vacancies across the Adelaide Hills in the upcoming supplementary election.
For me, this isn’t a career move or a political stepping stone. The honest truth is, I never pictured myself doing this. But like many, I think there’s room for improvement — especially on the things that really matter to the community.
Rates are up, roads and footpaths need attention, and the region faces serious traffic and parking issues — especially Hahndorf.
The core services offered to the community seems to be shrinking,
yet we’re paying more in rates than ever before.
Rather than stay on the sidelines, I decided it was time to step up and try to make a difference.
I’m a small business operator of 25 years, currently based on Hahndorf’s main street. If elected, I’ll bring the same approach I use in business and life — questioning assumptions, thinking practically and ethically, applying good management, offering straight answers, and serving the community with a strong voice for our townships.
Hahndorf has been my home for over 20 years. I’ve raised a family here, run a business, and been an active contributor through the Hahndorf Community Association and other local groups.
I’ve spoken up when things haven’t made sense — and I’ll continue to do so in council.
If elected, I will:
Challenge unnecessary spending to keep rates down.
Focus on essentials: roads, rubbish, and core services.
Focus on traffic and parking solutions in Hahndorf and across Mount Barker.
Push for infrastructure improvements across the entire ward and district.
Apply practical, solutions-focused thinking to issues facing the community.
Listen, engage, and strongly advocate for what matters most to residents and ratepayers.
Restore transparency and common sense in decision-making.
Push for wider and genuine consultation on issues that impact the community.
Preserve the unique & valuable character of our townships
— particularly historic Hahndorf.
I’ll fight to ensure the South Ward voice is heard clearly in the chamber.
It’s time to return to fundamentals — the traditional council activities we value the most. That’s what I stand for — and that’s the kind of Councillor I intend to be for you and our community.
If you want genuine local representation, I’d appreciate your support.
If you live in South Ward — or know someone who does — please ask that they
Phone: 0466 477 351 | Email: darren.kelly@angard.au
🌐 Stay connected — follow my Facebook page
Campaign Materials
The following materials are available for download as PDFs below.
DL Flyer - as pictured above
A3, A4 Poster - as pictured above
FAQ
Q: Some have asked: Why stand for Mount Barker Council instead of Adelaide Hills Council?
A: The answer is twofold:
My home sits within both council areas, so I could technically stand for either. But given my long association with Hahndorf — for both home and business — Mount Barker Council was the obvious choice. After 22 years here, I want to see the township’s heritage preserved and long standing issues resolved, and the best way to do that is to have a seat at the table. South Ward is made up of townships that are distinctly different from the growing metropolis of Mount Barker itself. The ward needs strong representation to ensure it’s not overlooked.
There are other strong candidates standing for the vacancies in the Adelaide Hills Council wards, and I didn’t want to get in their way. For those in the Adelaide Hills Council area, you can see my specific candidate endorsements in this post.
All the best with that Darren. Im in Qld