Early this morning Moira Were, the Mayor of the South Australia City of Onkaparinga posted the compelling article “Local leadership is Critical Infrastructure for Democracy.” In her article, Moira, who is a decorated community leader, social worker and former Ministerial Chief of Staff details what she believes is required today for effective political leadership at a local community level. These reflections were stimulated after reading Better Politics Index 2025 produced by the Berlin-based Better Politics Foundation. The report, which ranks Australia second globally for the systems and structures that support political leadership development, draws attention to the growing gap between trust in democratic systems and trust in politicians themselves.
Moira, considers this through her experience as a leader as well as someone who has been active in community engagement. The notion of leadership as craft – an observation that is made in the report – resonates strongly.
“Leadership isn’t something people simply arrive with on election day. It is developed through listening, collaboration, community engagement, navigating complexity, and creating opportunities for others to contribute.”
Her observation that you can’t know everything is helpful. It’s through conversations, discussion and involvement that you learn and bring forward the leadership that exists within our communities
“When communities are empowered to participate, they become partners in solving problems.”
When we do this effectively, when we invest in the ecosystem of organisations, institutions and civic networks that are cultivating and supporting the development and expression of leadership within our community, we are building the trust, capacity and leadership – critical infrastructure for a healthy, engaged and resilient community.
“Trust is built when people see themselves reflected in decision-making. It is strengthened when leaders are accessible, transparent and genuinely engaged with their communities. And it grows when citizens feel their voices matter.”
Moira’s article is well timed as we head into our own local general election. Will the people we collectively select, foster and demonstrate the kind of leadership that makes our community better and more resilient in the face of change? Only time will tell.