New face joins Glenelg Shire Council

Published on 02 June 2026

A new face has joined the ranks at the Glenelg Shire Council.

Mary Picard was officially sworn in as a Councillor of Glenelg Shire Council at a Councillor oath event held this afternoon.

Cr Picard fills the extraordinary vacancy created by the resignation of Mike Noske in April this year. The position was determined through a VEC countback conducted on Monday, 1 June, with Cr Picard declared elected based on votes from the 2024 general election.

Mayor Cr Karen Stephens welcomed Cr Picard to Council, acknowledging her strong ties to the community.

“Cr Picard brings a deep understanding of our community, along with a strong commitment to gender equality, social inclusion and sustainability,” Cr Stephens said.

“Her experience and passion will be a valuable addition to Council, and I look forward to working with Mary over the coming months.”

Cr Picard thanked the Councillors and Executive Team for her warm welcome to Council.

“How pleased I am to step up and serve the community in this way,” she said.

“In turn, thank you to the community for placing their trust in me and putting me in this position of leadership. I hope to do my best to serve the community well.”

Cr Picard holds a PhD in International Law and is a co-founder of a humanitarian and community development consultancy. Her work focuses on gender equality in disasters and climate change, risk reduction, and sustainable development.

She is also actively involved in the community, volunteering with local organisations including SEA Environmental Alliance and Red Cross.