GILLIAN ALDRIDGE: AN INCLUSIVE MAYOR FOR SALISBURY

The City of Salisbury has become one of the most diverse in the state when it comes to multiculturalism with almost 43,000 residents born overseas living in the district in 2016.

Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM has been working tirelessly over the past three decades to make sure Salisbury is the most accepting, welcoming and loving city in South Australia.

It has been her goal to make Salisbury the number one choice for new arrivals since she was elected to Salisbury Council in 1988 – and she has not stopped working towards that.

Ms Aldridge’s involvement in multicultural Salisbury is long and proud. She has been an advocate for the construction of new cultural centres, religious structures and community buildings across the city for a number of years.

Among these projects was the Shri Swaminarayan Temple at Greenfields, which has become a popular location for a place of worship among new migrants in the area.

“The Swaminarayan temple at Greenfields is absolutely beautiful and I am so incredibly proud that is has been built in the City of Salisbury,” Ms Aldridge said.

“It has always been important to me that Salisbury is a place where people of all ethnicities, cultures, religions and backgrounds can feel welcome, accepted and loved, and know that they can be themselves in all aspects.

“When I saw the application to develop this stunning temple, I was excited to work with Council’s expert planning team to help get it over the line. And I was even more excited and honoured to be able to lay one of the first bricks at the site when it was approved.

“Since then, the temple has become a meeting place for so many of our residents who attend cultural and religious events, participant in charity work, and enjoy rituals and ceremonies inside this beautiful piece of architecture.”

And it does not stop there.

Ms Aldridge has also been a proud advocate of cultural festivals in her city, including the Multicultural Food Festival in the heart of Salisbury, which showcases a variety of traditional foods, arts, entertainment and culture from ethnic groups across the world.

The Matsuri on Mobara Festival at Mawson Lakes is also among her favourite events, putting on display the Japanese culture. Ms Aldridge is also a major sponsor of this year’s Mawson Lakes Festival of Lights, which is a colourful and entertaining display of Bollywood and contemporary Indian dances and traditions.

She has also welcomed thousands of new citizens to the City of Salisbury over the past 10 years by officiating Citizenship Ceremonies at the Council Chambers on James St, Salisbury, and attends an array of events hosted by cultural groups in her city.

“I want these people to know that I am truly passionate about their cultures and that I want to see them thrive and flourish in our city – now and into the future,” Ms Aldridge said.

“This is my home and this is their home. A home should feel welcome, inclusive, accepting and full of happiness. That is exactly how I want Salisbury to feel for all people.”

And a casual stroll down John St, Commercial Rd or any other major retail strip in the City of Salisbury will transport you to all corners of the world. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops and businesses that are owned by people from all kinds of backgrounds.

Supporting new businesses and helping new arrivals from different countries to start their own business in the city is something Ms Aldridge is very passionate about.

“I want to make sure everyone in my city gets a fair chance,” she said.

• Mayor Gillian Aldridge is running for re-election at the Salisbury Council Elections in November. If you would like to get in touch, email gillianaldridge46@gmail.com

LIST OF SUBURBS & POSTCODES IN SALISBURY

Bolivar 5110
Brahma Lodge 5109
Burton 5110
Cavan 5094
Direk 5110
Dry Creek 5094
Edinburgh 5111
Elizabeth Vale 5112
Globe Derby Park 5110
Green Fields 5107
Gulfview Heights 5096
Ingle Farm 5098
Mawson Lakes 5095
Para Hills 5096
Para Hills West 5096
Para Vista 5093
Parafield 5106
Parafield Gardens 5107
Paralowie 5108
Pooraka 5095
Salisbury 5108
Salisbury Downs 5108
Salisbury East 5109
Salisbury Heights 5109
Salisbury North 5108
Salisbury Park 5109
Salisbury Plain 5109
Salisbury South 5106
St Kilda 5110
Valley View 5093
Walkley Heights 5098
Waterloo Corner 5110