Sloane ready for new challenge

Tanunda’s Bob Sloane thought he’d be spending his first day of the 2014 Local Government election trail campaigning; instead he is taking messages of congratulations after being elected unopposed as Barossa’s mayor.

But Mr Sloane said it is an honour he’s not taking lightly and will work hard to fill the shoes of retiring Mayor, Mr Brian Hurn.

Currently in his first term with Council, Mr Sloane was elected deputy mayor last year – a role he said has put him in good stead to take on the top spot.

“It has been a good learning experience and I have enjoyed working with the community,” said Mr Sloane.

“Prior to being elected in 2010, I had always looked at Council from the outside and asked why are they doing this and why is this happening.

“But from the inside you look and it is very structured and there’s a very good team. We work well together… there’s no politics in the council chamber and everyone respects each other.”

Mr Sloane will wind back his commitments as a marriage celebrant to take on the extra responsibilities a mayor brings.

He brings with him more than 30 years of working in the Barossa community which includes volunteer roles, running an insurance business and development roles at Faith Lutheran College and Lincoln College, North Adelaide.