Starting her Local Government journey in 1994, Cr Little (Shirley) has represented Tarpeena for 25 years and has been a vocal advocate for the community of Tarpeena and surrounds.

Amazingly Shirley was the local postie for some 40 years, retiring in 2015. She has witnessed firsthand the ups and downs of life in a small rural community.

“Tarpeena is a different place to the one it was many years ago. The school closed in 2011 due to dwindling enrolments and the 2010 closure of the Nangwarry Mill hit the town hard. But the community spirit is strong and we are seeing young families moving back to the area for an affordable country lifestyle. We now have a population of about 415 people with 124 families living in the area which is wonderful” Shirley said.

Sadly Shirley also vividly remembers the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires that claimed 14 lives and destroyed countless properties and affected Tarpeena.  “There is only a small group left in Tarpeena that experienced the devastation of Ash Wednesday, however we all need to remain vigilant and be prepared for the upcoming fire season”, Shirley said.

As a Councillor, Shirley helped steer the Council through the 1996 amalgamation of the District Council of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Port MacDonnell to form the District Council of Grant. Reflecting on her 25 years of service Shirley feels she has contributed some good for the betterment of the whole of the district.

“I have been an active participator in life in Tarpeena, not only in my role with the post office but on the Tarpeena Progress Association, Tarpeena Cancer Support Group, Tarpeena Football Club Management Committee and I was very involved with the local school, where four generations of my family have attended.  I believe in representing my community and I must continue to make it a great place to live”.  Although there has been a demise of sport in Tarpeena, Shirley is particularly buoyed by the resumption of cricket in Tarpeena which she says has been great for the young ones.

Shirley’s passion for her community is as strong today as it was 25 years ago and Council and the community acknowledge this significant milestone in her Local Government career.

At the Council meeting on Monday 4 November 2019 Councillor Little was presented a Local Government Association certificate and pin for her 25 years of service to local government, and representing her community.