Clare Valley Podcast - NEW CEO appointed; Meet the busiest man in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys; Wheels in Motion

This is the first episode of 2025.

In this episode, Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council Interim CEO Andrew Aitken discusses:

• CEO appointment update
• Councils view on reducing dust on roads during dry times
• Discovery Caravan Park seeking approval for park improvements
• Representation Review final report
• Off street parking request by Model Engineers for Phoenix Ave, Clare
• Successful applicants for Community Asset grants

**NEW CEO APPOINTED****

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council is pleased to announce the appointment of David Stobbe to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
At its special meeting of Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Council finalised its
recruitment for the role following an extensive and robust recruitment process.
Understanding that this is a highly anticipated announcement, Mayor Allan
Aughey OAM said Council welcomed the appointment, noting that the Councillors feel David will play an important role in supporting Clare and Gilbert Valleys in building upon its strategic direction, and achieving a number of key infrastructure projects to meet the needs of the community
David joins Council from the City of Onkaparinga, where he held the position of Director Corporate and Chief Financial Officer.
Whilst possessing an extensive financial background, David is also extremely community focused, holding a number of board positions, including the Country Fire Service (CFS) Foundation, the Central District Football Club, and Harness Racing South Australia.
David will be relocating to the District and is thrilled at the prospect of joining at Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, commencing 31 March 2025.
He is eager to work with the community to create a lasting impact, and looks forward to collaborating with Council, local businesses, residents and other stakeholders to drive positive change, enhance services, and support a strong and vibrant future for all.
With the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer brings an end to the interim arrangement.
Council takes this time to thank Interim Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Aitken, for his sincere and collaborative leadership over the past five months. Much has been achieved under his steady guidance and this will assist David in his transition to the Clare and Gilbert Valleys.

Water carting in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys

It’s no surprise to anyone in SA, it’s so incredibly dry, to the point people have been repeatedly carting water to fill up their tanks. In the Adelaide Hills we’ve heard there’s a 2-month waiting list to get water delivered, with SA Water opening a few potable stations to allow more access to water.

In the Clare and Gilbert Valleys region, local water carter, Grant Fidge has been flat out delivering up to an average 80 thousand litres to residents across the Clare and Gilbert Valley region.

He says there is a 3 week wait for water.

Grant Fidge, Fidges Water Carting

Desperate calls for more volunteer mentors for Wheels in Motion

To get your provisional drivers licence you need to rack up 75 hours of driving time.

For most young people, that’s a challenge.

But there are many in the community that are struggling to get their P’s because they don’t have anyone at home to help supervise their driving.

That’s where Wheels in Motion comes in, a program that started in February last year providing volunteer mentors to help young people get their driving hours up.

Unfortunately, one year on, demand is outstripping supply with a waiting list of young people but not enough mentors. In Clare Valley alone, there are currently 12 participants and 10 mentors with 6 more participants on the waiting list.

Christina Underdown, Program coordinator; Bron Willis, mentor; Gareth Herron, mentor<