Salisbury mayor Gillian Aldridge receives $40k to help with re-election bid

One mayoral candidate has declared $40,000 in gifts for her re-election campaign – another a $700 scarf. We break down what other candidates were given.

Salisbury mayor Gillian Aldridge has received more than $40,000 in financial gifts this year, while a regional council mayor has declared a $700 Hermes scarf.

Ms Aldridge was one of eight mayoral candidates across the state to lodge details of campaign donations and gifts with the Electoral Commissioner, as required under the Act.

The mayor of 14 years received $41,490 in gifts, including $10,000 from ‘Highway 1’ and $4000 from Vater Corporations, owned by self-made millionaire Lance Vater.

Ms Aldridge said the gifts helped with the creation and distribution of election flyers and social media marketing.

Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge has declared $40,000 in financial donations. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

“There’s 150,000 people in Salisbury and 52,000 houses that I have to put leaflets in, which is over $20,000 alone and then you have to have the leaflets printed,” she said.

“The people donating trust and believe in me and know I have been doing a good job.

“They know I’ll keep the city running smoothly and comfortably.”

One of her three competitors, Linda Caruso has declared a $1000 donation from Hydro R Us.

Under the Local Government (Elections) Act, candidates must disclose campaign donations during and after the election, and detail any gifts received in excess of $2500.

Charles Sturt mayor Angela Evans declared a $2640 gift and a $800 donation, while Prospect mayoral candidate Rachel Sanderson received a $130 gift.

Port Lincoln Mayor Brad Flaherty pictured at the town’s marina. Picture: Tom Huntley

Onkaparinga mayoral candidate Mark Nielsen, who last week said he would suspend Welcome to Country acknowledgments if elected, has received $870 in donations.

Regionally, Renmark Paringa Council candidate Henry Du Rieu declared $2000 donation, while Victor Harbor mayoral candidate Peter Charles received a $500 donation.

Port Lincoln mayor Brad Flaherty, who is seek re-election, declared a Hermes scarf, valued at $700, gifted from Ausfoods Co in 2019.

“I handed it in to the council and it’s sitting gathering dust,” Mr Flaherty said.

“I thought it was a box of chocolates at first then I realised it was a scarf, which didn’t mean anything to me.”