How Jared Wilson’s values-led approach to community safety is helping Alexandrina Council deliver care, trust and practical support where it matters most.

Community safety is often thought of in terms of regulation, compliance and enforcement.

For Jared Wilson, Senior Coordinator - Community Safety at Alexandrina Council, it is also about something much more human: creating trust, supporting people through complex situations and helping communities feel safe, respected and cared for.

Now recognised as the Emerging Leader of the Year at the 2026 LG Professionals SA 25^th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards, Jared has been celebrated for the way he brings clarity, kindness and capability to a role that sits at the centre of many high-impact community services.

His work spans animal management, public safety, customer experience, regulatory responsibilities, staff leadership and service improvement. It is a broad portfolio, but one Jared approaches with a clear sense of purpose.

“My journey into leadership began through a strong desire to contribute and assist the community,” Jared says.

“I have always enjoyed collaborating with people and contributing to projects that make a positive difference for others.”

Leadership that feels local

For Jared, local government offered the chance to see the real-world impact of decisions on people’s everyday lives.

It is this practical, community-facing nature of council work that first drew him to the sector. Whether supporting community safety outcomes, improving internal systems or guiding staff through change, Jared’s leadership is grounded in a desire to make things better for the people who live, work and spend time in Alexandrina.

His colleague David Heath, Manager Customer Experience and Alexandrina Council says Jared strongly embodies the intent of Alexandrina 2040, council’s vision for strong, connected communities, care for the natural environment and leadership built on integrity, trust and capability.

Jared’s approach to community safety reflects that vision. He understands that the work isn’t just about rules, but about wellbeing, care of place and maintaining community trust, particularly in complex or high-risk environments.

Creating a place the team could be proud of

One of Jared’s most significant achievements has been leading the establishment of Alexandrina Council’s Animal Care and Education Facility.

The project wasn’t only a major operational change, but it was also a significant people leadership challenge. Jared supported staff through the transition from the main office into a new facility, while helping create a space that was practical, positive and aligned with contemporary animal management.

“My initial focus was on providing real time, genuine, caring support for the team,” Jared says.

He describes the goal as creating a “feels like home” environment, particularly as he moved from being a member of the team to leading that same team through a challenging period of change.

While the facility itself represents a more humane, community-focused approach to animal care and education, Jared is most proud of the culture created around it.

“The trust and support provided by executive to allow the team to create and manage such a space will have lasting impacts on them, the council, the local community and their animals,” he says.

Clear, kind and capable

Jared has also contributed to major service improvements across Community Safety, including redesigning work platforms in collaboration with Council’s Business Solutions and Technology teams.

By working closely with frontline staff, he helped translate operational needs into practical system improvements that enhanced efficiency, compliance and customer experience. These technology-enabled solutions contributed to products recognised at a recent LGITSA awards night, showing Jared’s ability to connect people, process and technology in a way that delivers measurable benefits.

He has also managed complex regulatory responsibilities, including dog attack investigations and control orders, work that requires both empathy and decisiveness.

“It’s about showing up for my team and the community every day and being there not only for the wins, but more importantly the challenges,” he says.

“It’s about the team knowing where they stand with me, the organisation and the community and sticking true to the team’s and Council’s values.”

Stepping up when it mattered

Jared’s leadership capability was further demonstrated when he successfully backfilled the Acting Manager Community Experience role, leading approximately 40 staff across Community Safety, Public Health, Development Compliance and Customer Experience.

In a complex operating environment, he maintained service continuity, supported team leaders, managed resources and risk, and demonstrated the calm judgement needed to keep services running well for the community.

His leadership is also deeply people focused. Jared is recognised for creating environments where staff feel supported, trusted and safe to lead, with a strong emphasis on health, safety and wellbeing.

Winning the award, Jared says, is a huge honour.

“It is indicative of the time and resources Alexandrina Council invests in developing their staff,” he says.

A message for future leaders

Jared credits previous and current supervisors, colleagues and staff for shaping his leadership journey. Through their guidance, feedback and different perspectives, he has continued to develop an approach built on listening, learning and collaboration.

His advice to other emerging leaders is simple.

“Believe in yourself and stay true to your values,” he says.

“Leadership is not about having all the answers, it is about a willingness to listen, learn and work collaboratively with others.”

For those considering nominating next year, Jared encourages them to step forward. The process, he says, is not only about recognition, but reflection - on the journey, the achievements, the challenges and the leadership still to come.

Because when emerging leaders like Jared are supported to grow, the benefits reach far beyond one team or one workplace. They are felt in safer services, stronger communities and a local government sector ready to lead with care.

Thank you to our partner LGA South Australia for sponsoring the Emerging Leader of the Year

GIF: Features Jared Wilson and friends at the 2026 LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.