Louie Zaffina is the first mayor of Balranald Shire since the region exited its period of administration.

Experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly and approachable to boot, he is the strong head of a dynamic new council.

A second-generation Italian immigrant, Louie’s parents came to Australia from Italy in the 1950’s.

They settled in the Euston area, and purchased land to make a farm.

They ran market gardens, before foraying into the realm of table grape growing.

Louie was born in Robinvale Hospital, and enjoyed a happy childhood on the farm.

“We were poor, we didn’t have much, but we were happy,” said Louie. “My childhood was really good, surrounded by a lot of friends.”

When Louie started his education at Euston Public School, he spoke both English and Italian.

“My parents largely spoke Italian and broken English with a heavy accent,” he recalled. “I learnt a lot of English from my older sisters.

“I remember often knowing the Italian word for different things, but didn’t automatically know the English word.”

After completing his secondary education at Robinvale High School, Louie completed an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic at the local Ford dealership.

He worked successfully in the sector until his father fell ill.

Louie then went to run the family farm.

“My father actively encouraged me to learn a trade in case,” he said. “Having grown up on the farm I knew what to do, and since my return my focus and passion has been producing quality table grapes.”

Louie and his wife Kylie attended the same high school, Robinvale High School, but got to know each other after they attended the school.

They were married and have five beautiful children ranging in age from 35 to 21. They also have eight grandchildren, ranging from age six to two.

Louie always had a passion for trying to help in the community however he can, and helping to discover and implement solutions to community issues.

Louie has been a member of the Euston Co-Operative Rural Society since 1998 and chair since 2005.

The Co-Op is made up of around 60 table grape growers covering 1,600 acres at Euston. The Co-op’s primary function is to deliver water from the River Murray via high-pressure pipeline to the growers for irrigation purposes.

The Co-Op has affected positive and significant changes for farmers in the area.

In his role, he has been a capable advocate for the members he represents, and has had to confer with and assist council in many instances, during its time of administration.

He was appointed to the EPAC (Euston Progressive Advisory Committee), and has been very active in advocating for and uplifting the profile of Euston on many fronts.

Although he is a staunch advocate for all things Euston, Louie is also an emphatic advocate for equality throughout the entirety of Balranald Shire.

“It is understandable the way Euston may have been considered to be under the wing of Robinvale, a larger town very close,” Louie said.

“It has therefore been an area of Balranald Shire which may have not always received the attention it has needed in the past.

“It is clear to me, however, none of Balranald Shire has received the attention it has needed.

Where other Shires have been proactive in seeking out funding, grants and opportunities for improvement, Balranald Shire seems to have been stagnating in the past, not adequately represented in previous decades.

“I want what is fair for the whole of Balranald Shire; Euston, Balranald, Kyalite, Clare and all other parts.

“We are really lucky coming out of administration, we have a varied and motivated representation of the whole shire on board.”

“The Shire has a slew of opportunities walking through the door, including the mines, renewables, and more. We need to make the most of these good opportunities.”

The Sturt Highway and its subpar condition is an issue of which Louie is incredibly passionate.

“I have repeatedly sought but have had no answer from the Minister of Transport for NSW, Helen Dalton, and Sussan Ley among others, as to why the segment of the Sturt Highway which is in the worst state is the part which runs through Balranald Shire.”

Louie understands other councils have the specific funding and contractual agreement needed to maintain and improve the roads in their LGA, but Balranald has not.

“This is another issue which needs to be looked into; why we do not have that when other shires do, and what it will take for Balranald shire to get this,” he said.

“As soon as you cross from Balranald Shire to another Shire, the change is clear.”

While Louie was reasonably confident he would do well in the election, he was happily surprised when elected mayor.

He will assess whether he would like to throw his hat in the ring to remain mayor in two years’ time (mayors are voted in every two years in Local Government), he is certainly keen on remaining on council for as long as possible.

His other major passions are continuing to farm high quality table grapes and spending time with his family.

Louie was a talented and enthusiastic table tennis player for 30 years, and still gets the gear out now and again for a game with the family.

When he gets the time, he likes to fish and visit his grandchildren.

“We are really lucky, all of our children and grandchildren are located close by,” Louie said. “They are all here in Euston except for two who live near Mildura.”