New leadership for Outback Communities Authority

Friday, 14 October 2022

Three highly experienced women have been appointed to the Outback Communities Authority, including as Presiding Member, to provide leadership and shape the lives of South Australians living in the outback.

Ms Jan Ferguson OAM has been appointed Presiding Member of the Outback Communities Authority (OCA) to June 2025, after leading the OCA as interim chair for three-months to allow nominations to take place.

Ms Ferguson brings to the role extensive professional experience in supporting Aboriginal people, outback communities and businesses, along with experience as a previous OCA member.

Ms Ngatina Sylvanius and Ms Leila Day have also been appointed to serve as OCA members to June 2025, bringing their considerable knowledge and lived outback experience.

Ms Sylvanius is a passionate and committed fifth generation community member of Beltana, serving as the Beltana Progress Association President since 2012 and is strongly invested in working to create a flourishing outback for all who live, work and visit in the region.

Ms Day is an Andamooka local, working as an opal gouger, artist, tour guide and Chair of the SA Arid Lands Kingoonya Landscape Group, as well as a board member of the region’s peak tourism body.

These new appointments will be supported by existing members Mr Trevor Wright, Mr Sam Johnson and Mr Tony Vaughan.

The OCA is a statutory body that articulates the views, interests and aspirations of outback communities and people. It works to coordinate and champion improvements to public services and facilities in the outback. The OCA has jurisdiction over almost two-thirds of South Australia not covered by local councils. It serves about 4,500 people residing in numerous small communities, service locations and pastoral and farming properties.