New ICLEI Member, City of Mitcham, champions innovative community energy initiatives

ICLEI is proud to welcome the City of Mitcham, South Australia, as its newest member in the Oceania Region. Nestled in the foothills of Adelaide, with a population of over 67,000 residents, Mitcham is renowned for its community spirit, green open spaces and innovative sustainability initiatives.

Under the leadership of Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, a passionate advocate for climate action and President of the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA), the City of Mitcham has demonstrated strong local leadership in transitioning towards a low-carbon, resilient future. The Mitcham Community Energy initiatives in particular are driving tangible action for the community through measures like bulk buys, virtual power plants, and renewable energy hubs, as highlighted in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35Azyd65F1I

Mayor Holmes-Ross underscored this commitment during her address Collective challenges - Adapting to climate change at a local level at the Adelaide Town Hall COP on 1 October 2025. This event, convened by ICLEI Oceania for South Australian council leaders, was the state's first Town Hall COP, and Mayor Homes-Ross encouraged local government leaders to embrace the importance of joining international networks like ICLEI. By joining ICLEI’s global network of over 2,500 cities, towns and regions worldwide, the City of Mitcham is better positioned to build its climate readiness, access shared lessons, showcase local innovation, and collaborate globally on shaping resilient people-centred communities.

As ICLEI Oceania Interim Regional Director Kobie Brand noted:

“We warmly welcome the City of Mitcham to ICLEI. Mayor Holmes-Ross and her council exemplify the kind of bold, practical climate leadership that will drive the region toward a sustainable and inclusive future.”