BEN AYRIS - for Adelaide central ward

Passionate advocate for Adelaide's residents, business community and environment.
Candidate for Adelaide City Council
I'm running for Adelaide City Council because I care deeply about this city—my home, my community, and the place where I live and work. As a local resident and business owner, I see the challenges Adelaide faces every day, and I'm passionate about rolling up my sleeves to help fix them. I’ve lived in the CBD (Central Ward) since 2019, and quickly discovered that apartment living comes with a unique set of challenges—strata management issues, building defects, warranty disputes, and confusing by-laws. I’ve seen firsthand just how complex and, at times, confronting these experiences can be.
Through conversations with other high-rise residents, it became clear that many apartment owners felt isolated and unsupported. That’s why I co-founded the Adelaide Apartment Owners Association—a platform where we can share ideas, pool knowledge, and collectively advocate for better outcomes. It’s about challenging the status quo and giving apartment owners a stronger, united voice in decisions that affect our homes, our investments, and our quality of life.
With over 15 years of experience in financial planning, I bring a strong background in financial management and strategic thinking. I help individuals businesses and families make informed, long-term decisions, and I want to bring that same approach to Council—focused, practical, and always in the community's best interest.
Outside of my work, I've spent years advocating for the protection and proper management of Adelaide’s Park Lands. As Deputy President of the Adelaide Park Lands Association for the past 2 years, I’ve fought to preserve our green spaces from overdevelopment and neglect. I believe these open spaces are the lungs of our city and must be protected for future generations.
My commitment to Adelaide runs deep. I’ve been active in local campaigns, listened to residents' concerns, and stayed involved in grassroots initiatives. Now, I'm ready to take the next step—to be a strong, independent voice on Council, focused on solving problems, not just talking about them.
I want to make Adelaide a city that works better for everyone: greener, more connected, financially responsible, and truly community-driven.

Why vote for me?

Business-Minded and Economically Grounded

As a small business owner and qualified financial planner, I understand first hand the challenges and responsibilities that come with running a business. My partner and I own and operate a local café in the city, which gives me daily insight into the realities of small business life — from managing staff and costs to navigating regulation and red tape. I bring this real-world perspective to council, not theory or party political ideology. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy and vibrancy — they should be supported, not treated as a cash cow for ever-increasing fees and onerous compliance burdens. If elected, I will advocate for practical policies that enable businesses to grow, employ, and thrive — not just survive.

Advocating for Residents

Living and working in the city, I’ve seen how apartment residents are often poorly represented in decision-making. As the Presiding Officer of Kodo Apartments, one of Adelaide’s largest residential buildings, and a founding member of the Adelaide Apartment Owners Association, I’ve helped give a voice to hundreds of inner-city residents. I've seen what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to building management, local amenity, public safety and security, and engagement with council. I want to ensure council decisions reflect the needs of real residents, not just developers or political interests. I believe in creating a liveable, well-serviced city that people are proud to call home - and where growing demand fuels future prosperity and not just property values.

Sustainability and Park Lands Protection

As Deputy President of the Adelaide Park Lands Association, I’ve worked closely with fellow advocates to protect and promote one of our city’s most precious public assets. The Park Lands are a defining feature of Adelaide — but they continue to face pressures from government development, commercial encroachment, and neglect. I support a renewed focus on regreening underutilised areas, improving access and all-hours safety, and finally progressing the long-overdue Adelaide Recreation Circuit to connect our green spaces. Council must promote excellence in sustainable urban planning and green space enhancement.

Independent and Community-Focused

I am not a member of any political party and am not running as a stepping stone to higher office. My motivation is simple: to serve local residents and improve the community In which I live and work. Too often, council becomes a platform for career politicians more focused on party lines than practical outcomes. I believe local government should be local — about parks, planning, public spaces, and real services. I will bring a common-sense, community-first approach to council, driven by integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to making Adelaide a better place for all.
  • Business owner. Resident. Advocate. Ready to serve.
    John D.

Begin the conversation

Ben Ayris

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