As an advocate for Local Government Mayor Lewis has promoted Marion Council and the community by developing strong alliances with all levels of government and has established good working relations with neighbouring Councils.

Mayor Lewis received the Flinders University 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award for her significant contribution to Local Government and the University.  She was also the proud recipient of the 2008 John Legoe Award which recognises the personal and professional development of Council Members and their commitment and service to their communities.

A passionate supporter of reform in Local Government, she has served on the LGA State Executive Committee since 2001, was chair of the LGA’s Metropolitan Local Government Group from November 2008 to May 2009 and continues to be a member. She was an inaugural member of the LGA’s Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee from February 2006 to May 2009 as well as the LGA Governance Standards Advisory Committee from October 2003 to April 2009.  Mayor Lewis was elected Vice President of the Local Government Association in 2006 and President in 2009.

With a strong interest in health and environmental issues, Mayor Lewis served on the Flinders Medical Centre Board and has been a member of the Public and Environmental Health Council since 2001.  In May 2010 she was appointed as a member of the Natural Resources Management Council.