Former Millicent resident and Adelaide media identity Leith Forrest has announced his long-range bid to join the elected membership of Wattle Range Council.


The top-rating Radio 5AA announcer has revealed his plans via social media and has published a manifesto.


According to a nostalgic Mr Forrest, Millicent should re-introduce a number of community events from his teenage years in Millicent around 30 years ago.


Specifically, Mr Forrest would like to see a return of the annual Millicent Hospital Street Parade and Carnival, roller skating at the Richards family rinks on Rendelsham Road and youth discos at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre.


Mr Forrest is also campaigning for a return to the Millicent Christmas Eve Street party and suggests the entertainment could again be provided by the Dead Ringer Band comprising Kasey Chambers, her brother Nash and their parents Bill and Di.


The council candidate is well aware the Millicent Shell Garden was demolished around a decade ago with small sections retained in private ownership and in a display at the Millicent National Trust Museum.


In a bid to re-establish the Millicent Shell Garden, Mr Forrest has begun to collect shells and has urged others to do so.


Mr Forrest has recently fessed up to petty pilfering from Millicent businesses in his youth.


The SE Voice put it to Mr Forrest that such admissions would harm his election chances but he rejected such assertions.


“People love redemption stories,” Mr Forrest said.


Although there is currently a vacancy on council for a Corcoran ward representative, Mr Forrest is aiming for the mayoralty.


All going well, Mr Forrest intends to return to the region in about 20 years from now and purchase a house at Beachport.


This is set down for the early 2040s with Mr Forrest standing as Wattle Range Mayor at the elections in either 2043 or beyond.


Current Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll has just celebrated his fifth anniversary in the role.


He has welcomed the interest of Mr Forrest in local government.


“I have been following with interest Leith Forrest and his Mayoral online campaign videos,” Mr Noll said.


“I would be happy to stand aside for Leith in 20 years from now in 2043.


“I’m sure he would use Millicent community radio station 5THE FM as his campaign office and he would reach out to his loyal community.


“Leith Forrest for Mayor in 2043, I say, yes.”