 He developed a City Flags Policy that ensured the permanent flying of the Aboriginal Flag alongside the national flag in Victoria Square, and became a leading proponent of the Victoria Square and Central West Redevelopment Strategy.In May 2003 Local Government elections Mackie contested the Lord Mayoralty of the City of Adelaide.Mackie commenced service as Executive Director of Arts SA in January 2004, a role in which he worked hard to grow the state's festivals culture.