Our city’s newest leaders say they’re ready to take on the challenges that come with the top jobs in Parramatta and Cumberland.
Elected as the new Lord Mayor for the City of Parramatta, Labor Councillor Donna Davis will be only the third woman in its 160-year-history to lead the city.
Fellow Labor councillor Sameer Pandey was appointed Deputy Lord Mayor, becoming the first to be elected from the Indian subcontinent.
Cr Davis said she is committed to helping the city evolve by building on the work that has been done before her.
“I want to make sure that as a Council we are delivering the best outcomes for our community, whether they’re in Winston Hills, Wentworth Point, Epping or Toongabbie,” Cr Davis said.
Featuring a record-breaking number of women, Cr Davis said she is excited to lead such an inclusive council.
“Women make up 50 per cent of our population, so it’s important that this is also reflected in the elected representation at all levels of government,” Cr Davis said.
“I am passionate about leading our new chamber of Councillors, which not only includes a record number of women, but also represents a diverse range of views, ages, abilities and experiences.”
Cr Davis paid tribute to all former Lord Mayors, particularly Councillor Lorraine Wearne, who was the first female Lord Mayor at the former Parramatta City Council from 2000-2001 and 2011-2012, and Julia Finn, who held the top position from 2004-2005.
For Cumberland City, Labor Councillor Lisa Lake replaces Steve Christou as the new Mayor.
Wanting to create “a council of substance”, Cr Lake said she is looking to put a strong focus on improving sports grounds, libraries, pools, parks and playgrounds, as well as increasing employment opportunities for youths.
Fellow Labor representative Kun Huang joins her as Deputy Mayor.
When it comes to enhancing decision making in the council, Cr Lake believes gender equality is of significant importance.
“It enables women to have an impact on the decisions and to stand up for local issues that can sometimes be overlooked by a male dominated council,” she said.
By providing a woman’s perspective on planning, development and capital expenditure, Cr Lake is envisioning “a little bit of a shift in priorities”.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.