Mayors & Councillors
- Details
- Written by Adam Gatt Penrith City Council (02) 4732 7777 (02) 4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 601 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
Mayor and deputy
Councillor Tricia Hitchen was elected Mayor of Penrith City at the January 10 Ordinary Meeting of Council. The Mayoral term will be until the next Mayoral election in September 2023.
Councillor Todd Carney was elected Deputy Mayor at the September 2022 Ordinary Meeting and will serve as Deputy until September 2023.
Councillors
Visit our Government & Wards page to find out more about local government including the ward boundaries within Penrith.
Please view the Councillor Contact list here.
South Ward
The South Ward includes the suburbs of Badgerys Creek, parts of Emu Plains, Glenmore Park, Jamisontown, parts of Kingswood, Leonay, Luddenham, Mulgoa, Orchard Hills, parts of Penrith, Regentville, South Penrith and Wallacia.
South Ward – Councillor Jim Aitken OAM
Cr Jim Aitken OAM was elected to Penrith City Council in 1995 and was re-elected in 1999, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021. Cr Aitken has provided years of continual service to the community, including a term as Mayor in 2008-09 and Deputy Mayor in 2010-11 and 2013-14.
He has lived in the local area for over 50 years and is a patron of many sporting and other organisations.
He is also a successful businessman, operating his own group of companies named the Jim Aitken Group, which includes 8 real estate offices and 3 restaurants, employing over 200 people through the Jim Aitken Group, which includes eight real estate offices and three restaurants. He represents Council on a range of boards and committees including the Major Projects Working Party, the Floodplain Risk Management Committee and the Floodplain Management Working Party. He is also a Floodplain Management Australia committee member.
Cr Aitken is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1998 for "service to the community of the Penrith district, particularly through youth welfare and service organisations and to local government".
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 410, Emu Plains NSW 2750
Phone
Fax
02 4736 6588
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South Ward – Councillor Mark Davies
Cr Mark Davies was first elected to Penrith City Council in 2004 and served his first term as Mayor during 2012-13.
He is passionate about attracting investment to the City, boosting the local economy and creating more jobs for residents.
Before joining Council, Cr Davies worked as a broadcast technician in the television industry and currently runs a small business, Tech-Dry Building Products.
Cr Davies is married to the Hon. Tanya Davies MP, Member for Mulgoa. In his spare time, he enjoys photography and playing the guitar.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
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South Ward - Councillor Karen McKeown OAM
Cr Karen McKeown OAM was elected to Council in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021, and served as Mayor in 2015-2016 and 2020-2021. She also served as Deputy Mayor in 2006-07 and in 2019-2020.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from WSU Majoring in Management with double sub-majors in Law & Employee Relations and the Executive Certificate for Elected Members from UTS. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.
Cr McKeown is active in many community organisations and committees including as Vice President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW.
Cr McKeown is also currently a Councillor on Hawkesbury River County Council, Director of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, a member of the Penrith CBD Corporation Board, Local Traffic Committee, Chair of Council’s Resilience and Multicultural Committees, a Director of Local Government NSW and Australian Local Government Association and Director and Deputy Chair of Active Super.
Cr McKeown is one of Council’s Sustainability Champions and represents Council and the City on environmental topics. She is also passionate about ending homelessness and providing a voice for our growing multicultural community.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 386, Emu Plains NSW 2750
Phone
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South Ward - Councillor Sue Day
Cr Sue Day was elected at the Local Government election in December 2021 and is serving her first term as councillor.
Cr Day is a local resident who has spent years advocating for improved transport services and hopes that through her role as a councillor, she can help to create a more connected and vibrant City.
She holds diplomas in Business Management, Financial Services, Communications and Accounting, and for the past 25 years has held professional roles in finance management.
Cr Day moved to Penrith in 2002 with her husband and their daughter and is still proud to call Penrith home.
Coming from a large extended family, Cr Day believes it takes a village to raise a child and sees the benefits of providing good quality, affordable childcare, to give children the best start in life. While raising her daughter, Cr Day joined the Penrith City Children’s Services Co-operative and is currently serving as Deputy Chair. She has been on the Board as a Director for more than 18 years.
She currently volunteers with the Schools Industry Partnership in Penrith, which connects students with employers to help them reach their career potential.
Cr Day is also passionate about providing essential transport and infrastructure for the future. A commuter herself, Cr Day is calling for better connectivity in and around Penrith City.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 386, Penrith NSW 2750
Phone
Fax
02 4732 7958
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South Ward - Councillor Mark Rusev
Cr Mark Rusev was elected at the Local Government election in December 2021 and is serving his first term as councillor.
Cr Rusev is a lawyer with experience in the financial services and insurance industries. He now works as an advisor for the Parliament of NSW.
Having lived in Western Sydney his entire life, Cr Rusev understands the day-to-day needs of residents and recognises the requirement to unlock the full potential of the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA). He is focused on catering for our City's growing population by working with local businesses to create employment opportunities, building new infrastructure to accommodate our expanding community, and increasing the quality of life for residents.
Cr Rusev feels Council services are essential for creating a vibrant community, and is particularly interested in enhancing community libraries.
Cr Rusev looks forward to the opportunities the Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird Walton) International Airport at Badgerys Creek will bring to the LGA. He is committed to advocating for more funding from the NSW Government to fund transformational projects in our community, to ensure the people of Penrith benefit from this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Cr Rusev also values the diversity within Penrith City and welcomes the contribution of new citizens who bring fresh perspectives and family-oriented values to the area.
Cr Rusev represents Council as a board member of Penrith CBD Corporation, member of the Heritage Advisory Committee, Resilience Committee, the Library Services Working Party, Multicultural Working Party, Recreation Working Party, and as a Sustainability and Resilience Champion.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 386, Penrith NSW 2750
Phone
Fax
02 4732 7958
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East Ward
The East Ward includes the suburbs of Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, parts of Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys.
East Ward - Councillor Bernard Bratusa
Cr Bernard Bratusa has been a local resident since 1980 and was first elected to Council in 2012.
Cr Bratusa and his wife Katheryne have raised three children, and now proudly boast the addition of two grandchildren, Alfie and Luka.
Cr Bratusa is proud to call Penrith home, believing the City’s future is positive and unlimited in terms of opportunities.
Supporting local businesses, creating employment, respecting our heritage, and protecting our rural villages are key priorities for Bernard.
Cr Bratusa believes Penrith remains the big little town he fell in love with 40 years ago, blessed with good people and where dreams become reality.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Mobile
Fax
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East Ward - Councillor Todd Carney - Deputy Mayor
Cr Todd Carney was born and raised in Western Sydney. He has lived in Glenmore Park since 2003 with his wife Sharon. Together they have three children, Zach, Lily and Indie.
After starting his apprenticeship at the age of 16, Cr Carney worked as a heavy vehicle mechanic for 12 years.
He is currently a Service Manager for a crane manufacturer in Western Sydney.
Cr Carney also worked as an electorate officer in the Office of David Bradbury MP for six years, advocating for Western Sydney and helping local residents on a daily basis.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Fax
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East Ward - Councillor Robin Cook
Cr Robin Cook was elected to Penrith Council at a by-election in May 2018. Cr Cook has lived in the Penrith area for 39 years and her family’s association with Penrith spans many generations. Her great uncle was elected to Penrith Council in 1936.
As a former registered nurse and carer for a parent with disabilities, Cr Cook has a keen interest in the health and wellbeing of the community.
She is a Council representative on the Access Committee and is passionate about ensuring Penrith is an accessible and equitable community.
As a member of Council’s Resilience Committee, Cr Cook is a committed advocate for sustainability and has a keen interest in maintaining the balance between development and the protection of our environment, particularly the Nepean River.
She is also a member of the Local Traffic Committee, the Multicultural Working Party and is on the board of the Nepean Community College representing the Member for Londonderry.
She also has a deep respect for the Indigenous peoples of the area, and is developing a deeper resolve to advocate for members of the community that are disenfranchised.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Fax
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East Ward - Councillor Tricia Hitchen - Mayor
Cr Tricia Hitchen is a highly decorated former Commissioned Police Officer. She has been on Council since 2012 and was elected as Deputy Mayor in September 2016, 2017 and 2020. In January 2022, Cr Hitchen was elected Mayor.
Cr Hitchen has been a member of Council’s Access Committee for 9 years, including as Chair for the last 5 years.
She is also a member of the Local Traffic Committee and the St Marys Town Centre Board.
She is a volunteer Director of The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter and vocal on issues of family and domestic violence.
As the mother of a special needs child, Cr Hitchen is a strong advocate for people with disabilities, accessibility and equity.
A long-term resident of the East Ward, Cr Hitchen has worked hard with her local communities to achieve positive outcomes.
She was instrumental in the funding and development of the Brisbane Street Park in St Marys and worked with Council to achieve better outcomes in the Oxley Park area.
Cr Hitchen fought for the upgrades to the St Clair Dog Park and is working hard for a dog park in Claremont Meadows.
Cr Hitchen also lobbied Council for adult changing spaces in the Penrith and St Marys CBDs.
Working with the community of Kingswood, Cr Hitchen helped establish the food and book pantries in Wainwright Park, Kingswood.
Cr Hitchen is also a strong supporter of Council’s Village Café program.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Fax
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East Ward - Councillor Marlene Shipley
Cr Marlene Shipley was elected at the Local Government election in December 2021 and is serving her first term as councillor.
Cr Shipley has raised her family in the Penrith Local Government Area and worked locally for decades. Cr Shipley is well-known in the community, largely due to her role as CEO of St Marys Diggers and Band Club. She first joined the club as Senior Financial Manager and was later appointed CEO in 2007.
In both roles, Cr Shipley works closely with local community groups and has a thorough understanding of the City’s needs. Cr Shipley is also a Civil Marriage Celebrant and has taken part in many memorable weddings in the community.
Cr Shipley is passionate about voicing the concerns of residents and working collaboratively with the community. As a councillor, she wants to strive for a more liveable, functional, and sustainable future. Cr Shipley sees her platform as a chance to advocate for the City, to attract additional funding, build on business connections, and improve the lifestyle and recreational options for residents.
Cr Shipley volunteers her time on several boards, including the St Marys Town Centre Management Corporation, as the Chairperson of ClubGrants, and as a member of the Executive for the St Marys/Penrith Liquor Accord since 2014. Previously, Cr Shipley was a board member of Ripples Leisure Centre from 2011 to 2019.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Fax
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North Ward
The North Ward includes the suburbs of Agnes Banks, Berkshire Park, Cambridge Gardens, Cambridge Park, Castlereagh, Cranebrook, Emu Heights, parts of Emu Plains, Jordan Springs, parts of Kingswood, Llandilo, Londonderry, parts of Penrith, Werrington, Werrington County and Werrington Downs.
North Ward - Councillor Glenn Gardiner
Cr Glenn Gardiner was elected at the Local Government election in December 2021 and is serving his first term as councillor.
Cr Gardiner lives in Londonderry with his wife, Peta, and children, Connor and Amelia. His family has been connected to Western Sydney since the 1940s, when Cr Gardiner’s great-grandfather moved to St Marys to work nearby at the former ADI site at Dunheved.
Cr Gardiner has long held an interest in politics and believes the biggest difference can be made on a local level, which led him to join Council.
His passion for helping community members and advocating for the needs of others transcends his role as a councillor; Cr Gardiner works as a Residence Manager for Arcare, a 5-star aged care provider, and serves as Chair of SeeAbility, a Penrith-based organisation supporting people with neurological disabilities, such as autism or acquired brain injuries.
Cr Gardiner has also served the community as a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service - Londonderry Brigade for 10 years.
During his first term, Cr Gardiner is focused on ensuring the growth of the Penrith LGA with the goal of creating a liveable City, which respects and harnesses the can-do attitude and family-focused culture that consumes Penrith. He believes this starts with the basics, such as giving residents the best possible access to quality roads, great community parks and a thriving local economy.
Cr Gardiner is also passionate about flood management. He hopes to liaise with government agencies and assist with improving the emergency flood response.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Fax
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North Ward - Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM
Cr Kevin Crameri OAM was first elected to Council in 1974. He served as Mayor in 1996-97, 2009- 10 and 2010- 11, and as Deputy Mayor in 1988-89. He is also a Justice of the Peace.
He has lived in the local area since he was six years old and is actively involved in many local committees and groups, including Chairperson for Council’s Flood Committee since its inception.
Cr Crameri is a life member and former Deputy Captain of the Llandilo brigade of the Rural Fire Service, life member of Llandilo P&C, member of the Nepean District Historical Society and was President of Cranbrook High P&C for six years.
Cr Crameri is a qualified fitter machinist, chainsaw operator and tool maker.
He received his Order of Australia medal (OAM) in 1999 for service to local government and the community.
He is a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and in any spare time he enjoys swimming, fishing and working with his horses.
Cr Crameri is committed to representing the interests of the residents of Penrith.
Contact details
Postal Address
Justice of the Peace, Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Mobile
Fax
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North Ward - Councillor Ross Fowler OAM
Cr Ross Fowler OAM is a third generation representative in local government, following in the footsteps of his late father Bernie, a former Mayor of Penrith City and his grandfather John, who was an Alderman on Mulgoa Municipal Council.
A long-term local resident, Cr Fowler is in his seventh consecutive term on Council after first being elected in 1991.
He served as Mayor in 1995-1996, 2013, 2014 and 2018-2020. He also served as Deputy Mayor in 2015.
Cr Fowler holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a registered Company Auditor and Tax Agent and is the Principal of a Chartered Accountancy firm in Penrith.
He represents Council on CivicRisk Mutual Ltd, (formerly Westpool) – the local government insurance and risk management mutual – since 1991 and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Cr Fowler was instrumental in securing the Whitewater venue for Penrith in the lead-up to the 2000 Olympics, and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company which operates the facility since its incorporation in 1999.
He is a member of the Boards of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Ltd and Penrith City Children’s Services Cooperative, and also represents Council on the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
His extensive financial acumen has been of great benefit to Council.
Cr Fowler’s goal is to help support a strong local economy and ensure Council remains in a sound financial position to best meet the needs and expectations of residents and rate payers.
Outside his duties as a Councillor, he has been a Director of the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) since 2004 and is currently Chairman of its Board of Directors.
He is a member of St Marys Rotary Club, having held positions including president, club service director, community service director, secretary and treasurer. He is also the President of the Board of Trustees for Blaxland Crossing Rest and Recreation Ground Land Manager at Wallacia.
He enjoys time with his family, gardening and local history.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Mobile
Fax
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North Ward - Councillor John Thain
Cr John Thain has been a Penrith City Councillor since 1999. He served as Mayor in 2005-06 and 2016-18 and Deputy Mayor in 2004-05 and in 2022.
Cr Thain has been involved with several committees, including as Chair and Vice Chair of Hawkesbury River County Council, Chair of Penrith Sports Stadium, and as a member of the Ripples Board and the North St Marys Neighbourhood Committee.
From 2016-18, Cr Thain was the Chair of the Western Sydney City Deal Mayoral Forum.
Cr Thain holds electrical qualifications, is a former senior advisor to a NSW Housing Minister, and works in the Allied Health, Disability Sector.
Cr Thain is a strong advocate for people with disability and of housing diversity and affordability. He is committed to building strategic alliances and partnerships to deliver Council’s vision for Penrith as a sustainable and vibrant city.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Fax
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North Ward - Councillor Jonathan Pullen
Cr Jonathan Pullen was elected at the Local Government election in December 2021 and is serving his first term as councillor.
Cr Pullen was born at Nepean Hospital in 1990 and has spent his life in Penrith.
Cr Pullen is a Western Sydney University graduate and holds a Bachelor of Communication. He has a professional background in publishing, marketing, e-commerce, digital marketing and social media, and is now self-employed as a Digital Marketing and Communications Consultant.
Focused on family, Cr Pullen is also a primary carer for his father. He is passionate about research into Motor Neuron Disease and proudly supports fundraising initiatives.
Cr Pullen has always held a firm interest in local, state and federal politics. He became a Labor party supporter at a young age, volunteering his time for campaigns and supporting Labor alongside his father.
He served as President of the ALP Lindsay Federal Electorate Council for five years, and as Treasurer and Secretary of the Werrington and Cambridge Park ALP branch for five years. Within these roles and through his work with local and state government organisations, Cr Pullen has become well-versed in discussing the needs of residents.
Now serving as an Independent, Cr Pullen is eager to see widespread progress across the City. He is passionate about fighting for equality, advocating for safe workplaces, and improving the welfare of residents.
He represents Council as part of the Multicultural Working Party and the Recreation Working Party.
Contact details
Postal Address
Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751
Phone
Fax
02 4732 7958
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