Three commissioners have been appointed by Western Australia’s Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley, to take control of the City of Nedlands Council.
The council collapsed in disarray two weeks ago when five of its councillors resigned, leading to the remaining four councillor positions being declared vacant and as required by the Local Government Act 1995.
Under the Act, the Minister can appoint commissioners to fulfil the role of the council and exercise its powers if more than half of the council becomes vacant.
The commissioners will serve until a new council is chosen at a special election to be held on 28 March 2026.
Turmoil at the council had been building for some time, with the Minister saying earlier this month that “I’ll be bringing an end to the embarrassing saga of dysfunction and disunity at the City of Nedlands with the appointment of a series of commissioners, which is work I’m undertaking as quickly as possible”.
The three new commissioners are:
- David Caddy (Chair), who has been active in both the private and public sectors for more than 50 years, including as Chair of the Western Australian Planning Commission (2018–24) and as City of Nedlands Deputy Mayor and councillor (1989–95);
- Bianca Sandri (Deputy Chair) who until recently was director of Community Services for the City of Bayswater and had previously acted as CEO. She is also a Board member of the WA Planning Commission, was a City of Stirling councillor for six years (2017–23), including a period as Deputy Mayor and operated her own town planning business (2016–23); and
- Cath Hart, who was most recently the CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (2022–25) and previously executive director of the Housing Industry Association (2018–22). She is also a member of the ChemCentre WA Board and the Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group.
“With extensive management and leadership experience across both the private and public sectors, I am confident the three Commissioners appointed will deliver the good governance and stability needed at the City of Nedlands,” said Minister Beazley.
“These accomplished professionals are equipped with the skills to fulfil these important public service roles to a high standard and ensure the City is functioning effectively for its ratepayers and residents.
“City of Nedlands locals should seriously consider nominating for a position on council and what they can contribute to their community after what has been a prolonged period of dysfunction, and I strongly urge residents to vote at the March election,” the Minister added.
“It’s important that everyone has their say and elects a council that functions well and serves the needs and interests of the local community.”
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