Indian-Australian Sameer Pandey creates history, elected Lord Mayor of Parramatta

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The City of Parramatta Council in Sydney, New South Wales, has elected Councillor Sameer Pandey as its new Lord Mayor.

Cr Pandey, who represents the Parramatta Ward, is the City’s first Lord Mayor of Indian origin. He was first elected to the City of Parramatta Council in September 2017, and elected as Deputy Lord Mayor in January 2022.

Cr Pandey, who has a background in IT, has a lot of work on his hand particularly major projects such as the aquatic centre, town hall and Riverside Theatre redevelopments.

In a statement, Cr Pandey said it was a privilege to lead the council of one of the fastest-growing centres in Australia.

“The City of Parramatta is the geographical heart of Greater Sydney and a major economic powerhouse as well as the best place in Sydney to live. Parramatta is home to a vibrant and diverse community and I’m excited to lead the City as it cements itself as Sydney’s second CBD and the focus of some of its most exciting opportunities.”

Cr Donna Davis MP stepped down from the role following her election as the State Member for Parramatta. She will continue as a councillor until the next local government elections in September 2024.

NSW laws allow a councillor who is elected to parliament to continue on the council until their term ends, or for two years, whichever is shorter. A new Deputy Lord Mayor will be elected at the next meeting of the Council in June. (TAT)