Meet the four new faces on Strathfield Council

Strathfield voters elected four new councillors in the local election in December. The Inner West Courier talked to them to learn about their backgrounds and their plans.

At the local election in December the voters of Strathfield opted to elect four new faces to the seven-seat council, shaking up the composition of the members.

These include Labor’s Sharangan Maheswaran and Raj Datta, Strathfield Independents’ Sandy Reddy, and independent candidate Benjamin Cai.

The Inner West Courier spoke to the councillors to learn more about their backgrounds, as well as their hopes and plans for Strathfield.

Sandy Reddy

Ms Reddy ran as part of the Strathfield Independents‘ ticket and was motivated to run to better serve the community.

“I have always been part of Strathfield and appreciated the area as a safe suburb with the best facilities,” she said.

“I always enjoyed being part of the local community and I wanted to contribute more to the community and reach out to more residents, so I decided to run for council.

“I live in the area with my family – both my boys went to Strathfield South Public School and my husband Karri has been living in Strathfield for the last 30 years.”

Ms Reddy is an active and long-time member of the Strathfield community, winning Strathfield Citizen of the Year in 2020 for her services to the local community.

Tree Management for local residences, better waste management and a recreation centre in Strathfield are some of the things she wishes to focus on during her term in office.

Raj Datta

Mr Datta was one of two new Labor councillors elected in December, but rather than a totally fresh face, he is returning for a second stint having served on the council previously.

“I am a family person and my wife and I have been living in the Strathfield local government area (LGA) for over 25 years with our two children,” he said.

“I was actually also a Strathfield councillor from 2012-2017.”

“I was driven to stand to try and provide a service for the local area, working collaboratively with the community.”

Mr Datta has 30 years of experience in the corporate sector and holds an MBA degree, a Bachelor degree in engineering, as well as one in science with honours.

He’s keen to work collaboratively with residents and also hopes to try and ease congestion, improve public spaces and protect Strathfield’s parks.

“As a member of the Labor team I shall work collaboratively with the local community for delivery of best possible council services,” he said.

Benjamin Cai

Mr Cai was elected to Strathfield Council as an independent, having lived in the area for many years.

“I have always had a deep commitment to our local area and community, and I have worked as a local business operator for more than 30 years in the Strathfield area,” Mr Cai said.

“I raised my family locally and am lucky enough to be a proud grandfather.”

He’s keen to put party politics aside and focus solely on the betterment of citizens.

“Local issues and the provision of local services should come first, not partisan party politics,” he said.

“I hope to be able to assist my fellow residents of Strathfield and as a local resident and business operator for decades in the local area I hope to be able to contribute to Strathfield Council achieving its full potential.

“If residents have any issues of concern I hope that we can all work together to achieve a favourable outcome.”

Mr Cai hopes to improve the infrastructure in Homebush West and the accessibility of services during his time, as well as helping local groups.

“Another priority is making sure that our local community organisations and not-for-profit groups have access to facilities at a rate that is fair and affordable for them,” he said.

Sharangan Maheswaran

The second new face elected on Labor’s ticket, Mr Maheswaran has lived in Strathfield South and Homebush for most of his life.

He is also practising environmental lawyer specialising in maritime and planning law.

“I am passionate about creating a council that works for residents,” Mr Maheswaran is quoted on Strathfield Labor’s page.

“This includes building our community around new public space and amenities, sustainable development, and new local opportunities for night-life, innovation and jobs.”