Liberals poised to return to Parramatta Council in 2024 local government elections

The former chief of staff for the Parramatta Lord Mayor will trade roles in a bid to become a councillor for an emerging political group.

Community Champions candidates Justin Mulder and Natalie Ng with the group’s leader Kellie Darley (centre). Picture: Alexander Mayes Photography

The former chief of staff for the Parramatta Lord Mayor could soon step from behind the scenes to the coalface of local politics if his bid to become a councillor for an emerging political group is successful.

Justin Mulder resigned from his role in the mayor’s office in June to focus on his campaign with the fledgling Community Champions groups ahead of the September 14 local government elections.

Mr Mulder has worked under Lord Mayors including Donna Davis, Sameer Pandey and most recently Pierre Esber, who was “shocked’’ about his candidacy.

“I didn’t think that was the flavour of his politics,’’ he said.

“I thought he was on the conservative side of politics but that’s his choice and I wish him well.’’

Community Champions candidate Justin Mulder with his wife Maria, and (from left) children Christian, Maya and Aidan. Picture: Monica Mulder Photography

Mr Mulder has more than 20 years of local, state and federal government experience as an adviser and senior executive. He worked as a western Sydney adviser to former Premier Barry O’Farrell and Tony Issa when he was the Granville state Liberal MP in 2011.

The long-time Northmead resident and father-of-three will run for a spot in the North Rocks ward as part of the team independent councillor Kellie Darley recently formed to outmuscle the Our Local Community group.

Natalie Ng. Picture: Alexander Mayes Photography

Jayne Christian. Picture: Joseph Mayers

Mr Mulder said it had long been in the back of his mind to run for public office but the time was now right.

“The independents will have a responsibility because they’re more accountable to the community and more active on the ground,’’ he said.

Natalie Ng and Jayne Christian will join the team as the Epping and Rosehill ward candidates respectively.

Mrs Ng has more than 15 years experience in management and community leadership roles including as a Epping West Public School P and C.

Ms Christian is a lawyer and has chaired Parramatta Council’s First Nations Advisory Committee.

‘Under siege’: Independents, Liberals to shake up Parramatta (June 29)

The Liberals are poised to make a comeback in Parramatta with a former Lord Mayor Steven Issa among those considering a return to restore “experience” and “ambition” to the city amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The party restricted fielding candidates in the December 2021 council poll but is expected to allow representation in the local government elections.

Hopefuls have not been endorsed but nominations closed on June 28. Along with Mr Issa, it is understood Martin Zaiter – who served on the council between 2017 and 2021 – and incumbent independent Georgina Valjak will wave the Liberal flag with one party representative in each of the five wards.

Tanya Raffoul, who worked as a parliamentary adviser and chief of staff for former Liberal MP David Elliott, is also tipped to run for the party.

Cr Issa was a councillor from 2012 and 2021 and was still undecided if he would throw his hat in the ring but has been tempted to have another tilt.

Tanya Raffoul and David Elliott.

Martin Zaiter. Picture: Keri Megelus

“Over the last two years it feels like Parramatta’s come to a grinding halt and we need experience back in the chamber to progress Parramatta, and understand how to deal with financial deficits without increasing the rates by 5.1 per cent particularly in a time of a cost-of- living crisis,’’ he said.

“I think Parramatta’s missed strategic policy direction, experienced governance and ambition.’’

It is understood former councillor Benjamin Barrak is forming a team and has been approached for comment.

Parramatta’s federal Liberal candidate Katie Mullens said she did not “have any role or comment in relation to local government”.

Former Liberal councillor Jean Pierre Abood has ruled out running again.

Outside the major two parties, the biggest tussle is expected to be in the Dundas ward between Our Local Community’s Michelle Garrard and independent Kellie Darley, who has formed the Community Champions party.

Like all wards there will be a Labor and Liberal representative and most likely leave room for just one independent, signalling the battle to be locked between councillors Darley and Garrard.

Michelle Garrard.

Kellie Darley. Picture: Josephine Sicad Photography

A defeat for Garrard could spell the end of a political dynasty with her father and sitting Cumberland councillor Paul Garrard serving in local government for 51 years, including several years as the Parramatta Lord Mayor.

Cr Garrard said “I like to think we’re going to have a successful election” and did not believe councillor Dan Siviero’s early exit from the Rosehill ward would harm her party’s campaign.

“It gives the community a wider choice of candidate but we’ve got a proven track record,’’ she said.

“For us, we’ve really started to build a brand and I like to think we’re going to have a successful election.’’

Cr Darley – the co-founder of the popular Parra Parents online forum – formed her Community Champions last year.

“For me it was about providing the community with a genuine representation,’’ she said.

“It was giving them an alternative to the major parties.’’

Labor’s Cameron Maclean said Cr Garrard’s campaign was under threat from Cr Darley.

“Michelle’s vote is under siege,’’ he said.

“I have no qualms about saying I hope Kellie prevails. I think Kellie’s been an incredibly visible councillor.’’

Cr Garrard laughed off the remarks and was confident she would be re-elected.

“I don’t feel like my vote is under siege,’’ she said.

“I’ve represented the community to the best of my ability since 2017 and I will continue to do that, and the votes are open to a democratic process.’’

Labor’s Paul Noack has shut down rumours he will jump ship to the OLC – a rumour that emerged because he was unlikely to win preselection over Labor’s Deputy Lord Mayor Patricia Prociv in the Rosehill ward.

“It’s definitely untrue,’’ he said. “I would never, ever do that.’’

Councillor Paul Noack. Picture: John Appleyard

Dan Siviero has resigned from the council to spend more time with family.

Cr Garrard also rejected the rumours about him joining her party and confirmed Lee Malkoun would replace Mr Siviero as the OLC Rosehill candidate.

The St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas teacher lives in Ryde but said he was involved with several sports clubs in the Parramatta area.

Along with the Cr Siviero’s departure, Labor’s Lord Mayor Pierre Esber will retire from the council after 25 years in the role, while the city’s first Greens councillor Phil Bradley will run as No. 2 on the ticket.

“I’m not intending to be re-elected but I’m intending to give guidance,’’ the 73-year-old said.

“I just needed a bit of rest from the local politics. I’m not getting any younger and I’ve let things slip behinds with friends and family, and want to give more attention to that area.’’

He has not ruled out another tilt at the federal poll.

The Greens hope to retain a presence locally with Judy Greenwood and Sophie Edington running for the Parramatta and Epping wards respectively.

Labor councillors Prociv, Maclean, Sameer Pandey and Ange Humphries have confirmed they will run again, as has veteran independent councillor Lorraine Wearne who has served on the council for 29 years.

OLC’s Henry Green and Donna Wang will also contest the September poll.

Cr Maclean expected the Liberals would return a candidate in each ward.

“They’re a major party and will pull a respectable vote but I think it will be depressed,’’ he said.