Mayor of The Hills Shire Council, Dr Peter Gangemi, reflected on his tenure from 2021 to 2024, describing it as the honour of his life to serve as Mayor.
"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to dedicate my efforts to improving the lives of our residents," Mayor Gangemi said.
"I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the past three years. We've stood strong for the values of The Hills, opposed overdevelopment, and increased our support for local community groups.
"One of the most gratifying accomplishments has been securing $168 million for crucial and new infrastructure projects, one of the largest in a term of Council. This included delivering Box Hill's first sportsfields at Brindle Parkway Reserve, North Kellyville's first sportsfields at Samantha Riley Drive Reserve, and many other significant projects."
Key achievements under Mayor Gangemi's leadership include:
- Infrastructure investment: Overseeing a $168 million program that delivered a multitude of recreational facilities during the Council term. This includes new sportsfields at Brindle Parkway Reserve, Samantha Riley Drive Reserve, Kenthurst Park, George Thornton Reserve, and Stringer Road Reserve, as well as new parks at Withers Road Reserve, Hannaford Avenue Reserve, McMillian Circuit Reserve, Deepwater Circuit Reserve, and Kumbatine Crescent Reserve. Additionally, new dog off-leash parks were established at Colbarra Place Reserve and Indwarra Avenue Reserve.
- Road funding success: Leading a campaign alongside Western Sydney mayors to secure funding under the Regional and Local Roads Repair Program. This resulted in an additional $11.1 million for road repairs across The Hills after three consecutive La Niña weather events.
- Community support: Allocating the largest-ever grants through the Community Grants Program, including two rounds of $40,000 for The Sanctuary – The Hills Women's Shelter, and $30,000 for the Lisa Harnum Foundation, specifically aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence.
- Advocacy for planned development: Positioning The Hills as a leader in the fight for properly planned communities supported by adequate infrastructure. This included opposing unsustainable housing targets, challenging Transport Oriented Development Precincts, the Low-and Mid-Rise Housing SEPP, the lifting of the cap on the Showground Precinct, and advocating against the Place Strategy for Cherrybrook Station.
- Business community engagement: Supporting local businesses by overseeing the delivery of the Economic Growth Plan, engaging with small businesses, serving as the patron of the WEXPO conference, and championing the upcoming 315 Business Summit.
- Multicultural engagement: Deepening ties with multicultural communities, including Indian, Chinese, Italian, African, Persian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan residents.
- Support for rural areas: Engaging with rural residents through local progress associations, securing the future of the Lower Portland Ferry, and promoting local tourism events such as 'A Taste of Wisemans' as part of the Orange Blossom Festival.
- Inclusive initiatives: Enhancing support for residents of all abilities by driving initiatives like the Hills Disability Inclusion Action Plan Reference Group, sensitive storytime and libraries, and introducing sensitive sessions at major events.
- New community events: Spearheading the introduction of popular new events, including the Orange Blossom Festival Night Markets and Parade, the Women's World Cup live site, and the Lantern Festival, which engaged thousands of Southeast Asian residents.
"I want to express my sincere gratitude to our residents," Mayor Gangemi added.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Mayor. Your support and trust over the past 12 years – first as a Councillor and then as Mayor – has meant the world to me. The overwhelming response from the community during my time in public life has been unprecedented for me.
"I firmly believe The Hills is one of the best places in the world to live and raise a family, and I look forward to continuing to support the residents and community groups of The Hills in any way I can."
