New Councillor Sworn In After Melville's Extraordinary Election
The City of Melville has welcomed a fresh face to its council chambers, with 2024 Auspire Community Citizen of the Year Michael 'Macca' McGoldrick officially sworn in as the new representative for the Palmyra-Melville-Willagee ward. This appointment comes after a prolonged vacancy lasting more than 200 days, finally resolved through an extraordinary election held on March 26, 2026.
From Community Champion to Council Representative
Mr McGoldrick, a dedicated disability support teacher and father of four, secured his council position with 985 votes in an election that saw approximately 3,000 formal ballot papers submitted. The extraordinary election became necessary when a former councillor resigned in September 2025 to unsuccessfully contest the East Fremantle election, creating the vacancy that Mr McGoldrick has now filled.
"I didn't have any grand formal policies other than listening to the community, and being an advocate and a voice for the community," Mr McGoldrick told PerthNow following his election victory. "I want to be connected, be a voice, and hopefully make sensible decisions for everyone."
Third Time's the Charm for Community Advocate
This election marked Mr McGoldrick's third attempt to secure a position on the Melville council, demonstrating his persistent commitment to community service. Throughout his campaign, he emphasized his deep connections with local organizations and his desire to represent what he calls the "silent voices" within the community.
"A lot of it was highlighting the community groups I'm already involved with," he explained regarding his campaign strategy. "There was a real focus on celebrating our good community groups, from the local schools, sports groups, rotary groups, the RSL Bicton-Fremantle branch, footy clubs, soccer clubs and families and parents."
Focus on Community Engagement and Sports Development
Mr McGoldrick brings particular passion for community sport to his new role, with special emphasis on increasing girls' participation through improved club facilities and infrastructure. He recognizes the growing pressure on recreational spaces as Melville's population expands.
"The council are developing all that, but there are so many families now and more population puts a bit more pressure on needing more playing fields and more space," he noted, highlighting one of the key challenges facing the growing community.
His innovative campaign approach included creating engaging social media videos that he hoped would bring "a bit refreshing" perspective to local politics. This modern outreach strategy complemented his traditional community connections.
Official Welcome and Collaborative Future
Melville Mayor Katy Mair extended her congratulations to the newly elected councillor, stating: "I congratulate and welcome councillor-elect Michael McGoldrick on your election. On behalf of the city, I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with you to achieve our vision of a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Melville."
Mr McGoldrick was officially sworn into council on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, joining Councillor Karen Wheatland in representing the interests of the Palmyra-Melville-Willagee ward. He will hold this position until October 16, 2027, bringing what he describes as "a genuine friendly spirit" to council deliberations.
The extraordinary election achieved a turnout rate of 20.96 percent, reflecting community engagement with the democratic process despite the specialized nature of the single-ward election. Mr McGoldrick's election represents both recognition of his existing community contributions and confidence in his future council service.
"My role is knowing the community and all those groups, and hopefully I can be their voice and work together with the council," Mr McGoldrick affirmed, outlining his collaborative approach to local governance. "I'm looking forward to being collaborative and working with the other councillors."
