September has brought new leadership responsibilities for four South Asian councillors across Sydney, with Sandy Reddy elected Mayor of Strathfield and Shweta Deshpande, Masood Chowdhury and Eliza Rahman elected deputy mayors in Ryde, Campbelltown and Camden respectively.
The appointments bring Indian and Bangladeshi Australian representation into prominent civic roles. For the communities celebrating these achievements, they are also a reminder that participation in public life begins close to home, where council decisions shape neighbourhoods and everyday services.
Sandy Reddy elected Mayor of Strathfield
Councillor Sandy, also known as Sandhya, Reddy was elected the 73rd Mayor of Strathfield at Council’s ordinary meeting on 29 September 2026. She will serve until September 2028, alongside newly elected Deputy Mayor Esther Kim.
First elected to Council in December 2021 and re-elected in 2024, Reddy previously served two terms as Deputy Mayor, in 2023–2024 and 2025–2026.
A first-generation migrant from India, she brings experience in law, migration services and community volunteering. Her contribution to local life was recognised when she was named Strathfield’s Local Citizen of the Year in 2020.
“It is an honour to be elected Mayor and have the opportunity to serve the Strathfield local government area,” Reddy said following her election. She has emphasised listening to residents and working with councillors, staff and the wider community.
Her election has been welcomed by Indians in Sydney, which congratulated her on the milestone and highlighted the importance of inclusive public service in a culturally diverse municipality.
Shweta Deshpande returns as Ryde Deputy Mayor
Central Ward Councillor Shweta Deshpande was elected Deputy Mayor of the City of Ryde at the ordinary Council meeting on 22 September 2026. She will hold the position until September 2027, returning to a role she previously held in 2023.
Deshpande brings professional experience in strategic marketing and leadership within the pharmaceutical industry. She holds an MBA and an undergraduate degree in English Literature, and has received innovation awards for her approach to problem-solving and managing teams.
Following her election, she outlined her intention to work with Mayor Trenton Brown, fellow councillors and Council staff to support a vibrant, sustainable city for present and future generations.
Mayor Brown welcomed her appointment, recognising her strategic thinking and leadership experience.
Indians in Sydney also congratulated Deshpande, acknowledging her professional background and commitment to diversity, inclusion and sustainable living.
Masood Chowdhury elected Campbelltown Deputy Mayor
Councillor Masood Chowdhury was elected Deputy Mayor of Campbelltown on 1 September 2026 for a 12-month term, alongside re-elected Mayor Darcy Lound.
First elected to Council in 2016, Chowdhury takes on the deputy mayoralty for the first time. Members of the Bangladeshi community attended the meeting to support him, with his election drawing celebration among local residents. www.miragenews.com
Chowdhury secured nine votes from the 14 councillors present. In his remarks after the result, he thanked his supporters and family and placed service to residents at the centre of his new role.
“Being deputy mayor is not about the title, but about listening to the residents, it’s about service to the community,” he said.
His appointment follows an earlier milestone for Bangladeshi representation in Campbelltown, where Councillor Masud Khalil served as Deputy Mayor after his election in September 2023.
Eliza Rahman takes on Camden deputy mayoralty
Councillor Eliza Rahman was elected Deputy Mayor of Camden at the ordinary Council meeting on 8 September 2026, alongside newly elected Mayor Vince Ferreri.
A Bangladeshi Australian councillor elected on the Labor ticket in 2024, Rahman’s appointment has been warmly welcomed within the Bangladeshi community. Bangladeshi media have reported her election as a milestone for women from the diaspora in Australian local government.
“I can’t wait to continue to serve this wonderful community in my new position,” Rahman said in Council’s announcement.
Her new role comes as Camden continues to experience rapid population growth. Mayor Ferreri has identified the need for infrastructure to keep pace with that growth as an important area of advocacy for the Council.
Together, these four appointments offer South Asian communities visible examples of civic participation and leadership. Their responsibilities now extend to serving all residents of their respective council areas, listening to local concerns and helping guide decisions that will shape their communities.
