Michael ‘Macca’ McGoldrick is the fresh face on the Melville council after last week’s extraordinary election
After more than 200 days, the vacancy on Melville council was filled by 2024 Melville community citizen of the year and disability support teacher Michael ‘Macca’ McGoldrick last Thursday.
The vacancy was created when a former councilor resigned following an unsuccessful bid in East Fremantle last September.
The City of Melville hosted an extraordinary election on March 26 to elect a new representative for the Palmyra-Melville-Willagee district.
Mr McGoldrick was one of five council candidates in the election.
This was Melville’s third run in the council election and he told PerthNow he was looking forward to using his platform to be a voice for the people.
“I had no big picture policies other than listening to the community and being an advocate and voice for the community,” he said.
“I want to connect, be a voice, and hopefully make sensible decisions for everyone.”
Disability support teacher Mr McGoldrick said he wanted to represent more “silent voices” in the community.
He tried to defend as many local groups as he could ahead of the election.
“A lot of it highlighted community groups that I was already involved with,” he said.
“There is a real focus on celebrating our good community groups from local schools, sports groups, rotary groups, RSL Bicton-Fremantle branch, football clubs, football clubs, families and parents.
“I made some fun videos on social media… hopefully it was a little uplifting.”
The father of four is also keen on community sports, particularly increasing girls’ participation by improving and investing in club facilities.
“The council is improving all of these things, but there are now so many families and more population that puts a bit more pressure on the need for more playgrounds and more space,” he said.
“My job is to get to know the community and all these groups and hopefully I can be their voice and work with the council.
“I look forward to collaborating and working together with other councilors and bringing a real spirit of friendship.”
Melville mayor Katy Mair congratulated the city’s new councillor.
“I congratulate and welcome councilor-elect Michael McGoldrick,” he said.
“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.”
Turnout for the extraordinary election in Melville was 20.96 percent, and nearly 3,000 official ballots were submitted. Mr. McGoldrick won by 985 votes.
He was sworn in to the council on Tuesday, March 31, joining council member Karen Wheatland in representing the interests of the Palmyra-Melville-Willagee area.
He will continue his duty until October 16, 2027.
