Table of contents

City Mayor

Mayor Amber Kearns

Mayor Kearns is a dedicated leader, community advocate, and collaborator who brings both lived experience and professional insight to her role. Known for saying she is “not here for politics, but for people,” Mayor Kearns leads with authenticity, integrity and presence. She believes leadership is about showing up, listening deeply, and delivering tangible outcomes that improve everyday life. Her approach is collaborative and service-oriented, grounded in fairness, compassion and a strong sense of shared purpose.

She was first elected as a Councillor in 2021 and quickly became known for her hands-on, solutions focused leadership grounded in compassion, integrity, and genuine connection to community. She holds a Diploma in Local Government and was awarded the Jacqui Dodd Scholarship in 2022 for her commitment to local leadership.

A Mandurah local since 1993, she has spent over 30 years living, working, and volunteering across the community. Her experience spans Centrelink, school chaplaincy, and service on multiple not-for-profit boards, including Allambee Counselling and WestAus Crisis & Welfare Services, giving her deep insight into challenges such as youth disengagement, mental health, and generational disadvantage.

The Mayor is a strong advocate for young people, serving on school boards and working closely with local students and families. As a small business owner and mother of three, she champions safe neighbourhoods, strong local economies, and inclusive communities.

The Mayor is committed to ensuring Mandurah thrives as a city where every resident feels valued and connected.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel
  • South West Regional Road Group
  • WALGA Peel Country Zone
  • Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel
  • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee

Coastal Ward

Councillor Jacob Cumberworth

Cr Jacob Cumberworth is a dedicated advocate for collaborative leadership and community engagement. As the father of four children and husband to a doctor, he deeply understands the importance of working together to create a better future for all. With a background as an Environmental Engineer contributing to the development of critical infrastructure in Western Australia, Cr Cumberworth brings a wealth of experience and a passion for preserving our environment to his role as an Elected Member.

Cr Cumberworth's decision to serve on the Council is driven by his commitment to creating a city that is not only affordable but also offers ample opportunities for its residents, especially the younger generation. He firmly believes that effective leadership is rooted in collaboration, and he is dedicated to working closely with the community to address their concerns and aspirations.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Mandurah Environmental Advisory Group
  • Peron Naturaliste Partnership
  • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee
  • Mandurah Estuarine Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan

Councillor Jess Smith

Elected as Deputy Mayor in October 2025, Jess is an esteemed member of the community, deeply committed to the betterment of Mandurah and its residents. This role further demonstrates her strong leadership skills and dedication to serving the community.

With a decade-long career as a practicing Paramedic, she brings invaluable experience and a profound understanding of public health and safety issues to her role as an Elected Member. Alongside her husband and young son, Jess is an active participant in various community initiatives, particularly within the Coastal Ward, where she resides.

Cr Smith's decision to serve as an Elected Member stems from her unwavering belief in the importance of local representation that truly mirrors the values and needs of the community. She recognises firsthand the challenges faced by working parents, families, and seniors in our area, and is dedicated to addressing these issues head-on.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Access and Inclusion Advisory Group
  • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel
  • Mandurah Local Emergency Management Advisory Committee

Councillor Owen Mulder

Cr Mulder brings extensive governance and leadership experience to the City of Mandurah, drawing on a senior career in engineering and management across Western Australia and overseas. His background has shaped a strategic, well-informed approach to decision making and clear commitment to accountable local government. 

Living in Falcon, he values the natural character and lifestyle that define the region. His focus is on protecting these environmental assets while supporting access to essential services, safe neighbourhoods, and well-planned community facilities.

Cr Mulder is committed to advocating for the needs of the community, and to ensuring local needs and aspirations inform Council’s planning and long-term direction.

With his professional expertise, understanding of the community, and collaborative approach, Cr Mulder is dedicated to helping shape a stable, responsible, and forward looking future for Mandurah.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel
  • Mandurah Local Emergency Management Advisory Committee
  • Mandurah Bushfire Advisory Committee
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee

Address: PO Box 210, Mandurah WA 6210


East Ward

Councillor Daniel Wilkins

Councillor Daniel Wilkins has been proud to call Mandurah home for more than 35 years, ever since his father established a small business in the area. Over that time, he has developed deep community connections — being educated locally, starting his working life here, and now raising his two children in Dudley Park where he lives with his wife.

Cr Wilkins worked in the media industry for 30 years before taking on his current role as a Research Officer, a position that focuses on strong stakeholder engagement, community connection and improving advocacy. These skills underpin his approach to local government and his commitment to genuine community representation.

Since being elected in 2021, Cr Wilkins has built a reputation as one of Council’s most engaged and accessible members. Working alongside the community, he has helped secure long-overdue investment into the East Ward, including upgrades to local parks and reserves, and significant progress on the Coodanup Foreshore redevelopment.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel
  • Mandurah Performing Arts Inc Board
  • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee

Councillor Jenny Green

Cr Jenny Green serves the City of Mandurah as the elected Councillor for the East Ward, bringing a professional background as a qualified psychologist and experience across both government and private sectors. Her work has equipped her with a strong understanding of community needs, decision-making processes, and the importance of accessible, accountable local leadership.

In addition to her professional career, Cr Green contributes to the community as a Justice of the Peace, a role that reflects her commitment to public service and her reputation as an approachable, trusted member of the Mandurah community.

Cr Green values the depth of Mandurah’s community resources and the important networks that support residents and organisations alike. With her experience and knowledge of Local Government, she is dedicated to advancing these strengths and helping shape a cohesive, forward-looking future for Mandurah.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel
  • Mandurah Bushfire Advisory Committee
  • Peel Mosquito Management Group
  • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee

Councillor Shannon Wright

Cr Shannon Wright is a dedicated advocate for the Mandurah community, deeply invested in its vibrant lifestyle, local identity, and shared future. Alongside his wife and four children, he actively participates in local events, sporting groups, and community initiatives, valuing the strong sense of belonging that makes Mandurah unique.

As Principal of Greenfields Primary School and a Board Member of Oakwood Primary School, Cr Wright brings extensive leadership, governance experience, and a strong focus on community development to his role as an Elected Member. His background in education and system-wide school improvement shapes a practical approach centred on people, opportunity, and long-term prosperity.

Cr Wright’s vision for Mandurah is one of growth, liveability, and opportunity. He is committed to responsible decision-making, transparent communication, and supporting the initiatives that strengthen Mandurah’s economy, community, and future readiness.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Access and Inclusion Advisory Group
  • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel
  • Peel Mosquito Management Group
  • WALGA Peel Country Zone
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee

North Ward

Councillor Ahmed Zilani

Councillor Ahmed H. Zilani has been an Australian citizen since 2002 and has proudly called Mandurah home with his family since 2010. He values Mandurah as one of Australia’s most liveable cities, known for its natural beauty, strong community spirit, and family-friendly lifestyle.

Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering with Cum Laude honours from Alabama A&M University, USA (1991), where he was named on the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement. In 1989, he made history when he was elected Student Body President at Indiana State University, USA, becoming the first non-American to hold the position.

With more than 20 years of business and leadership experience, Ahmed brings strong capabilities in negotiation, strategic planning, corporate governance, financial management, and community advocacy. His career has spanned both white-collar and blue-collar roles and included extensive international experience, providing him with a broad and practical perspective that he now applies to addressing local issues in Mandurah.

Since being elected to the City of Mandurah Council in 2019, Ahmed has served as a full-time and highly accessible representative for the community.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee
  • South West Regional Road Group

Councillor Caroline Knight

Cr Knight brings extensive leadership experience to the City of Mandurah, shaped by long service as a Councillor and previous terms as Deputy Mayor and Mayor. She has lived in Mandurah for almost 30 years and has played a significant role in guiding the city through periods of growth, change, and regional collaboration.

Her experience in regional planning, governance, and community development has given her a strong understanding of Mandurah’s opportunities and long-term priorities. She brings a strategic, evidence-based approach to decision making and a clear focus on balancing economic development, environmental stewardship, and social wellbeing.

With a professional background as a medical scientist and long-standing commitment to community involvement, Cr Knight offers a thoughtful and informed perspective on the issues shaping Mandurah’s future. Her leadership has been recognised through the 2023 WALGA Local Government Merit Award for outstanding contribution to Local Government.

Cr Knight remains committed to providing steady, collaborative leadership and supporting a stable, responsible, and forward looking future for Mandurah.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Mandurah Environmental Advisory Group
  • Peel Development Commission
  • Peron Naturaliste Partnership
  • Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel
  • Australian Coastal Council Association
  • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
  • Mandurah Estuarine Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan

Councillor Peter Jackson

Cr Jackson is a local broadcaster and High School teacher.

With a 41-year career in Media, 22 of those in Mandurah with West Coast Radio (6mm and The Wave), and 12 years in local high schools, he has a good understanding of our city. He is married with five children and 7 grandchildren and knows the challenges facing families and young adults in Mandurah.

He is passionate about realising the potential in people and our region and has served as Chair of the Mandurah Liquor Advisory, as well as the City of Mandurah’s Audit and Risk Committee and Committee of Council. He has formerly been an active member of the MAPTO Board, Community Grants Panel, City of Mandurah Executive Committee, and is currently chair of the Planning and Community Consultation Committee and is on the City’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Cr Jackson is committed to building capacity in the community through sensible and sustainable activities, projects, and policies that support and encourage growth and depth in Mandurah. He values integrity and believes that everyone has something to contribute. He believes in responsible stewardship of our natural environment that considers the needs of current and future residents.

He says “We live in an amazing city that is brimming with potential and is well on-track for a bright and prosperous future. I’m excited and honoured to be a part of it!”

Positions held on Committees:

  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee
  • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

Town Ward

Councillor Dave Schumacher

Cr Dave Schumacher, a Mandurah resident for 33 years, is well known for his years of dedication to the people of Mandurah serving as a Town Ward City Councillor for the past 16 years, and for his tireless and committed charity work in the areas of Mental Health, Suicide, Homelessness and Domestic Violence. Dave is recognised for his fundraising efforts having personally raised over $350,000 to assist local families and local charities in need.

Cr Schumacher was nominated for Australian of the Year in 2016 and for WA Community Service Award in 2018 in recognition of his on-going contribution to the Mandurah Community. He has held positions on at least 20 Boards/Committees representing the City of Mandurah as well as 17 Charity/Not for Profit Boards and Committees throughout the last 16 years, as part of his own personal commitment to our community.

He is committed to continuing his fight to bring a full University Campus to Mandurah and the Peel Region, as a university will attract industry and business to our region and will ensure that we build a self-sustainable and stable local economy through providing jobs.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel
  • Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee

Councillor Peter Rogers

Cr Rogers has been an engaged resident of Mandurah for his entire life, and applies an independent, passionate and common-sense approach to his duties on Council.

He currently works for Edith Cowan University and has degrees in law, business, international studies and public policy.

Cr Rogers is committed to economic development, healthier communities and environmental protection, and has been active in the local sports and arts communities.

He currently serves on the board of the South West NRM, is the Company Secretary of ALSWA and is a member of the WA Local Government Standards Panel.

He believes the City must address crime and safety, revitalise the city centre, grow tourism opportunities and assist in creating job diversification and youth employment.

Cr Rogers intends to continue serving in your interest with integrity and civility, and delivering results for the economy, our community and the environment.

Councillor Ryan Burns

Cr Ryan Burns is honoured to bring his passion, energy and years of professional experience to support local businesses, protect our coastal environment and represent the interests of our community.

In his role as Councillor, Cr Burns will play an integral part in shaping our city’s future while focusing strongly on the effective and efficient delivery of services to Mandurah residents and businesses.

Mandurah has been Ryan’s home for 40 years. He grew up in Mandurah and lives here with his partner, Ange, who runs a small local business.

After working throughout WA and overseas, he worked locally as an engineer for 10 years. Cr Burns is now focusing full time on his role as Councillor and his role as father to twins, Olive and Sebastian.

Ryan is very active in our community and is dedicated to our local sporting, environmental and community groups.

Positions held on Committees:

  • Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel
  • Planning and Community Consultation Committee


Other helpful resources

Council meetings

Council meetings

Information about upcoming Council meetings and how to attend or watch.

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Elections

Elections

Information about local government elections, voting, and candidate details.

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