Biography of Mayor

Cr Rochelle Porteous, Eora Ward (Leichhardt-Lilyfield)

Rochelle Porteous has been a Councillor on Leichhardt Council since 2004. She is Chair of the Traffic Committee, the Environment Committee, the Climate Change Taskforce, the Community Services, Safety and Facilities Committee and the Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Rochelle has been the driving force behind many Leichhardt Council initiatives to protect open space and ensure Council is more accountable to the community. She is a committed environmentalist and took the lead in getting Council to adopt the Urban Forest Policy and act locally on climate change.

Cr Porteous established the Seniors Council in 2007 and has been a leading figure on many local advocacy campaigns.

Rochelle grew up in Newcastle and has lived in the Leichhardt municipality for over a decade. She is married and speaks fluent Italian and Spanish. She holds a degree in Psychology and Geography (University of Newcastle) and a Masters in Communication Management (UTS). She also holds diplomas in media production, teaching and training. She has worked as a teacher, interpreter, filmmaker, an economic development manager, in small business running cafes and restaurants and as an advocacy campaigner for overseas aid and environmental charities.

She has taken unpaid leave from her current employment in order to be a full-time mayor.