Mayor Gail has lived in the City of Willoughby with husband Jon, and children Miriam and Lincoln, since 1996. She is passionate about community.
Mayor Gail was first elected as a Councillor for Sailors Bay Ward in 2009, became Deputy Mayor in 2013, and was elected Mayor of Willoughby City Council in April 2014. She is Willoughby’s second popularly elected mayor and the 50th Mayor in the City’s history.
Since taking office, Mayor Gail has sought to promote Chatswood as an economic and cultural hub. As a result of her leadership, the exciting Vivid Light Festival was displayed outside the City of Sydney for the first time in 2015, bringing many first time visitors to Chatswood. Mayor Gail has been supportive of the Chatswood Interchange project, enhancing Chatswood’s reputation as one of Sydney’s premier food destinations.
Mayor Gail has also established excellent working relationships with key businesses and professional groups in the Chatswood CBD, and is Council’s representative on the Sydney North Planning Panel, which considers major planning initiatives in the region. She regularly advocates to enhance the village atmosphere enjoyed by many residents in Artarmon, Castlecrag, Castle Cove, Chatswood West, Naremburn, Northbridge and Willoughby.
She is a strong supporter of Bushcare, having been a founding member and Vice-President of the national Bushcare’s Major Day Out event and was a regular at the Oriel Reserve Bushcare Group.
The Mayor is an honorary member of Chatswood, Chatswood Sunrise and Northbridge Rotary Clubs.
At present, Council’s financial position is strong, reserves are healthy and assets in good condition. The Chatswood CBD planning strategy, delivery of upgraded sports and recreation facilities and continued advocacy for school and transport infrastructure are some of our recent initiatives seeking to assure good outcomes for the community. Council is also seeking to increase its influence in regional decision making and service efficiencies, by partnering and working with government and other key stakeholders. Examples include strategic planning input around the Greater Sydney Commission’s North District Plan, work combining waste services with other Local Government Areas and acting as president of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils which collaborates on key issues and develops strategies to benefit the region as a whole.
Mayor Gail’s priorities include improving traffic and parking congestion in the Willoughby LGA; working to optimise sport and recreation facilities available to Willoughby residents, both young and aged; continuing to develop Willoughby’s arts and entertainment offerings; and ensuring appropriate protection for the City’s unique natural and built heritage.
Prior to being elected to Council, Gail was President of the Wenona Parents’ Association and Vice President of NSW Parents’ Council. She was NSW Parents Council representative at SHORE for 12 years. She holds a Bachelor of Business degree from UTS, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and worked with high profile Australian financial services organisations as a Project Manager.