Former Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey has stepped aside to welcome a new Chairperson of Regional Development Australia Peel.
Byford resident John Erren was last night welcomed as the new Chair of Regional Development Australia Peel.
Mr Erren took on the role from successor Paddi Creevey, who has held the position since 2014 and been a member since 2010.
RDA is a national network of Committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the economic development of their regions.
Board members and Ms Creevey welcomed Mr Erren to the organisation and highlighted the opportunity his new appointment presented for the organisation to develop stronger links to Byford and the Serpentine Jarrahdale area.
“RDA Peel will be focused on looking at the whole of Peel, raising awareness, internally and externally, that Peel is a distinct region, and not an extension of metropolitan Perth," Mr Erren said.
“Some residents of outlying areas of the Peel may not realise they live in Peel region so we need to educate them, as well as decision makers, that we are regional and deserve our fair share of attention and assistance to help build a thriving, resilient and inclusive community."
A key leader in the re-development of the Byford District Country Club, Mr Erren said he was keen to use his role as Chair to be a strong advocate and voice for the Peel and continue to build on his internal and external relationships for the betterment of the Region.
“As an organisation RDA will continue to ask, 'what can we achieve as a community to make things better?'"
"We will continually be seeking to identify issue and challenges. This will start with addressing the need to employ an increasingly large amount of people across two high growth population centres.”
Outgoing Peel Chair Paddi Creevey said she was excited to welcome Mr Erren to the board.
“I am delighted that John has been appointed by the Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development & Cities to carry on the great work RDA Peel has done to date," she said.
"I have worked with John on several Boards in the past and he brings great passion for the Peel region and integrity to the role.”
Ms Creevey will continue to serve the region as the Chair of the Peel Development Commission.
Mr Erren has a background in technology, business management and local government and is passionate about holding bold and strategic conversations to help the Peel region.