How the locals like it

Rhys Williams,
Mayor City of
Mandurah

I’ve lived in Mandurah since I was eight but even before then the family would visit my grandparents at Preston Beach every second weekend. They still have that house and I still love to visit.

Mayor Rhys Williams 1

Mandurah represents everything about the way I want to live – going down the beach for a snorkel, scuba dive, fish or surf, and hanging out with friends in the outdoors. Being Mayor means I have to travel a lot but every time I come home, I realise this is exactly where I want to be. 

The most special thing about Mandurah is the fact that while it’s grown and changed, it still retains that special sense of community.

Mandurah has always been a significant place in WA; everyone seems to have a story about crabbing or fishing here. Now we are also telling a new story of culture, food and excellent tourism experiences, but it magically retains that ‘second gear’ feel despite only being one hour away from Perth. Anyone can come down for the day, a weekend or the school holidays. There’s plenty to do.

We have an emerging cultural scene with world class shows and exhibitions at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, beautiful places to eat, great festivals and events happening year round, an evolving economy and business innovation with little start-ups in every corner. 

When people learn I’m the Mayor of Mandurah, the first thing they talk about is how beautiful the estuary and coastline are. They talk about the abundance of wildlife and beautiful nature experiences. There’s a real buzz about this place and it’s on the cusp of being WA’s next best thing.

WHERE DOES THE MAYOR CHILLOUT? 

  • Avalon Beach in Falcon – the best beach in Mandurah
  • Dwellingup – for the farmers market and nature

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how the
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