Published on:
Thursday, 5 March 2026
Key Points:
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin was elected yesterday as President of the Western Australian Local Government Association.
WALGA President Mark Irwin is highly qualified for the role with over a decade of Local Government leadership experience. First elected as a Councillor at the City of Stirling in 2015 and serving in his current role as City of Stirling Mayor since 2017. President Irwin also has a deep understanding of WALGA having previously served on WALGA State Council from 2017-2019, before being re-elected as a Zone Delegate of the WALGA Northern Metropolitan Zone and to State Council in 2025.
WALGA State Council also elected Shire of Northam President, Chris Antonio, as WALGA Deputy President. Mr Antonio has been a member of WALGA State Council since 2023 and sits on the WALGA Finance and Services Committee, in addition to being a Director of LGIS.
President Irwin said leading Western Australia's largest Local Government, the City of Stirling, for nearly a decade, demonstrated his commitment to public service and positioned him strongly to effectively advocate on behalf of WALGA's 139 Member Local Governments.
"I am honoured and grateful to have been elected as President of the Western Australian Local Government Association," President Irwin said.
"I am passionate about the role Local Government plays in making a better future for our communities.
"I am committed to upholding inclusive leadership that acknowledges the strength and depth of knowledge across WALGA State Council.
"I am keen to acknowledge the incredible contributions of Karen Chappel AM JP and Paul Kelly as former WALGA President and Deputy President. They have been incredible representatives for our sector.
“I want to continue to build on that success and bring an even stronger voice, ensuring WALGA is advocating effectively for the benefit of WA Local Governments and their communities.
“The best things happen in our local communities when Federal, State and Local Governments work collaboratively together.
“We want to work closely with the State and Australian Government, ensuring that the voice of our Members is heard, and that engagement and collaboration with Local Government happens when it matters most."
WALGA Chief Executive Officer Nick Sloan said the Association welcomed both President Irwin and Deputy President Antonio.
"We look forward to working together to drive results so that Local Governments are empowered to deliver for their communities." Mr Sloan said.
"WALGA extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the significant work of outgoing President Karen Chappel AM JP and Deputy President Paul Kelly and we celebrate and acknowledge their incredible achievements for the Local Government sector."
Both President Irwin and Deputy President Antonio have been elected on a two-year term, in accordance with WALGA's constitution.
- City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin elected as WALGA President
- Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio elected as WALGA Deputy President
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin was elected yesterday as President of the Western Australian Local Government Association.
WALGA President Mark Irwin is highly qualified for the role with over a decade of Local Government leadership experience. First elected as a Councillor at the City of Stirling in 2015 and serving in his current role as City of Stirling Mayor since 2017. President Irwin also has a deep understanding of WALGA having previously served on WALGA State Council from 2017-2019, before being re-elected as a Zone Delegate of the WALGA Northern Metropolitan Zone and to State Council in 2025.
WALGA State Council also elected Shire of Northam President, Chris Antonio, as WALGA Deputy President. Mr Antonio has been a member of WALGA State Council since 2023 and sits on the WALGA Finance and Services Committee, in addition to being a Director of LGIS.
President Irwin said leading Western Australia's largest Local Government, the City of Stirling, for nearly a decade, demonstrated his commitment to public service and positioned him strongly to effectively advocate on behalf of WALGA's 139 Member Local Governments.
"I am honoured and grateful to have been elected as President of the Western Australian Local Government Association," President Irwin said.
"I am passionate about the role Local Government plays in making a better future for our communities.
"I am committed to upholding inclusive leadership that acknowledges the strength and depth of knowledge across WALGA State Council.
"I am keen to acknowledge the incredible contributions of Karen Chappel AM JP and Paul Kelly as former WALGA President and Deputy President. They have been incredible representatives for our sector.
“I want to continue to build on that success and bring an even stronger voice, ensuring WALGA is advocating effectively for the benefit of WA Local Governments and their communities.
“The best things happen in our local communities when Federal, State and Local Governments work collaboratively together.
“We want to work closely with the State and Australian Government, ensuring that the voice of our Members is heard, and that engagement and collaboration with Local Government happens when it matters most."
WALGA Chief Executive Officer Nick Sloan said the Association welcomed both President Irwin and Deputy President Antonio.
"We look forward to working together to drive results so that Local Governments are empowered to deliver for their communities." Mr Sloan said.
"WALGA extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the significant work of outgoing President Karen Chappel AM JP and Deputy President Paul Kelly and we celebrate and acknowledge their incredible achievements for the Local Government sector."
Both President Irwin and Deputy President Antonio have been elected on a two-year term, in accordance with WALGA's constitution.
