election marks a new chapter in her public service career in Australia, reflecting the participation of people of Indian heritage in local government
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Indian-origin councillor Sandhya Reddy has been elected the 73rd mayor of Strathfield Council in Sydney, Australia, following a vote by fellow councillors on 29 September 2026. She will serve in the position until September 2028, according to reports.
Reddy, widely known as Sandy, succeeds her previous role as deputy mayor, which she held from September 2025 until her election. She had also served as deputy mayor between September 2023 and September 2024. Councillor Esther Kim was elected deputy mayor for a term ending in September 2027.
Born in Telangana and educated in Hyderabad, Reddy studied law at Osmania University before building her professional career in Australia. Her qualifications include a Master of Anthropology and a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University. She has also worked in immigration and migration services.
Her involvement in public life developed through years of community service. Before entering local government, she supported newly arrived migrant families, participated in community initiatives and volunteered with Australia’s State Emergency Service. During the 2019–20 bushfire period, she assisted with the Bushfire Information Line. Strathfield Council recognised her contribution by naming her Local Citizen of the Year in 2020.
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Reddy was first elected to Strathfield Council in December 2021 and won re-election in 2024
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As a councillor, she has been involved in multicultural and community initiatives in the municipality, which lies in Sydney’s inner west
Her election has attracted attention among Indian-Australian communities. Media reports have described her as the first Indian-born migrant woman to become a mayor in Australia, although this distinction has not been independently established across all Australian councils.
As mayor, Reddy will work with fellow councillors and council staff on local issues, including urban development, public spaces, community facilities and services for residents.
