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Our Board

The Board sets the strategic direction of the Commission which is aligned with the needs of community and business.  Membership comprises the CEO and six regional representatives who are appointed by the Minister for Regional Development. The Board meets 5 times per year in various locations throughout the Peel region. Any person or group wishing to make a presentation to the Board should telephone the Commission on 9535 4140 and ask to speak with the Executive Officer.
Myrianthe Riddy

Myrianthe Riddy

Chair & Community Representative
Term: 9/12/2024-31/12/2027

Myrianthe owns Sea West: this is a marine tourism company, based in Mandurah, Western Australia. Her company has successfully grown to be one of the largest operators in its sector, carrying tens of thousands of guests each year, while ensuring a high standard of safety and customer satisfaction.

Prior this she worked in the Oil and Gas sector. Here, after graduation from Cambridge University, she spent 17 years with Shell. She commenced as a graduate commercial trainee in London, then moved into LNG Trading and then Senior Commercial Management of LNG Joint Ventures, such as Qatargas 4 in Doha. This gave her valuable skills in business development, leadership and management, and allowed her to live internationally and work with diverse cultures.

Myrianthe is passionate about developing others, supporting industry and local communities. She was appointed as Chair of the Peel Development Commission in December 2024.

Natasha Upcott

Natasha Upcott

Community Representative
Term: 1/1/2025-31/12/2026

Natasha has been a teacher in Mandurah for 20 years, and Principal at Mandurah Primary School since 2011. During this time, she’s been involved in countless community projects and programs all aimed at supporting others and making Mandurah’s future strong.

Natasha’s strong vested interest in the community vision reflects her deep-rooted commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community across the Peel Region. She is passionate about the area’s future and dedicated to contributing to its growth and success. She is an advocate for technology-driven solutions that enhance the local economy and improves quality of life. Her passion for education translates into a commitment to developing well-defined educational pathways and preparing our youth for future opportunities. Appointed in August 2025, Natasha is Vice President of the Principals Federation of Western Australia. She is driven by a vision of a community that excels through shared values, strong partnerships, and a collective effort towards sustainable development.

Cr Mike Walmsley

Cr Mike Walmsley

Deputy Chair
Local Government Representative
Term: 22/4/2024-31/12/2026

Cr Walmsley has served on the Waroona Shire Council for over 18 years and held the position of President for 11 years and Deputy President for 2 years. He is the current Chair of Quambie Park Waroona, having served on this not-for-profit organisation for 23 years and as chair for over 17 years. 

Cr Walmsley has held ministerially appointed positions on the Peel Region Planning committee for the WAPC and is the WALGA Local Government representative on the Local Government Grants Scheme for Bush Fire Services through DFES since 2021. He currently chairs the Peel Alliance and is the Chair and State Councillor for the WALGA Peel Zone. He also sits on Harvey Water’s disputes panel.

Cr Walmsley holds farming interests and is an active volunteer bush fire brigade member.

Cr Caroline Knight

Cr Caroline Knight

Local Government Representative
Term: 3/3/2026-31/12/2028

Cr Knight brings extensive leadership and governance experience to her appointment to the Peel Development Commission Board. A long‑serving Councillor with the City of Mandurah, including previous terms as Deputy Mayor and Mayor, she has played a key role in guiding Mandurah through periods of sustained growth, regional collaboration and strategic transformation. Having lived in Mandurah for almost 30 years, she brings deep local knowledge and a strong commitment to the Peel region’s long‑term prosperity.

Her experience across regional planning, local government governance and community development provides a well‑rounded understanding of Mandurah’s role within the broader Peel economy. Cr Knight is recognised for her strategic, evidence‑based approach to decision‑making, with a clear focus on balancing economic development, environmental stewardship and social wellbeing.

With a professional background as a medical scientist and a long-standing commitment to community leadership, Cr Knight offers an informed and considered perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping Peel’s future. Her contribution to local government was formally recognised through the 2023 WALGA Local Government Merit Award for outstanding service.

Kallan Nannup

Kallan Nannup

Ministerial Representative
Term: 9/12/2024-31/12-2026

Kallan Nannup is a proud Noongar man from the Pinjarra/Mandurah region, with strong family ties to Yued, Whadjuk, Wilman, Wandandi and Bindjareb Country.

As Manager and Board Member of Winjan Aboriginal Corporation, Kallan leads the delivery of cultural, environmental, training and employment initiatives that create lasting benefits for Aboriginal people and Country. He plays a key role in assisting the Winjan Bindjareb Boodja Rangers and supporting projects that strengthen cultural knowledge, land management and community wellbeing.

Recognised as an emerging leader within the Bindjareb community, Kallan is guided by the wisdom and governance of his Elders. He is passionate about community development, building strong partnerships, and creating pathways for Aboriginal people through training, employment and leadership opportunities.

Kallan is committed to working collaboratively across government, industry and community sectors to achieve positive outcomes for the Peel region and future generations.

Sharon James

Sharon James

Ministerial Representative
Term: 26/2/2024-31/12/2026

Sharon James is a highly experienced senior executive in the community services sector incorporating both aged and disability care. She has been CEO of Quambie Park since 2018 and in this role Sharon has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting communities to be the best they can be. This commitment has involved investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services to ensure equitable access and opportunities for all members of the community.

She has a proven ability to seamlessly manage organisational and service transitions, introduce cultural change and lead organisations to new levels of operational effectiveness and efficiency. She is also experienced in formulating and managing operating and capital budgets; providing leadership to teams of professionals and service delivery managers.

Andrew Ward

Andrew Ward

Chief Executive Officer
Ex-officio

Andrew Ward is Chief Executive Officer of the Peel Development Commission and is a member of the Board.

Mr Ward joined the Commission in 2016 from his position as Director at the City of Karratha. With metropolitan and regional senior management experience in the local government environment and over 20 years’ experience in community services and administration management, he brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a proven ability to lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams.

Andrew enjoys active involvement in community groups, having formerly been on the committee of the Madora Bay Community Association and former Chair of the Board of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and the WA Regional Development Alliance.

If you wish to contact any of the Commission’s Board members, telephone the Commission on (08) 9535 4140 and ask for the Executive Officer or email eo@peel.wa.gov.au. Board member positions are advertised in the newspaper and on the Board Vacancies section of this website.