Isabelle Shapiro elected Mayor of Woollahra
Isabelle Shapiro is the first-ever identifying Jewish woman to have been elected mayor of Woollahra, the Sydney municipality which includes some of the city’s most prestigious suburbs.
Straight down to business All Photos: Henry Benjamin
Mayor Shapiro gets a welcoming kiss from former Mayor Andrew Petrie
In Tuesday’s easily won contested election, Mayor Shapiro was handed the ceremonial mayoral chain by her outgoing predecessor Andrew Petrie. Woollahra is situated in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
South African-born Mayor Shapiro told J-Wire: “I joined the Council in 2004 and have twice held the position of Deputy Mayor and have been chairman of the Development Control Committee as well as holding the chairs of the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize and the legal committee.”
Before joining the Council, Mayor Shapiro was co-ordinator of the Bellevue Hill Action Group. She added: “That’s when I became passionate about planning and that’s what drew me into Council activities.”
Suburbs in Woollahra include Darling Point, Double Bay, Point Piper, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill and Woollahra.
The last identifying Jewish mayor in Woollahra was Leon Snider in 1944.
Isabelle Shapiro has been elected mayor for a 12-month period.
Deputy Mayor Peter Cavanagh and Mayor Isabelle Shapiro
Deputy Mayor Peter Cavanagh, Mayor Isabelle Shapiro and Andrew Petrie
Wonderful to see the Queen’s portrait clearly displayed in the council chambers. Excellent work Peter!
Congratulations, Mayor Shapiro! As a Bellevue Hill resident, it’s great to also see some continuity in the re-election of Peter Cavenagh as Deputy Mayor who I know takes his duties seriously. You’ll make a great team.
Congratulations Isabelle – wow I am so proud of you! Good luck for all that is to come! Best love
Congratulations Isabelle. All the best for the next twelve months.