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.
Board Members
Myrianthe Riddy
Chair & Community Representative
Term: 9/12/2024-31/12/2027
Ms Riddy was on the board of the Rottnest Island Chamber of Commerce until mid-2024, as well as previously serving on the board of the Tourism Council of Western Australia and Destination Perth. She brings with her senior leadership experience in the private sector, working for 17 years in various management positions for Shell, before moving to Mandurah and establishing her tourism charter business Sea West in 2017.
Ms Riddy’s appointment follows the departure of outgoing chair David Doepel, who finished up in the role in June 2024 after more than four years of service to the Development Commission.
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. 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
Deputy Chair 
Local Government Representative
Term: 22/4/2024-31/12/2026
Cr Walmsley has resided in Waroona since birth and continues to work and live with his wife on their farming property. They have enjoyed raising four children on their farm in Waroona. Agriculture and beef production has been the foundation of his career which has also stemmed into transport and retail opportunities in the region. He has served on the Waroona Shire Council for over 16 years and held the position of President for 9 years and Deputy President for 2 years. He is the current Chair of the board of Quambie Park Waroona, which is an organisation that provides aged care services across the Peel. He has served on this not-for-profit organisation for 21 years and has held the boards support to chair it for over 15 years. Cr Walmsley has held ministerially appointed positions on the Peel Region Planning committee for the WAPC and holds the position of the WALGA Local Government representative on the Local Government Grants Scheme for Bush Fire Services through DFES since 2021. He is the current Chair of the Peel Alliance and Deputy Chair of the WALGA Peel Zone. Apart from farming, Cr Walmsley is also an active volunteer bush fire brigade member and has volunteered at WA’s premium agricultural show in Waroona for over 40 years. The Peel region has an abundance of potential and Cr Walmsley is grateful for the opportunity to see sustainable growth and development through his role on the Peel Development Commission Board.
Cr Bob Pond
Local Government Representative
Term: 22/4/2024-31/12/2026
Cr Pond has worked in water and land use planning in urban and rural setting for 31 years, 25 of those in the Peel Region. He has contributed to the community with over 20 years with the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and was elected to the City of Mandurah Council in October 2021. A Falcon resident since 1999, Cr Pond raised his family in Mandurah and operates a successful bed and breakfast in Falcon with his partner through which he has gained significant insight into the effort required to operate a small business. Cr Pond has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation and Park Management and a Post Grad Diploma of Science in Environmental Management.
Kallan Nannup
Ministerial Representative
Term: 9/12/2024-31/12-2026
Kallan is a Director of Winjan Aboriginal Corporation and a very well-known and highly respected, proud Noongar man from Pinjarra who is an active community leader and role model in our community, volunteering an enormous amount of his time to running not only the Winjan organisation, but mentoring Aboriginal youth, being program coordinator of the Bindjareb Boodja Rangers program and also running a successful local painting business which is 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated. He also sits on the College Board of Coodanup College, one of the Peel region’s high schools and is focused on bringing people together, to walk together to achieve solid outcomes for Aboriginal people on country.
Sharon James
Ministerial Representative
Term: 26/2/2024-31/12/2026
Sharon 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.
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.