Following the recent PRCG Member Agency quarterly meeting, we are pleased to announce the Executive Appointments for 2025:
PRCG Chairperson: Councillor Penny Pedersen (City of Ryde Council)
PRCG Vice Chairperson: Councillor Kerrie Fergusson (Inner West Council)
Cr Pedersen was elected to City of Ryde Council in 2017 and soon after became Vice Chair of the PRCG. She served as an office-bearer for five years, playing a key role in the development of the Parramatta River Masterplan.
Cr Pedersen brings extensive experience from her diverse leadership roles across local government, environmental, media, and community sectors, along with a deep passion for wildlife conservation. She is excited to continue working with such a passionate and collaborative group dedicated to improving water quality and ensuring free, equitable access to natural swimming for our communities.
Cr Fergusson was appointed as the Inner West Council’s delegate to the Full Group in December 2024. She brings extensive knowledge of community and environmental issues, gained through her volunteer work and governance roles with non-profit organisations. Cr Fergusson is deeply committed to improving and preserving river health, ensuring that local residents can enjoy these natural resources while also protecting the surrounding ecosystems. She looks forward to contributing to the PRCG’s important work and being a part of the ‘Voice of the River’.
We also welcome the following Community Representatives who have joined the PRCG:
- Frank Breen – Ryde Hunter’s Hill Flora & Fauna Preservation Society (returning representative)
- Julia Strykowski – Friends of Toongabbie, Plastic Pluckers, PluckFastic (returning representative)
- Louise Swanson – The Harbour School Sydney
We wish the new office-bearers every success in their roles and look forward to working with them on our continued efforts to improve the waterway and ecological health of the Parramatta River catchment.
Image (from left): Councillor Penny Pedersen, Alexi Gilchrist (PRCG Coordinator), and Councillor Kerrie Fergusson.
