Matt Gould, a lifelong resident of Warragamba/Silverdale, is the father of three and an unmanned aerial vehicle pilot. He has been actively involved in various local committees, groups, and initiatives, including the Silverdale Rural Fire Brigade.
Gould has served as a Wollondilly Councillor since 2016 and held the role of Deputy Mayor from December 2018 to September 2020.
In December 2021, Matt Gould was elected as Wollondilly Shire's first ever popularly elected Mayor after a highly contested race. He thanked the community for their support during his grassroots campaign and expressed his eagerness to begin his term, emphasizing his commitment to serving the entire Shire.
Gould aims to work closely with Councillors and Council staff to ensure Wollondilly receives the necessary infrastructure to manage growth challenges while preserving the Shire’s unique village character and semi-rural lifestyle. He is focused on developing tourism and agriculture in the region.
Gould is committed to environmental conservation, as demonstrated by his efforts to secure funding for a koala care center at the Wildlife Health and Conservation Hospital at the University of Sydney’s School of Veterinary Science. He continues to advocate for measures to protect wildlife, including koala habitats and wildlife overpasses on busy roads.
Gould is dedicated to ensuring that Wollondilly gets the infrastructure needed to support its growth. This includes managing growth challenges while protecting the Shire’s character and lifestyle.
Gould values community involvement and is committed to maintaining an inclusive and transparent council. He regularly updates residents through the "Mayor's Message," providing insights and updates on local initiatives and developments.
Under Gould's leadership, Wollondilly Shire secured $4.5 million in funding for a koala care center and an additional $500,000 to support local wildlife carers. This initiative aims to enhance koala rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts in the Shire.
Gould holds several key positions within the Council, including Deputy Chair of the Performance Strategic Reference Group, Chair of the Agricultural and Rural Industries Advisory Group, and Chair of the Indigenous Culture and Heritage Advisory Group.
He also serves as a Councillor representative on the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), Sydney South West Planning Panel, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee Bush Fire Management Committee, and Yerranderie Management Committee.
Gould's commitment to the Wollondilly community is evident in his proactive approach to governance and dedication to environmental sustainability. His leadership focuses on balancing growth with the preservation of the Shire's unique character and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.