Businesswoman Melissa D’Ath joins Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council after Paula Cristoffanini’s exit

Local business operator Melissa D’Ath was sworn in as a Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillor on Monday.

The move plugs the gap left by the resignation of deputy shire president Paula Cristoffanini, who has moved to Perth due to family commitments.

Cr D’Ath was next on the list for the seat after last October’s local government election, trailed by ex-developer and former DevelopmentWA committee member Reg Gillard.

Her term will expire in 2027.

Cr D’Ath was sworn in before colleagues and in the company of her family and supporters.

She told the Times it was a privilege to join the council ranks and have a chance to represent ratepayers in decision making.

“I’m so grateful to live on Wandandi Boodja and am eager to safeguard what makes the region so special while supporting our diverse community,” she said.

Cr D’Ath moved to the region in 2006 and served for three years as the president of the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce, which has since rebranded as the Margaret River Business Network.

During this period she established two businesses — the Margaret River Artisan Store and Retyre — and focused on supporting local creators as well as reducing waste.

She amalgamated the two businesses last month.

Cr D’Ath was also the driving force behind last summer’s Margaret River Beach Bus, which ran in partnership with South West Taxis.