Community engagement
In 2012 with the help of a great team around me, I started Perth Young Professionals Inc., a 4000 + strong member not-for-profit group focused on supporting millennials. At the same time, I experienced the importance of the resources industry after 2 years with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) as a policy adviser focusing on land access issues and building relationships with stakeholders in the Kimberley Region.

Steady leadership in times of change
In 2015 I was elected to the City of Bayswater Council while working for the Chamber of Commerce & Industry. There was a lot of change in the air, with a brand new council coming in from all walks of life. To match our ambition for change, we brought in a new CEO. This experience has proven priceless as we worked together to tackle culture change, staffing restructures, all while concentrating on our customers who had been ignored for so long; the ratepayers and residents.

I made a point of smashing the entitlement culture of local councillors. Through my urging, we got rid of the clothing allowance, slashed travel budgets, and shone a spotlight on credit card expenses. Within a few short months the City was more accountable and importantly less of your money was being spent.

In 2017, acknowledging my interest in the most fundamental area of local government, I was chosen by my council colleagues to chair the Planning & Development Committee. I also represented the City on a range of external bodies like WALGA's zone board and other working groups and committees.

Realising just how important it is to be properly equipped with the skills of governance, budgeting and leadership, in 2017 I completed the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors and in 2018 I completed the Advanced Management Program at the AIM/UWA Business School. These skills and experiences put me in good stead to navigate the new City of Perth council environment as we progress into this new chapter.

Lifting the digital capacity of Western Australia
From 2018 to July 2020, I worked for NBN Co as the Manager of the WA Corporate & Community Affairs team. Working within Australia's largest infrastructure project, it was an amazing experience in helping so many different community groups, small businesses and government agencies across the state in getting the most out of this massive investment. Sure, it was a tough gig, NBN has its well-known flaws, but this baptism of fire in stakeholder relations has made me a better person and able to connect with and deliver for a diverse range of people across Perth.

While I really enjoyed the role, I decided to resign in July 2020 to focus 100% of my effort on my campaign for the City of Perth Council.

Perth's future
If you have ever spoken to me about our city and our future, you will know I have always held a strong passion for all things to do with Perth. As a parochial Western Australian, to start this next chapter, we first need to break the "potential" psyche and realise just how amazing our city is. We have a competitive advantage over the rest of the world. Clean environment, amazing weather, the right time zone to do business in Asia, comparable low cost of living and a city centre ripe for opportunity.

Please use this contact form to leave your details or email brent.fleeton@cityofperth.wa.gov.au and I'll get back to you ASAP.