Peter and Matt Rogers
Camera IconPeter and Matt Rogers Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mandurah the city of brotherly love

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

IN what is a first for Mandurah, two brothers will have seats at the City of Mandurah council table.

But there will not be any sibling rivalry between Councillors Peter and Matt Rogers over the next few years.

It was Peter who inspired Matt to run for Mandurah council.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“Our family wasn’t, and still isn’t, very political,” Matt said.

“However, our parents always encouraged us to be active and involved in our community through sporting groups, theatre, scouts and volunteering.

“Additionally, growing up in a household with parents who are teachers, we were always encouraged to have opinions and conversations about issues in our community from a young age.”

Matt said it dining room conversations which led him to study city planning and Peter law, which eventually led to them both running for council.

Peter said their parents were both excited to hear Matt had been elected.

The siblings have spent most of their lives living in Mandurah and both have a positive vision for the city.

“We fought on occasions growing up, like most brothers, and there is still a good-natured sibling rivalry, but Peter and I are committed when it comes to working together on council,” Matt said.

“Councillors don’t always agree on every issue, and I’m sure Matthew and I will have instances were we vote different ways,” Peter said.

“That’s a good thing, because it shows that all elected members on this council have their own unique, strong voice to bring to the chamber – Matthew and I are no exception to that.

“More importantly though, I’ve never seen a council so united in vision, direction and positive aspiration for our beautiful City; exciting times are ahead in Mandurah’s future.”

Peter does not want to remain on council forever and said the day he is not bringing new ideas to council, “is the day another member of the community should run”.

Both agree that Mandurah and the region’s biggest issue is jobs and unemployment.

The brothers addressed their youth – Matt is 25-years-old and Peter 28.

“I am sure some people may judge you negatively on your age,” Matt said.

“I think as more young people are putting their hands up for council, it is becoming less of an issue.

“I believe people want to see councillors with ideas, energy and common sense, who will work collaboratively and professionally for them. Age really isn’t an issue, if you can do that.”

Peter said as long as someone has the energy, drive and passion to be a councillor then age shouldn’t matter.

“I should be judged on how well I represent the interests of ratepayers – not my age,” he said.