Political career
City of Joondalup
In May 2006,Pickard was elected as the third mayor of the City of Joondalup at the age of 33,he was the youngest mayor in WA and one of the youngest in Australia at the time. [16] [17] He won 15% of the vote,and beat ten other candidates. [16] This was three years after the previous Joondalup council had been sacked. Between December 2003 and his election in May 2006,the City of Joondalup was controlled by state government appointed commissioners. [18] He was re-elected in 2009,gaining 54% of the vote and beating two other candidates,and in 2013,gaining 57% of the vote and beating one other candidate. [15] [16]
Under Pickard's leadership,Joondalup experienced significant economic development. In 2014,he announced that over $1 billion had been invested in the city within a single year,reinforcing its status as Western Australia's "second CBD" and attracting new business and investment to the northern corridor. [19]
In 2015,Pickard announced the Tri-Cities Alliance,a collaboration between the cities of Joondalup,Stirling and Wanneroo. The alliance aimed to coordinate regional development,promote economic growth and advocate for infrastructure investment. It lobbied the federal government to invest in the area,highlighting the region's potential as a major population and economic hub. [20] [21] The alliance also focused on attracting investment,creating job opportunities,supporting improvements to transport,healthcare and educational infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing community. [22] [23]
Pickard was instrumental in many major infrastructure projects. He championed the investment of almost $20 million in new community facilities and negotiated the $4 million investment into the State Government owned and operated HBF Arena. Pickard also helped secure State Government support for the Ocean Reef Marina,a $120 Million initiative aimed at transforming the Ocean Reef Boat Harbour into a vibrant marine precinct. He also lobbied for commitments for other key projects including the Joondalup Performing Arts and Cultural Facility,Coastal Kiosks/Cafes and the development of the City of Joondalup's Central Business District. [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29]
The City of Joondalup undertook other significant projects during his tenure,such as the Warwick Hockey Centre (Later renamed the Troy Pickard Hockey Centre),a $6.3 million facility featuring international-standard pitches and clubroom facilities,which became a hub for hockey in the northern suburbs. [30]
In 2011,the City of Joondalup was named the “World’s Most Liveable City”at the UN-endorsed International Awards for Liveable Communities (for Cities with a population from 150,000 to 400,000). [24] [31] [32]
In October 2017,Pickard was recognised in the Australian House of Representatives by the Member for Moore,Ian Goodenough,for his “exemplary service”to the Joondalup community and to local government nationally,highlighting his stable and visionary leadership and his contributions to the economic and community development of the City. [33]
In June 2017,Pickard announced his intention to stand for re-election at the 2017 mayoral election,citing concerns about other candidates supporting "kneejerk reactions addressing a local issue just to sweep up a handful of votes rather than consider the broader ramifications and implications for the City". He also emphasised the importance of the Joondalup Performing Arts Centre and the need for a mayor who is "youthful,energetic,well-connected,had a vision for the future" and “does not react to the squeaky wheel”. He added that “if I feel that a person puts their hand up that is capable and confident to do the job,then I would step aside.” [16] In July,following a meeting with Albert Jacob,former Liberal member for Ocean Reef and former Environment Minister,who flagged his intention to run for mayor,Pickard announced he would retire at the next election. He said,"With a person like Albert Jacob putting his hand up,I'm confident the community will have a good option." Reflecting on a decade of leading the city,he said it was the right time to step aside and "make way for a new mayor". [34] [35] [36] Jacob subsequently won the election,succeeding Pickard as mayor. [37]
WALGA
On 13 December 2007,Pickard was elected deputy president of the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA). [38] [39] On 7 April 2010,Pickard was elected as the president of WALGA,after previous president Bill Mitchell resigned. [39] [40]
This period is marked by significant challenges for the local government sector,and Pickard's leadership was instrumental in navigating the complexities of local government reform and financial sustainability. Although WALGA initially supported the state government's proposals for forced council amalgamations, [41] Pickard became a vocal opponent, [10] arguing that the reforms lacked adequate funding and could place undue strain on councils. [42] [12] [43] He also fiercely defended local government against criticism from the state,rejecting claims that councils were a major source of corruption and emphasising the need for collaboration and consultation rather than top-down mandates. [42] Pickard advocated for sustainable local government through integrated planning,shared services,targeted training,and other sector-led initiatives. [42]
Pickard's tenure also coincided with a period of "reform fatigue" within the sector. Many councils and shires were feeling exhausted following extensive sustainability reviews and community consultations. Pickard acknowledged these challenges and advocated for a reassessment of the reform agenda,emphasising the need for policies that were both effective and considerate of the capacities of local councils. [44]
He stayed in his role at WALGA until 1 July 2015,wanting to stay until the end of the state government's local government mergers. [45]
ALGA
On 12 November 2014,Pickard was elected president of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA),becoming the first Western Australian to hold the position in 30 years. [46] [47] [48] His election coincided with a period of concern within the local government sector over federal funding cuts,particularly the freeze on Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs),which collectively affected councils by $925 million through 2017–18. [47]
As President of the Australian Local Government Association,Pickard was a member of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG),which comprised the Prime Minister,Premiers and Chief Ministers of the states and territories,and the ALGA President. [49] [50] [51]
Pickard successfully led ALGA's campaign to restore the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants,controversially frozen by the Coalition government in 2014. ALGA's success in securing an extra $1.105 billion in Roads to Recovery funding in June 2015,was the biggest single funding injection local government had received from the Federal government. [7] [52]
As ALGA President,he advocated for the interests of councils nationwide,emphasising the importance of securing adequate federal funding and representing regional issues. His leadership was described as reflecting the growing significance of Western Australia in national local government discussions and his ability to synthesise the challenges and capabilities of local communities to negotiate outcomes with the federal government. [47] [9]
On 12 November 2016,Pickard left his role as president of ALGA after serving one term. [53]
State politics speculation
In a 2010 interview,Pickard said he would not rule out a foray into state or federal politics,stating,“I think it is fair to say when it's in your blood,it's in your blood.” [54]
Throughout Pickard's career in local government,there was speculation that he would seek Liberal Party preselection for state parliament. [55] In 2014,Pickard was considered a frontrunner for Liberal preselection in the seat of Hillarys, [56] alongside Peter Katsambanis,amid uncertainty over the position of sitting MP Rob Johnson. [57] Despite this speculation,Pickard did not pursue preselection. [58] [59]
In 2017,when discussing his decision to retire at the next Joondalup mayoral election,Pickard told the Joondalup Weekender that he was unsure what was next for him,but it would “definitely not”be state or federal politics. [60]
Private sector
Prior to local government,Pickard was the sales manager for Metso Minerals (Asia Pacific) where he was responsible for the successful reconfiguration of the distribution network in the region. [61]
Pickard was also a Senior Project Director at The Right Group from 2004 - 2005. [61]
In June 2016,Pickard founded Franchise Fusion Group,which was the Western Australian master franchisee of the Bucking Bull roast meat restaurant chain. [62] In late 2017,Pickard opened a nitro coffee shop named Primal Pantry in Brookfield Place. [63] Primal Pantry was operated by a subsidiary of Franchise Fusion Group. By January 2020,Franchise Fusion Group and its subsidiaries were in liquidation,with over $1 million of creditor claims. [64]
He was later the General Manager for Global Drone Solutions. [61]
Personal life
In October 2006,Pickard married Felicity Cooper at St Edmunds Anglican Church in Wembley. [81] The couple had three children:a son,Mason (born November 2007); [82] a daughter,Sumaiya (born 2009); [83] and another daughter,Emmersen (born October 2013). [84] [85] [86]
Pickard lived in Kingsley. [17]
Pickard was a long-term member of the Liberal Party, [56] and served briefly as the president of its Stirling division. [54]
Pickard was a volunteer lifesaver and charity fundraiser. He was instrumental in starting Cancer Council's Relay for Life Joondalup–Wanneroo,serving as its chair for a decade and raising more than $3 million. [5] [6] [87]
Legacy
Following Pickard's death,his family released a statement saying they were "humbled by the outpouring of support." [6] The West Australian described Pickard as a 'visionary',and a 'servant of WA',highlighting his legacy in Perth's northern suburbs. [25] [6] City of Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob described him as “one of the most influential people in the City of Joondalup’s history”,stating that “History will reflect kindly on Troy’s many achievements,particularly within Joondalup,”and that “He has left behind a legacy that will be hard to match.” [92] [93] City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett emphasised Pickard's contributions to local government,stating that,“Troy leaves a legacy for those who aspire to serve their community at a grass roots level,who bring with them a level of energy and enthusiasm and remain passionate in all they do". [94] City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin acknowledged "the passing of a servant of WA",noting Pickard's extensive public service record and stating he "went on to lead Joondalup for over a decade with distinction through a period of sustained growth and development". [95] WALGA President Karen Chappel highlighted Pickard's 15 years of service as an elected member,his representation of local government at state and national levels and his commitment to achieving positive outcomes within the sector,and said that “Never one to back away from difficult situations,Troy worked hard to establish strong relationships with our stakeholders whilst still pursuing the best outcome for Local Government with determination and tenacity”. [93] ALGA President Linda Scott said Pickard's contributions to local government were significant and lasting,highlighting his passion and energy in representing local communities and adding that local government “owes him a debt of gratitude for helping to end the indexation freeze on Federal Assistance Grants.” [49] [93]
Honours and awards
In 2002,Pickard became a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute for his contribution to the marketing profession. [2]
Distinguished Service Award (2005):Recognising distinguished service to the community through local government. [96]
Business News 40under40 Award (2002 &2007):Honoured twice for excellence in business and leadership among young professionals in Western Australia. [2] [97] [98] [99]
In 2012,Pickard was one of 77 mayors worldwide nominated for the World Mayor Award. [100]
Family Values Award (2014): Presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Anglican Church,recognising leaders and members of the community who help strengthen families and promote traditional family values. [86]
Local Government Medal (2022):Recognising outstanding achievement and contribution to the Local Government sector and/or the WA Local Government Association. [101]
Honorary Life Membership (2022):Awarded by WALGA,acknowledging outstanding service and contributions to WALGA and its members over an extended period. [102] [101]
Namesakes
In 2022,WALGA established the Troy Pickard Young Achievers Award. This award recognises individuals aged 35 years or under who have made notable contributions to local government and demonstrated potential for professional excellence. [103] [104] [105] [106]
The Troy Pickard Conference Room at the Global Drone Solutions office. [107]
In December 2022,the City of Joondalup council voted to rename the Warwick Hockey Centre to the Troy Pickard Hockey Centre. [108] [109]
