City of Parramatta Council has elected Councillor Charles Chen as its new Deputy Lord Mayor.
Cr Chen, who joined Council in October 2024 and represents the Epping Ward, described the appointment as an honour.
“The City of Parramatta is the best place to live, work and invest, especially as it grows to become a global city, offering a world of opportunity for our community,” Cr Chen said.
“This is an exciting time to lead our city as we continue to advocate and work towards unlocking Parramatta’s unlimited potential.
“I look forward to supporting Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter and working together with my fellow councillors to keep progressing our fantastic city as the place to be in Australia and beyond.”
Since his election, Cr Chen has been active in engaging multicultural communities, including shaping plans to expand Lunar New Year celebrations beyond the CBD in 2026. He has also pushed for stronger support for small business and economic growth.
Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter welcomed the result.
“Cr Chen is a champion for our diverse local community, and his appointment ensures Council continues to work collaboratively to put our residents first in all decision-making. I look forward to working closely with our new Deputy Lord Mayor and getting on with the job of delivering for Parramatta,” Cr Zaiter said.
“I also thank outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Cameron Maclean for his dedicated service to the community.”
Cr Chen currently serves on the Council’s Customer, Community and Culture Committee and chairs the Multicultural Sub-Committee. The Deputy Lord Mayor is elected annually by councillors, while the Lord Mayor is elected every two years.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
