Sandhya Reddy Becomes First Indian Woman Mayor of Strathfield, Sydney

Sandhya Reddy, a law graduate from Telangana, has been elected as the Mayor of Strathfield in Sydney, making her the first Indian woman to hold this position. With a background in law and immigration, Reddy has been actively involved in local governance since 2021. Her election marks a significant milestone for the Indian community in Australia. Reddy expressed her honor at being elected and looks forward to serving the diverse Strathfield area. This article explores her educational background, political journey, and the significance of her election.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 30, 2026, 16:54 IST

Historic Election of Sandhya Reddy

File image of Indian-origin Sandhya Reddy, elected as 73rd Mayor of Strathfield council in Sydney, Australia(Photo: @khwajamoinddin/X)

Hyderabad, September 30: Sandhya Reddy, a law graduate from Telangana, has made history by being elected as the Mayor of Strathfield municipality in Sydney.

Reddy, an alumna of Osmania University, was appointed as the 73rd Mayor of the Strathfield Council on Tuesday, where she will serve a two-year term.

Originally from Mellareddygudem village in Vikarabad district, she pursued her studies at Osmania University and Stanley College in Hyderabad before relocating to Australia in 1991.

She began her career as an immigration lawyer and became actively involved in social and political matters.

Known as Sandy Reddy, she first joined the Strathfield council in December 2021 and was elected Deputy Mayor in September 2023, marking her as the first Indian woman to hold such a position.

After successfully retaining her council seat in September 2025, she was later elected as mayor.

Upon her election, Reddy expressed her gratitude to Australian media, stating it was an honor to serve the Strathfield local government area.

As reported by ‘The Australia Today’, she holds a Bachelor of Law, a Master of Anthropology, and a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University. Alongside her professional career, she has managed an education and migration services practice while raising her family in Strathfield.

Strathfield is recognized as Sydney’s most culturally diverse local government area, spanning approximately 14 square kilometers with an estimated population of around 46,000.

K. T. Rama Rao, Working President of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), congratulated Sandhya Reddy on her election as Mayor, stating, "Hearty congratulations to Sandy Reddy garu on being unanimously elected as the Mayor of Strathfield, Australia. Sandy Reddy, a Telangana native, holds the distinction of being the first person from India to be elected as a Mayor in Australia. Wishing Sandy Reddy a successful tenure in public service. May she continue to achieve greater heights and bring pride to Telangana through her service and leadership," in a post on X.