Indian-Origin Lawyer Sandhya Reddy Creates History as Strathfield Mayor in Australia

Telangana-origin lawyer Sandhya Reddy has been elected as the Mayor of Sydney’s Strathfield Council, marking a major milestone in her public service journey. The Osmania University alumna will lead the culturally diverse municipality for a two-year term.

Post Published By: Aditya Wadhawan

Updated : 30 September 2026, 4:40 PM IST

Telangana-origin lawyer Sandhya Reddy elected Mayor of Sydney’s Strathfield Council (Image: X)

Sydney: A lawyer of Telangana origin, Sandhya Reddy has been elected as the Mayor of Strathfield Council in Sydney, Australia. Reddy, an alumna of Osmania University became the 73rd Mayor of the municipality and will serve a two-year term. Her election marks a significant achievement in her journey from a small village in Telangana to a leadership position in one of Sydney’s culturally diverse local government areas.

From Vikarabad Village to Australia’s Public Life

Sandhya Reddy also known as Sandy Reddy belongs to Mellareddygudem village in Vikarabad district of Telangana. She completed her education at Osmania University and Stanley College in Hyderabad before moving to Australia in 1991.

After settling in Australia, Reddy pursued a career as an immigration lawyer and gradually became active in social and community affairs.

Political Journey in Strathfield Council

Reddy entered local politics after being elected as a Strathfield councillor in December 2021. In September 2023, she became the Deputy Mayor of Strathfield Council becoming the first Indian woman to hold the position. She successfully retained her council seat in September 2025 before being elected as Mayor.

Following her election, Reddy said that becoming Mayor was an honour and expressed her commitment to serving the Strathfield community.

Strong Academic and Professional Background

According to reports, Sandhya Reddy holds a Bachelor of Law degree, a Master of Anthropology and a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University. Along with her legal career, she has also managed an education and migration services practice while raising her family in Strathfield.

Strathfield: One of Sydney’s Most Diverse Areas

Strathfield is among Sydney’s most culturally diverse local government areas. Spread across nearly 14 square kilometres in Sydney’s inner west, the municipality has an estimated population of around 46,000. The region is known for its multicultural communities and vibrant social landscape.

Telangana Leaders Congratulate Sandhya Reddy

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao congratulated Sandhya Reddy on her election as Mayor. In a post on X, he praised her achievement and highlighted her Telangana roots while wishing her success in her public service journey.