Karen McKeown

Cr Karen McKeown OAM was elected to Council in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021, and served as Mayor in 2015-2016 and 2020-2021. She also served as Deputy Mayor in 2006-07 and in 2019-2020.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from WSU Majoring in Management with double sub-majors in Law & Employee Relations and the Executive Certificate for Elected Members from UTS. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.

Cr McKeown is active in many community organisations and committees including as Vice President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW.

Cr McKeown is also currently a Councillor on Hawkesbury River County Council, Director of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, a member of the Penrith CBD Corporation Board, Local Traffic Committee, Chair of Council’s Resilience and Multicultural Committees, a Director of Local Government NSW and Australian Local Government Association and Director and Deputy Chair of Active Super.

Cr McKeown is one of Council’s Sustainability Champions and represents Council and the City on environmental topics. She is also passionate about ending homelessness and providing a voice for the growing multicultural community.