Melissa Harkins has been an Elected Member at the Town of Cottesloe since 2017 and was elected Mayor in 2025. During her time on Council, Melissa has served on various Council committees and working groups.

Melissa’s professional background includes executive roles in tourism and stakeholder engagement, University Lecturer, Board Member in the not-for-profit sector and as a Justice of the Peace. This has given her broad experience in leadership, governance and community service.

She is a proud and active mother of two adult children who grew up in Cottesloe and attended local schools, sporting and surf clubs, which has given her a strong, personal connection to the community.

Melissa has lived in Cottesloe for over 25 years and is passionate about improving the infrastructure in the Town, particularly along the foreshore and spaces of recreation, such as playgrounds and reserves.