I first met Catherine over a decade ago when she was just starting to create a new community group, Local Arts and Community Events (LACE). I joined the group and from there worked with Catherine on the Maylands Hawkers’ Markets and Maylands Street Festival amongst other things.
Catherine lives and breathes community. She doesn’t just think about opportunities, she grabs them. As a community member, Catherine has made a huge difference to Maylands. Groups and initiatives she started are still contributing to the fabric of the community many years later. As a Councillor, she has been able to take her vision to a different level, as a staunch champion and an effective advocate – for Maylands and the whole of the City of Bayswater.   

 

When we met last year to discuss the containment of cats, Catherine challenged us with various scenarios to thresh-out some of the hurdles and practical challenges that could arise. Catherine demonstrated that she's able to keep an open mind, will attempt to see all angles on an issue; and is able to collaborate to find a way to move forward. Catherine has shown a long standing commitment to environmental issues in the City of Bayswater from joining the group effort towards saving Carter's lot from development some years ago, to her continued work towards the rehabilitation of Maylands Lakes.

In the 8 years that Catherine Ehrhardt has been an elected member on the Bayswater Council she has been  outstanding in her local advocacy work, community engagement and overall availability to "listen" and help and when needed, taking our issues directly  to Council. Helping is never too much trouble for Catherine.
Catherine attends all of our functions and her energy and willingness to support local groups such as Maylands Tennis Club has been a great help in our endeavours to provide better services.
Catherine is a great Ward Councillor and we would be delighted to be able to continue to have her representing South Ward. We need elected members like Catherine!

 

Catherine's professionalism and dedication to inclusivity are truly commendable. Throughout our work together, she consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the diverse needs and perspectives of Bayswater's residents. Her approach was always collaborative, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued. Catherine's vision of a truly inclusive community became evident in every decision she made and every initiative she championed.
One of Catherine's most admirable qualities is her tireless work ethic. She is not one to shy away from challenges and always puts in the effort needed to achieve the best outcomes for the residents of Bayswater. Her passion for the community shines through in everything she does, and it is inspiring to see her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Integrity and hard work are at the core of Catherine's character, and it is evident in her commitment to the causes she holds dear. She is driven by a genuine desire to create positive change and strives to ensure that the interests of the community are always prioritised above all else.

 

Catherine has long been a supporter of Maylands Sports and Rec Club. This was never more evident when we needed support to have the bar and bathroom facilities upgraded to a standard our communities and members should expect.   This allowed us to increase community memberships, events, and social activities. We are grateful that she takes a strong interest in our Club.

"I am grateful and appreciate Catherine’s commitment & support to Bardon Park Friends Group, Berringa Park Friends Group, plus her support to all other Projects, Challenges & Opportunities in the CoB South Ward.

Catherine is not frightened to address and be involved in controversial issues.

Catherine keeps south ward informed of all activities in the Ward and manages to get photos of volunteers in the many roles within the ward."

"Catherine Ehrhardt has what you expect from a local councillor- integrity, transparency, passion and compassion. She fights hard for our community, often behind the scenes but always ready to charge the front line. I proudly stand with Catherine, not only because she stands up for our vibrant community when in need, but because she is willing to make personal sacrifice for the betterment of the wider community, and its future. Catherine has a clear vision for what we need, and the patience to wait out the discourse in order to achieve it.  She not only has passion and a deep understanding of the importance of the environment, but also puts these ideals into practice on a daily basis and in her own personal life."

"Catherine Ehrhardt is perhaps the most genuinely community motivated person you could meet. Her actions seem to be informed by what's best for Maylands residents, as well as working business people. Questions/concerns are always met with realistic, unbiased positioning, pertinent information and practical follow through. Her participation and attendance is extensive and her work ethic incredible."

"Dear Catherine,

This is a very small token of my heartfelt appreciation for all you do in the local community.

I feel welcome and a sense of belonging and a large part of that is because of the work you and other volunteers do to make Maylands and Baysie awesome.

Thank you for all your hard work!

​

nb: the gift was a bar of scented soap.

"I have known Catherine Ehrhardt for the last 30 years and watched her become active in the Maylands community. She kick started Maylands Markets and invigorated many local community groups. Catherine is well placed to stand for Council and has shown a commitment to working hard for the interests of Maylands Residents, whilst always being available and accessible to hear residents’ concerns."

"I met Councillor Catherine Ehrhardt in April 2016 when she convened a public meeting to discuss the deterioration of the Maylands Lakes.  Until her involvement and support, the water quality of the lakes had been sadly neglected.  Catherine listens, offers encouragement, is conscientious, diligent, and has a tireless hands-on passion for all aspects of her community, particularly local environmental groups."

"Catherine is a passionate and dedicated member of our Maylands Community. I have worked with her over the last 10 or so years with the Central Eastern Business association and the Berringa & Bardon Parks friends groups, she is dedicated to creating a healthy and vibrant Maylands for future residents to enjoy."

"Catherine knows Maylands! It is well and truly her home and you can trust she has Maylands sincere best interest at heart! Her passion, vision and enthusiasm is contagious. You can clearly see that she loves Maylands diversity and strives to see it flourish with activity and art in a friendly and inclusive community. She is very responsive and a strong advocate as a councillor. She has always been approachable, respectful and compassionate, willing to help everyone within Maylands broad demographic!"

"Catherine Ehrhardt is an honest and trustworthy member of our community and I support her in her endeavours."

"Catherine is a passionate advocate and champion of local communities, who, through her work with LACE and other community groups, has successfully demonstrated her capacity to nurture, lead and implement projects that contribute to the activation of our public spaces and foster a sense of belonging and pride in our communities and suburbs. Catherine is a doer and her energy and vision for our suburbs is both refreshing and contagious."

"Catherine has been a tireless worker for charity and community events. She has a keen interest in civic affairs and, if elected, will be a strong representative for the South Ward."

"Catherine Ehrhardt has been known to me since she was a little girl accompanying her mother at Maylands Historical Association outings. I have since renewed our relationship through the Maylands Ratepayers Association where she has contributed to the life of the meetings bringing a youthful enthusiasm, an ability to grasp concepts and procedures quickly, and have a great concern for community issues seemingly with little effort. Her drive and energy seems boundless. The establishment of Local Arts and Community Events, running her shop as well as administrating the Hawkers markets in Maylands and having a family with three children indicates her abilities and she would be an asset to any organisation she is involved with. I have no hesitation recommending Catherine."

"I have personally known Catherine and her family for many years. Catherine is a hard working dedicated member of the Maylands community. She is passionate about the area and has shown that she has foresight and is not afraid to address issues which may impact on the future development of this amazing suburb. I have personally sought Catherine’s advice on many occasions about issues pertaining to Maylands. I have found her extremely approachable, knowledgeable and consultative. She has a strong work ethic and her
no-nonsense approach to problem solving will ensure that she gets the job done.
She has the best interest of all the residents who live in Maylands. Catherine has the qualities which are essential in a councillor and is the person who should be elected onto Council."

“I have known Catherine Ehrhardt professionally for approximately 12 months and have had several dealings with her in her capacity as a local business owner and chairperson for the Local Arts and Community Events (LACE) group. I have found her to be a committed individual with a genuine passion for the development and well-being of her local community.”

“I've known Catherine for a few years now. She is what I call a 'goer'. She is not frightened to get stuck in and do things – not for monetary gain, but for the good of the community. The Hawkers Markets are a prime example. I commend her for her enthusiasm and hard work.”