Tony Simpson MLA is the current Member for Darling Range. The electorate of Darling Range is one of the largest and most diverse in the
metropolitan area, taking in the towns of Mount Helena and Chidlow at its northern boundary, extending to Pickering Brook and the orchards
of Roleystone and the suburbs of Kelmscott and Forrestdale and including all of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
Tony was elected as the Member for Serpentine Jarrahdale in the 2005 state election but at the last election in 2008, the electorate of
Serpentine Jarrahdale was absorbed into Darling Range.
Currently Tony is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Hon Robyn McSweeney MLC, Minister for Child Protection; Community Services;
Seniors and Volunteering; Women's Interests. Due to this role, Tony has become involved with a number of different organisations
and is currently a member of the board of the Dyslexic Speld Foundation, which is very dear to his heart and is also the President of the
WA Deaf Society. Tony is also a member of the Byford & Districts Rotary Club and is the patron of the Serpentine Golf Club, not that he
has time to play much golf!
As a father of two daughters, Tony is very passionate about investing in the future of Western Australia. He believes that we must do
whatever it takes to ensure that all young people receive a first class education. In light of this, before he became a Member of Parliament,
Tony was involved in the establishment of the Serpentine Jarrahdale Grammar School, the first secondary school established in the Serpentine
Jarrahdale Shire. This is a fantastic school that is cutting edge and leading the way in the community. Tony is also working hard to assist
other areas of the electorate to gain new schools and upgraded facilities where needed.
Having been involved in his local community for some 18 years, Tony understands the issues affecting the average person in the neighbourhood.
Besides education, these also include the availability of affordable housing, especially for young first home buyers, crime, drugs, hoons
and other anti-social behaviour. Having experienced first hand many of these issues, Tony spends many hours working with local residents to
try and find effective ways of dealing with these matters.
Tony is also a firm believer in looking after the local environment and has spent many hours assisting local community groups with their
clean-up days and busybees.
Prior to being elected into Parliament, Tony was the local Byford Baker for 14 years, successfully running his own small business during
this time. As well as running his own business, Tony has always been very active in his community. As a long term resident in the area,
Tony was elected to the Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire Council in 2001 and represented the North Ward until his election to Parliament.
During his time on Council, he was very active on many of the Shire's advisory groups including Corporate Services, Asset Services
and the Roadwise Committees as well as the Local Economic Development Unit and the Peel Economic Development Unit Executive Group. Prior
to his involvement in the Shire, Tony was also the President of the Park Road Kindergarten (which he is now a life member of) and the
Byford Playgroup Association, which he attended with his eldest daughter. To this day, Tony still remains heavily involved with the
Roadwise Committee.
Another important community project that Tony worked tirelessly on for a number of years was the creation of the first ever bank in the
Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire. Tony was the inaugural Chairman of the Byford and Districts Community Bank Branch and with nine other
dedicated volunteers, successfully opened the Bendigo Bank in early 2005. This has gone on to be a very successful Community Bank which
is contributing in many ways back to the local community.
Tony and his wife Kim share two beautiful daughters, Sian & Casey. As a family they are very supportive of Tony and regularly attend
functions and activities with him. Kim is equally as involved in the community as Tony is, having taken over the Chairmanship of the
Byford & Districts Community Bank and also serving as a board member on the Serpentine Jarrahdale Grammar School Board. Both Sian &
Casey attend the Grammar School where they are extremely happy.
Please do not hesitate to contact Tony if he can be of any assistance to you.
