Basil Zempilas MLA came along this week to tell us about his first 15 months as the Member for Churchlands, and it certainly was an action-packed address! Basil has an interesting history, having been born in Perth in 1971 of Greek descent, and he is a former footballer, television and radio presenter, sports commentator and columnist. He attended Floreat Park Primary School followed by Hale School and then graduated from Murdoch University in 1992 with a degree in Media Studies and Mass Communications. Interestingly our Club member Christine Tonkin was Basil’s predecessor in the Churchlands seat. Basil played for the West Perth Football Club as a ruckman and forward but retired due to injury. He played 24 games in the WAFL between 1990 and 1994, kicking 25 goals including 5 in a semi-final in 1993! Whilst working at Channel Seven he attended 9 Olympic Games! In 2020 Basil was elected Lord Mayor of Perth, and he enjoyed two terms in that role until 2025 when he stood as Liberal candidate for the Churchlands seat. Basil says that we are very lucky that we live in a decent society, and he is adamant that nothing beats serving one’s community. Basil took questions from the floor, and after dealing with those and having a few photos taken, he was whisked off to his next engagement!