Russell's Biography
Background
Russell Matheson was elected Member for Macarthur in August 2010. Prior to entering Parliament, Russell Matheson was a sergeant in the NSW Police Force, serving for 25 years. Russell Matheson first became involved in politics in the August 1992 Council by-election and was elected as councillor on Campbelltown City Council. He has served as councillor for 17 years and served as Mayor of Campbelltown on five separate occasions.
Russell lives in Blairmount with his wife Sharon and two daughters.
Professional Life
Lithographic Printer – 1976-1985
Campbelltown Monarch Blues AFL Side
- Captain and Coach from 1984-1992
- Won successive Grand Finals in 1986, 87, 88, 89, and never missed a final series
- Still deeply involved in sports in the Macarthur region
NSW Police Force – 1985-2010
- Attained the rank of Sergeant.
- Attached to Campsie, Bankstown District and Surry Hills Local Area Command before entering Parliament
Campbelltown City Council 1992 - present
- Mayor of Campbelltown on 5 occasions 94-95, 96-97, 01-02, 05-06 & 08-09.
- Chaired all the Standing Committees of Council
Political Career
Russell Matheson has been a leader in the Macarthur area for many years as a Police Officer, local councillor and sporting personality. Russell was the captain and coach of the Campbelltown Monarch Blues AFL side from 1984 through to 1992 winning successive grand finals. He has remained strongly involved in local organised sports.
In the by-election in August of 1992, Russell was elected to represent Campbelltown as a local Councillor. He has since served as Mayor on 5 separate occasions and has chaired all the Standing Committees of Council taking an active role in the many services that Campbelltown City Council provides.
In August of 2010 Russell was elected as the Federal Member for Macarthur, taking over from retiring Liberal MP, Pat Farmer. Russell delivered his maiden speech in Parliament on the 20th of September and has advocated for many new services and funding for the Macarthur region with a particular focus on improving local cost of living, better funding and access to disability services as well as improving the standard of living for seniors and veterans.