Nick Trandos, a respected market gardener, former mayor, and Freeman of both the Cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup, has died at the age of 90.
Born in Kefalari, Greece, in 1934, Trandos migrated to rural Wanneroo with his family in 1949.
He later joined the Wanneroo Road Board in 1960, serving a total of 24 years in local government, including as the last president of the Shire of Wanneroo and the first mayor of the City of Wanneroo.
He also played a pivotal role on the Joondalup Development Corporation from 1976, helping shape the city’s future.
“Nick was a staunch advocate of the Joondalup city centre concept,” said Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob and Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken in a joint statement.
They praised his “fundraising and lobbying” that helped secure key infrastructure, including Hillarys Boat Harbour and the Mitchell Freeway extension to Ocean Reef Road in 1988.
Outside of government, Trandos was deeply involved in community and industry leadership.
He founded Olympic Kingsway Sports Club, served as its president for 19 years across two terms, and was honoured with the naming of the club’s hall in his name.
The club described him as “an icon of the Green Machine” and a leader who “symbolised the Olympic values of community and people.”
He also served as president of the WA Market Gardeners’ Association for 25 years and was national president of the Australian Vegetable Growers’ Federation from 1983 to 1985.
In 1988, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community.
“Nick’s first and deepest love was always his family,” the mayors said.
“Vale Nick Trandos. Thank you for all you have done for our region. May you rest in peace.”
