City of Belmont community mourns death of long-standing and respected councillor Janet Powell

The City of Belmont is mourning the loss of long-standing councillor Janet Powell.

Cr Powell, who died over the Easter long weekend after a short illness, initially served the community as a councillor from 2001 to 2021 and was re-elected during the extraordinary election for the South ward in June 2024.

The city said it was “deeply saddened” to advise the community of her death and that she had represented “our community as a proactive and hard-working councillor”, committed to the responsibilities of her role.

The “long-standing and respected” councillor was a member of many committees including some time as presiding member of the community vision standing committee and member of the age friendly and cultural diversity working groups.

She also represented the city on the East Metropolitan Regional Council and the WA Local Government Association East Metropolitan Zone.

Daughters Rachel and Naomi Pietracatella said they were “still shocked by her passing”.

“It was a great privilege to be our mum’s daughters,” they said.

“Our mum was a philanthropist.

“She treated everyone she met with kindness and respect and honoured the dignity and worth of every person.

“She had so much more to do, even though she had already given so much.”

Cr Powell received the WALGA Long and Loyal Service Award in 2017.

“Her dedication to the community and her advocacy for the City of Belmont will be remembered,” the city said.

Belmont mayor Robert Rossi remembered her contribution to the city and significant projects such as the Belmont Hub.

“She was passionate about bringing the community together and a strong supporter of the Belmont Hub as a place where everyone could come to learn, connect and grow,” he said.

“On behalf of the City of Belmont, I extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all who had the privilege of working with her and knowing her.”

Her dedication to the community and her advocacy for the city would be remembered.

Cr Powell’s funeral will be held on May 9.