President Rob Coales was first elected as a Councillor for the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale in 2017. In October 2023 he was elected as the Shire’s first directly elected President.

With over 25 years’ experience in law enforcement, security and defence, President Coales holds a Bachelor of Arts from Murdoch University, a Diploma of Policing through the Australian Federal Police and a Graduate Certificate of Transnational Crime Prevention from the University of Wollongong.

He served his country overseas with the Australian Army, is a graduate of the Australian Army Command and Staff College and has attended the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

President Coales is involved in numerous community groups and is a Board member of Beenyup Primary School and Court Grammar School and the immediate past President of the Serpentine Jarrahdale Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League.

President Coales believes local governments should be relevant, responsive and responsible. He is working to increase the community's involvement in all Shire activities and acknowledges that this will improve accountability.

His focus as Shire President is to ensure that the council is more connected to the community and is proud of introducing the monthly Council in the Community events, at the SJ Farmers Market.

He has a passion for outdoor pursuits and to promote the Shire and the region for tourism and investment.