Celebrated CEO announces his retirement

Shire of Augusta Margaret River Chief Executive Officer Gary Evershed has this morning announced he will retire from the top job effective Friday 25 January 2019.

As he will be clearing all leave entitlements prior to the official end date, Mr Evershed’s last day in the office will be Friday 2 November 2018.

Mr Evershed said he was ending his more than 10-year reign at the Shire to enjoy more time with family and pursue other interests.

“I wish to put on the record that it has been a great honour and privilege to serve the community as the Shire CEO for what will be more than ten years of loyal service,” he said.

“The evidence suggests that I am leaving the Shire in a much better state than I found it especially in terms of tackling the infrastructure backlog, improving the Shire’s finances, improved strategic planning and increased staff productivity to name just a few items.

“I believe that it is now an appropriate time to pass on the baton to another CEO to take the Shire forward in this next phase of its evolution.”   Mr Evershed said during his time at the Shire he has had the great fortune to have been able to work very effectively with a number of highly strategic and effective elected members and with a highly motivated and innovative team of staff members. 

“It has been a joy to do something that you like doing and coming to work every day to work with such a positive group of highly professional people who I have come to know as friends,” he said.

“Working with you all has been really special and personally rewarding and together we have achieved a great deal for the community.”

Shire President Pam Townshend congratulated Mr Evershed on his retirement and thanked him for his commitment and dedication to the role.

“Thank you for your service and congratulations on your retirement,” she said.

“Your visions for the Shire have been bold and aspirational.

“Under your steady leadership we have become a more vibrant, sustainable, connected community.

“You leave us very well positioned for the future.”

Mr Evershed was just last week awarded the highest honours in WA Local Government when he was presented with a Distinguished Officer Award.

The award recognises Mr Evershed’s contributions to his community and his outstanding achievements for the sector.