New Shire CEO welcomed aboard

New Shire CEO welcomed aboard

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s new Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Addison-Brown officially took over the leadership reins today, starting with a full schedule of project planning meetings, introductory meetings and briefings. Ms Addison-Brown, who succeeds retired CEO Gary Evershed, comes to the Shire from the City of Bunbury where she served as the Director of Corporate and Community Services for seven years and the Director of Planning and Development for one year. She brings with her a host of local government experience including managing ‘Smart Cities’ initiatives, Bunbury Wildlife Park, Bunbury City Library, Withers Library, Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, Bunbury Visitor Centre, and the South West Sports Centre. Ms Addison-Brown said it was great to finally step into the leadership role after doing several months of handover since awarded the role back in April. “It’s feels good to walk through the front door today and start meeting more of the staff, more of the community, and our local stakeholders and partners. “There is a lot of appetite and enthusiasm within both the Shire and the local government area to positively progress key projects and organisational priorities. “These include the Main Street redevelopment, the new HEART centre operations, environmental management projects, social equity projects and supporting Council’s circular economies objectives. “I am excited to work with Council on bringing these major projects and important initiatives to fruition. “I am looking forward to getting out into the community and meeting with, and working with, local businesses and residents.” Shire President Pam Townshend welcomed Ms Addison-Brown to the helm on behalf Council and staff. “We are very confident in Stephanie’s appointment and can see we will stand to gain great benefit from her knowledge and experience in both private and public enterprise,” she said. “We welcome her aboard and feel she is a great fit for our organisation and the community in which we live and work. “She has hit the ground running today and we move forward with great positivity.” Ms Townshend thanked Dr Dale Putland for serving as the Acting CEO in the changeover period. Dr Putland has returned to his substantive role at the Shire as Director of Sustainable Development.