Date: 16th July 2026

The Shire of Plantagenet has appointed Garry Bird as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a Special Council meeting held on 14 July.

Mr Bird will commence in the role on 31 August. He brings more than 25 years’ experience in Western Australian local government, having worked across the Shires of York, Irwin, Gingin, Cranbrook, Wandering and Denmark, as well as the Town of Cottesloe. He has served as Director Corporate Services at the Shire of Mundaring since 2019.

Shire President Len Handasyde said Mr Bird was highly regarded within the WA local government sector and that his experience would support the shire as it moved into the delivery phase of several key projects. Cr Handasyde also noted Mr Bird’s personal ties to the Great Southern region, having grown up in Albany.

For Mr Bird, the appointment carries personal significance. He described it as a “full circle moment,” noting that the Shire of Plantagenet was where he began his local government career. He said he was looking forward to working with the President, councillors, staff and the broader community to build on the shire’s foundations: