City of Perth

The City of Perth Council has appointed Dr Garry Hunt PSM as Chief Executive Officer while recruitment for a permanent CEO progresses. Council endorsed the 12-month appointment at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 13 October.

Dr Hunt has more than 30 years of experience as a local government CEO, including previous leadership of the cities of Perth (1994 to 2002), Joondalup (2005 to 2020) and Melville (1986 to 1994). More recently he held executive appointments at the City of Busselton and the shires of Ashburton and Donnybrook Balingup.

Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said Dr Hunt has “a strong understanding of the City of Perth, having previously led the organisation”. He also thanked Acting CEO Ms Maria Cooke for her leadership. Dr Hunt will start on 19 October 2026.

Shire of Northampton

The Shire of Northampton has appointed Tralee Cable as its new Chief Executive Officer following an extensive recruitment process. Shire President Cr Liz Sudlow said council was unanimous in its decision.

Ms Cable is currently CEO of the Shire of Mt Magnet in the Murchison region, where she has led community engagement and corporate governance reviews since 2022. She began her local government career in 2018 as Community and Development Services Manager in Meekatharra.

Ms Cable said “Northampton faces new development challenges in the next ten years”. She will start on 8 December 2026, and Mr Kenn Donohoe will remain Temporary CEO until then.