Published 30 August 2023
A community-minded leader with a wealth of local government experience will help continue the trajectory of Bunbury’s brighter future.
Alan Ferris has been appointed the City of Bunbury’s new Chief Executive Officer following a comprehensive recruitment process, which involved a highly competitive field of 186 applicants.
Mr Ferris has more than three decades of experience in State Government and eight years of experience as an Elected Member of the Town of East Fremantle – including more than six years as Mayor.
Mr Ferris has worked for several local governments as a director, including four years as Director Corporate Services at the City of Melville along with roles at the cities of Mandurah and Bayswater and in his current position at the Town of Claremont.
While in State Government, Mr Ferris served as Director General of Culture and Arts and General Manager (CEO) of the Perth Theatre Trust.
With a Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Information Systems from Curtin University of
Technology and being a Certified Practising Accountant, Mr Ferris also currently serves on various boards, including WA Country Health, Palmerston Association and as Chair of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
Mr Ferris will start with the City on 13 November 2023, taking over from current CEO Malcolm Osborne who announced his retirement earlier this year following a successful six years.
A CEO Selection Panel which included Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel, Deputy Mayor Tresslyn Smith, and Councillors Karen Turner, Karen Steele and Amanda Yip alongside independent panel member, Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams, chose Mr Ferris following an extensive recruitment process.
Mr Ferris demonstrated his significant knowledge and understanding of the local government sector and the challenges of managing community expectations and engaging meaningfully with key stakeholders to continue building a better Bunbury for residents, visitors and investors.
Bunbury City Council endorsed Mr Ferris’ appointment at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday night.