- Cate Brooks appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission
- Follows extensive recruitment process by Public Sector Commissioner
Regional Development Minister Don Punch has today announced the appointment of Cate Brooks as Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission (SWDC).
Ms Brooks has served as the Director of the Collie Delivery Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet since 2022. In this role, she has led a team delivering the implementation of the State Government’s $662 million ‘Just Transition’ package.
She brings with her senior leadership experience across the public sector in Western Australia, previously working as the Executive Director of the Native Forestry Transition at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and in various positions at the South West Development Commission.
Ms Brooks’ appointment follows the departure of outgoing CEO Mellisa Teede, who has finished up in the role after more than five years of service to the Development Commission.
An extensive recruitment process was conducted by the Public Sector Commissioner for the role, following which the Public Sector Commissioner recommended the appointment of Ms Brooks.
Regional Development Commissions are key to the Cook Government’s job creating agenda on the ground in regional Western Australia, working to grow and diversify the State’s regional economies.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“Our Regional Development Commissions play such a crucial role in promoting sustainable economic and social development across our regions.
“I have no doubt the South West Development Commission will continue to make those valuable connections under the leadership of Cate Brooks.
“I would like to say special thanks to outgoing CEO Mellisa Teede, who made significant inroads across the region in this role since 2019, and to Ashley Clements for his work as acting CEO the past few months.
“I wish Ms Brooks all the best in her new role as the CEO of SWDC.”
