- Ricky
Burges PSM appointed as Chair of the Great Southern Development Commission
- Regional
Development Commissions are key to the Cook Government's regional job creating
agenda
Regional Development Minister Don Punch has today
announced the appointment of Ricky Burges PSM as Chair of the Great Southern
Development Commission (GSDC).
Ms Burges has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Albany
Community Care since 2019, leading a team delivering critical services for the
region.
She brings with her senior leadership experience across the public
sector in Western Australia, previously working as the CEO of the Western Australian
Local Government Association, the Perth Zoo and Director General of the former
Department of Culture and Arts.
Ms Burges' appointment follows the departure of outgoing
chair Bruce Manning, who has retired after more than 21 years of service to the
Development Commission.
Mr Manning
has built strong networks throughout the region and initiated the development
of some very significant projects including the construction of the Albany
Entertainment Centre, the Albany Waterfront, the Katanning Saleyards and town
centre improvements.
Regional
Development Commissions are key to the Cook Government's job creating agenda on
the ground in regional WA, working to grow and diversify the State's regional
economies.
Comments attributed to
Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Our Regional Development Commissions play such a crucial role in
connecting business with Government, and I have no doubt the Great Southern
Development Commission will continue to make those valuable connections under
the leadership of Ricky Burges.
"I
thank Bruce Manning for his leadership spanning more than two decades, which
has driven a substantial diversification of the region's primary production and
economic base.
"I wish Ms
Burges all the best in her new role as chair of the GSDC."
