Shire of Augusta-Margaret River chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown taking leave

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown will take her first major holiday since taking the job in 2019. Ms Addison-Brown will spend 12 weeks visiting family in the UK starting from August 29 and returning about November 21. Ratepayers will fund an externally recruited acting chief executive during Ms Addison-Brown’s absence rather than directors Nick Logan or James Shepherd filling the job. Former City of Mandurah deputy chief executive Graeme Davis, who has retired to Dunsborough, would fill the role during the 12-week period paid pro rata at an annual salary of about $270,000, estimated at a cost of $62,000. “Mr Davies was appointed following an external recruitment process and subsequent council decision endorsing his appointment,” a Shire spokeswoman said. Ms Addison-Brown previously oversaw a Shire restructure which reduced director roles to the chiefs of two main departments. The CEO replaced former chief Gary Evershed in July 2019 and her contract was up for potential renewal prior to July 2024.