Your Executive Team

Dean is responsible for Governance, Strategic Planning, Funding Opportunities and Partnerships, Economic Development, and Marketing and Communications. Dean Unsworth has led the Shire of Murray in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer since August 2007 and in September 2019 was appointed the role of joint Chief Executive Officer for both the Shires of Murray and Waroona. A Certified Practicing Accountant and member of CPA Australia, Dean also has a Double Major in Accounting and Marketing with Edith Cowan University. Dean had spent over a decade in the media industry including managerial roles, in his home state of Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia. With experience in tourism marketing including managerial roles with the Busselton and Dunsborough Tourism Associations, Dean has a focus on positive economic, social and environmental development.Entering Local Government in 2000, Dean has spent time at the City of Bunbury, the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes as Deputy CEO and as CEO with the Shire of Gnowangerup prior to taking his current role with the Shire of Murray. Dean is passionate about the Peel region and is committed to working with the community to guide Murray and Waroona into the future, maintaining an enviable lifestyle for its residents whilst attracting investment and visitor revenue for the local economy.

Alan is responsible for Engineering (Administration and Design) Public Works Infrastructure Management, Parks and Reserves, Waste Management and Recycling Plant and Fleet Management.With extensive experience in Civil Engineering and Project Management, Alan was appointed Director Infrastructure Services in June 2011, following ten years as the Shire’s Manager Design and Asset Services. Prior to joining the Shire, Alan spent time within various engineering roles at both city and regional local government authorities. Alan is qualified with a Certificate in Civil Engineering, and has extended his studies to incorporate finance and behavioral management. Committed to moving the Infrastructure Services directorate forward, Alan plans to develop the department sustainably, to cater for the current and future needs for roads, parks, drainage, waste, cemeteries and asset management, whilst protecting the unique character of the Shire of Murray.

Leanne is responsible for Place Making and Management, Tourism, Events, Community Development and Library Services. Leanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and had extensive experience in the private and public urban planning and education sectors. Leanne has held Senior Strategic and Statutory Planning positions at the Shire of Murray and City of Mandurah and has also advocated on behalf of Local Governments, developers and landowners as a former Town Planning consultant. Leanne is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia and is one of only a small number of professionals within the State on the Leadership Council of Project for Public Places (PPS), a not-for-profit international organisation helping communities, cities and towns influence their future through place making. In partnership with our local community and the Place and Community Directorate, Leanne’s diverse qualifications and experience, strong understanding of urban design and sustainable main street principles, passion for creating places that support and attract economic development and investment, and her skills in developing a Local Government culture that embraces community-led planning and outcomes, is collectively contributing to the revitalisation of our local towns, by creating strong communities and great places and destinations within the Shire.

Rod is responsible for Planning Services, Building Services, Environmental Health and Environmental Services.Appointed to the position of Director of Planning and Development Services in January 2008, Rod has extensive experience in urban planning and development assessment, Rod has previously held various positions with outer metro growth local governments, including the Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo. During his career, Rod has been responsible for a range of significant projects including structure plans for major urban and industrial growth areas, town centre planning and revitalisation projects, a range of planning and environmental strategies and significant infrastructure schemes. Rod is qualified with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from Curtin University, and a Graduate Diploma in Business (Management) from Edith Cowan University, and is a corporate member of the Planning Institute of Australia.

Tracie is responsible for Finance, Rates, Integrated Planning, Asset Management, Human Resources and Occupational Health and Safety, Records, Information Technology and the Murray Leisure and Aquatic Centre. Tracie has been employed at the Shire of Murray since 2008 and with her extensive experience in Finance Management and Corporate Governance, she was appointed Director Corporate Services in August, 2019. Tracie has given in excess of 30 years of service to Local Government in several locations throughout Western Australia. During this time she improved financial systems and reporting to ensure users' needs are met, long term strategy is considered, industry approaches are well thought out and relevant, and the community is well served through accountable, transparent and best practice decision making. Tracie is highly respected by her peers both for her strong technical expertise, her honesty, willingness to assist in all circumstances and ongoing levels of motivation within both leadership and operational teams.