The City of Nedlands has confirmed the departure of its former chief executive, Keri Shannon, marking the end of a turbulent chapter for the local government authority. This move comes just weeks before ratepayers are set to vote in a new council, clearing the way for fresh leadership.
Agreement Reached After Months of Leave
A spokesperson for Nedlands announced on Tuesday that the city and Ms Shannon had mutually agreed to part ways, with her final pay processed on January 30. In a brief statement, the City expressed gratitude for her contributions since she commenced the role in May 2024 and wished her well in future endeavours.
Ms Shannon had been on immediate and indefinite leave since October last year, following a confidential performance review conducted by the City's commissioners. These commissioners were appointed after the previous council was removed from office, adding to the administrative upheaval.
Timing Aligns with Upcoming Local Elections
Her departure is strategically timed as Nedlands prepares for significant changes. Voters will head to the polls on March 28 to elect a new mayor and council, with one of their first tasks expected to be recruiting a permanent CEO to lead the council workforce.
In the interim, local government veteran Arthur Kyron will continue as acting CEO, a role he assumed within hours of Ms Shannon going on leave last year. His steady hand is seen as crucial during this transitional period.
A Tenure Marked by Division and Controversy
Ms Shannon's appointment as CEO in May 2024 was itself contentious, secured by a narrow five to four council vote. Her background included serving as mayor for the Town of Cambridge, but her time at Nedlands proved challenging.
Much of her tenure was dominated by financial, governance, and managerial issues that repeatedly divided the council and sparked controversy. These tensions culminated in the single-day resignation of four councillors, an event that ultimately prompted Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley to sack the remaining council members and install three commissioners.
Recent Legal Setback Adds to Challenges
Adding to her professional difficulties, Ms Shannon recently lost an appeal in the State Administrative Tribunal. She had sought to overturn findings made against her by the Local Government Standards Panel.
The complaints were lodged by fellow council members at the Town of Cambridge, including current mayor Gary Mack, between September 2021 and May 2022 during her time as mayor there. As a result, she was compelled to issue a public apology, though she avoided further censure or mandatory training.
Looking Ahead to a New Era for Nedlands
With Ms Shannon's departure now formalised, Nedlands stands at a crossroads. The upcoming election presents an opportunity for ratepayers to shape the city's future direction and address the governance issues that have plagued recent years.
The recruitment of a new CEO will be a critical early test for the incoming council, requiring careful consideration to restore stability and public confidence in local government operations.
