Shire of Collie appoints Shire of Dardanup deputy chief executive Phil Anastasakis as new chief executive

The Shire of Collie’s search for a new chief executive is finally over, with a member of a neighbouring council’s leadership team appointed to the position. Shire of Dardanup deputy chief executive officer Phil Anastasakis’ will take on the role, filling the gap left by Stuart Devenish in June when he moved to the Western Metropolitan Regional Council. Collie shire president Ian Miffling said Mr Anastasakis was no stranger to the council. “Phil was here about 20 years ago as the deputy CEO of the Shire of Collie and then he moved on around the place to different places, so he is very experienced and we are very excited to have him,” he said. Mr Anastasakis has a long history in local government, having previously served as chief executive for the shires of Exmouth and Merredin. He has also previously worked with the Bunbury and Dampier port authorities. The council started their search for a new chief executive in May, with a selection panel consisting of Cr Miffling, deputy shire president Joe Italiano, Cr John Kearney and independent member Michael Murray. Cr Miffling said Mr Anastasakis fitted the qualities council was looking for. “Collie is in a period of just transition and we have got a lot of projects and things on the go — there’s a lot of projects that involve a lot of infrastructure and investment,” he said. “Phil’s very sound in his knowledge of finance and he will be able to deal quite competently with a lot of those projects and proponents that are coming into the shire.” Mr Anastasakis was congratulated on his new role by councillors and staff at last week’s Shire of Dardanup council meeting and is expected to start his new role later this month.