Sharpe farewells city

Now the 45-year-old director of corporate service is leaving his post with the city after 19 years of service.

His last day is on Friday.

Mr Sharpe is leaving his role to take up the position of chief executive officer with the City of Albany.

Since starting with the City in 1996, the father of two has held several key positions including acting chief executive officer for about 18 months.

Mr Sharpe said that over the two decades he had faced several challenges.

This included providing leadership and stability throughout the two Canning inquiries and preparing the organisation for the transition into local government reform.

Despite the challenges, Mr Sharpe said his time at the city had been very enjoyable.

"It has given me the opportunity to make some lifetime friends and working in local government gives you the opportunity to make a positive difference," he said.

Mr Sharpe was involved in the development of two new leisure complexes, in Riverton and Cannington, as well as the expansion of aged care service delivery and the development of the Herald Avenue Precinct.

"Seeing the City of Canning expand and provide increased services and facilities has been great," he said.

Growing up in the Great Southern region in the small farming community of Cranbrook, Mr Sharpe moved to Perth to further his education.

He completed a Bachelor of Business before working in a private accounting firm. He entered local government at the Town of Northam, working as an accountant, then moving to work for the Shire of Cranbrook.

Canning chief executive Lyn Russell said Mr Sharpe was highly regarded in local government circles.

"His expertise, professionalism and good humour will be missed by all at Canning," Ms Russell said.