Town of Bassendean chooses experienced administrator Peta Mabbs as new CEO

THE Town of Bassendean’s new chief executive is an experienced administrator with a long connection to the area.

Peta Mabbs, who has a strong corporate governance background and has been involved in the inquiry into the City of Perth, takes over from outgoing CEO Bob Jarvis.

“We were specifically seeking a progressive CEO who would help build a positive and outcome-focused organisational culture and assist council to achieve the community’s aspirations for our Town,” Bassendean Mayor Renee McLennan said, describing her as an “experienced transformational leader”.

Ms Mabbs has had a 34-year career working within the State Government across agencies responsible for justice, policing, child protection, corruption and integrity, land information, housing and communities.

She was honoured to be selected and her personal connection to the Town had attracted her to the role.

“I spent the first 30 years of my life living in the Town of Bassendean in Ashfield, Success Hill and West Bassendean,” she said.

“I attended Bassendean Kindergarten followed by Ashfield Primary School – where my mother taught for many years. My mother worked for most of the remainder of her career at Eden Hill Primary and my father worked in the real estate industry for many years based in Bassendean before retiring.

“Growing up, I enjoyed being part of the local community through active participation in the Bassendean Girl Guides, Venturers, in addition to the local netball team, the Comets. I enjoyed numerous summers swimming, sailing and canoeing in the Swan River, near the old boatshed, which once stood near Pickering Park.”

The search for a new chief executive began earlier this year when Mr Jarvis confirmed he would not continue beyond the end of his contract in January next year.

He has agreed to finish earlier so Ms Mabbs can start on October 22.

Mayor McLennan acknowledged his contribution.

“Mr Jarvis has served the Bassendean community for almost 10 years,” she said. “Over this period the Town has seen significant positive change.”