The appointment follows the Council’s decision in March to formally request the Inspector appoint a Monitor.

Under the Terms of Appointment, Ms Mecoy will support and guide the Shire in a number of areas, including strengthening its approach to psychosocial health and safety, improving working relationships within the organisation, and ensuring Council Members understand and perform their statutory roles and responsibilities.

The monitoring assignment also includes oversight of Council Member behaviour in relation to the Shire’s Code of Conduct, and consideration of any conduct that may pose a serious risk to workplace health and safety or prevent the Council from performing its functions. Workforce attraction and retention issues, and how they affect the Shire’s capacity to meet community needs, are also within scope.

As part of the assignment, the Monitor is to assist the Shire to develop an Action Plan setting out any necessary improvements.

The appointment takes effect from 4 May 2026 until 3 July 2026, with a Final Report due to the Local Government Inspector by 3 July 2026.

Shire President Rob Coales said Council welcomed the appointment and looked forward to working constructively with Ms Mecoy during the term, in accordance with the Terms of Appointment.

Ms Mecoy was CEO of Leadership WA for seven years, stepping down last August, and has held several senior public service roles.