SWDC CEO to focus on investment

In her role as South West Development Commission acting chief executive officer, Rebecca Ball will be looking at ways of attracting more people to Bunbury and the South West.

Ms Ball started her new role on August 7 and her appointment further buoys the commission’s refreshed leadership team which includes Nick Belyea being announced as the State Government agency’s new board chairman and Jennie Franceschi as the deputy chairwoman.

With 20 years experience in senior advisory and management roles in both public and private sectors in Australia and overseas, Ms Ball’s most recent role was as the executive director at the Office of Multicultural Interests and a member of the corporate executive of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Ms Ball, who was previously Perth-based but now lives in the Bunbury community, said she was looking forward to building on the commission’s solid foundation of work, including the legacy created by former chief executive officer Don Punch.

“It’s an exciting time as we strengthen partnerships across community, industry and the government – develop new ones – and work together to realise a major program of investment and enterprise in the region,” Ms Ball said.

“I look forward to working with a wide range of stakeholders to further enhance the creative, economic and tourism potential of the region.”

She said the South West region had a plethora of outstanding attributes including a unique natural environment and a diverse economy.

“We’ll be looking at how we can make Bunbury and the South West even more welcoming to people from far and wide.”

Ms Ball’s extensive career has included previous roles as State director WA with Austrade Perth, trade and investment commissioner Indonesia with Austrade Jakarta and trade commissioner South Asia with Austrade New Delhi.

Her experience includes business development, marketing, international trade, education and tourism, strategy and policy development, community engagement and program design and delivery.