Stirling CEO to pass the baton

After 16 years at the helm of Perth’s largest local government by population, City of Stirling CEO Stuart Jardine PSM has announced he will resign after his contract ends on 4 April 2024.

Throughout his long and distinguished career as Chief Executive Officer, Stuart has been devoted to the Council and community of the City of Stirling.

In announcing his resignation, Stuart Jardine PSM said: “It has been my absolute privilege to lead this wonderful organisation and I look back with immense pride and fulfillment on what we have achieved for our community. I believe now is the right time for me to step down and hand the baton over to a new era of leadership for the City of Stirling.”

Mayor Mark Irwin said Stuart Jardine PSM, who joined the City of Stirling as Chief Executive Officer in 2007, would leave a positive and enduring legacy as a result of the transformation he has led during his time in this role.

“Stuart has enormous credibility and respect, both from Councillors and employees at the City, and within our community and the wider local government sector. As a future focussed leader he has worked tirelessly for the City of Stirling and been a strong advocate at the State and Federal level helping to secure multi-million dollar funding for major projects within our community.”

The news follows six consecutive contract extensions between 2007 and 2022, during which time Mr Jardine’s calm and proactive leadership has seen the City through multiple achievements and challenges, including:

• $100 million Scarborough Foreshore redevelopment ($26 million Scarborough Beach Pool)
• Advocacy and lobbying to fund project such as Stephenson Avenue Extension and Trackless Trams (part of Stirling City Centre), the Mirrabooka Bus Station redevelopment and more
• Election of the City’s first popularly elected Mayor
• COVID-19 pandemic and $43.7 million stimulus package
• Eight consecutive golds for the City’s Annual Report from the Australasian Reporting Awards.

Stuart’s time in local government started 40 years ago in the UK and has spanned across Councils both overseas and in Western Australia. Stuart has been recognised for his significant contribution to the local government sector, awarded a Public Service Medal in 2017 for his service.

“In 2022, our Council established a strong vision ‘to be a sustainable City with a local focus’ and I believe this will help shape our community into the future,” Mr Jardine said.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge the Mayor and Councillors, the Executive Team and City employees for their ongoing support and dedication.”

Mayor Mark Irwin said “As a Council, we understand and respect Stuart’s decision, but we appreciate that he will leave big shoes to fill – Stuart has been and continues to be a tremendous leader for our City and the wider local government sector.”

“On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank Mr Jardine for his outstanding commitment, leadership and support during his impressive 16-year tenure as CEO.”

The City of Stirling will now commence the search for a new CEO and hopes to have them on board early in 2024 to allow for a smooth transition.