This week's appointments include Clare Huppatz, Vanessa Torres, Stephen Moir, Stephen Smith, Leonie Browner, Jacinta Behrend, Clive Luck, Dan McAullay, Marie Smyth and Travis Robinson.
Clare Huppatz has been appointed Western Australia’s chief health officer, succeeding Andrew Robertson following his retirement. A senior public health physician, Dr Huppatz has served as deputy chief health officer since 2021 and joined the Department of Health in 2019. She has extensive experience in communicable disease control, emergency response and public health policy, and played a key leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perenti has appointed Vanessa Torres as managing director, succeeding Mark Norwell. Ms Torres joins from South32, where she was chief operating officer overseeing major Australian assets. She previously held senior roles at BHP. Ms Torres will commence later this month ahead of her official start on June 1, with Mr Norwell to remain through the transition period.
Kim Beazley has retired as chair of the Perth USAsia Centre, to be replaced by Stephen Smith. Mr Smith is a former foreign affairs, trade and defence minister with more than two decades of parliamentary experience. He recently co-led the federal government’s Defence Strategic Review and previously served as Australia’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Stephen Moir has been appointed chair of Western Australia’s State Training Board, succeeding Jim Walker, after serving on the board since 2019. Mr Moir was chief executive of the Motor Trade Association of WA for 15 years before retiring from the role in September 2025. Brooke Fowles has also joined the State Training Board, while Lena Constantine and Debra Zanella have been reappointed through to the end of 2028.
Leonie Browner has been elected mayor of the City of Nedlands, succeeding Fiona Argyle following the council’s dismissal in 2025. Ms Browner secured 65 per cent of the vote and will serve until October 2029. Jacinta Behrend has also been elected mayor of the Town of Port Hedland, after the Pilbara council was placed into administration last year. Her term will also run through to October 2029.
Professor Dan McAullay and Marie Smyth have been appointed to Western Australia’s Future Health Research and Innovation Fund Advisory Council for two-year terms. Professor McAullay is dean of Kurongkurl Katitjin at Edith Cowan University and a leader in Aboriginal health research. Ms Smyth brings more than 35 years’ experience across global partnerships spanning government, industry, innovation and research.
Global law firm Jones Day has appointed Clive Luck as a partner in its global disputes practice, based in Perth. Mr Luck brings more than 25 years’ experience advising on major engineering, infrastructure, resources and energy projects across Australia, Africa and Asia.
Buru Energy chief executive Thomas Nador has resigned for health reasons and will remain with the company until May. Mr Nador led the ASX-listed gas developer since 2022, overseeing environmental approvals for the Rafael project in the Kimberley. Chairman David Maxwell and director Joanne Williams will assume executive responsibilities, supported by director Malcolm King, while the company undertakes a search for a permanent replacement.
Travis Robinson has been appointed chair of the Zoological Parks Authority, overseeing Perth Zoo. Mr Robinson, chief operating officer of Australian Capital Equity, was first appointed to the board in 2024. Liam Nicholls has joined as a new member, while Tully Carmady, Kris Warren, Vanessa Martin and Megan Keep have been reappointed.
Raewyn Hill will step down as inaugural artistic director and co-chief executive of Co3 Contemporary Dance after 12 years in the role. She has led the company since 2014 and was appointed co-chief executive in 2023. Ms Hill will remain until the end of 2026 to support the transition and planning. A replacement has not yet been announced.
Kate Champion will step down as artistic director of Black Swan State Theatre Company at the end of 2026. Appointed in 2022, Ms Champion has led the company’s artistic direction, supporting local talent and new works. She will continue in the role through the year and is currently programming the 2027 season. A replacement has not yet been announced.
