Ricky Burges to take over as GSDC chair after Bruce Manning steps away from commission after 23 years

The Great Southern Development Commission has thanked Bruce Manning for 23 years of service ahead of his departure as chairman of its board.

Before his two years as GSDC chairman, Mr Manning spent 21 years as chief executive.

Acting GSDC chief executive Jarrad Gardner said Mr Manning had left an undeniable mark on the commission and the region.

“Bruce leaves behind him a rich legacy, with well over two decades of dedication to the region,” he said.

“Bruce’s impact can be felt across the region, throughout various industries, and by many facets of the community . . . his influence cannot be overstated.”

Mr Manning impacted many projects in his time with GSDC, including delivery of the Albany Entertainment Centre and Albany Waterfront Precinct, the Katanning town centre upgrades and saleyards, the Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun hiking track, and the expansion of the tertiary education offering of the region.

Ricky Burges has been announced as the new GSDC chair and will take over the role from September 1.

Ms Burges brings senior leadership experience across the public sector in Western Australia, previously working as the chief executive of the Western Australian Local Government Association, the Perth Zoo and director-general of the former department of culture and the arts.