SHIRE of Northam chief executive officer Debbie Terelinck has resigned after almost three years in the role.

The shire announced Ms Terelinck’s resignation on July 27, saying she had cited family commitments and a desire to pursue other interests.

“It has been a privilege to be the Shire of Northam’s chief executive officer for the past three years, and after spending nearly 45 years working in the local government sector it is time for me to pursue other interests,” Ms Terelinck said.

“I am proud to be leaving the shire with a new council plan that has been developed with our community and sets a strong strategic direction for the next decade.

“I look forward to watching the shire continue to grow and develop, economically, socially and sustainably, with some exciting projects in the pipeline to be delivered in the next few years.”

No final departure date has been set but Ms Terelinck has offered to remain with the shire until just prior to Christmas if needed while the council looks for her replacement.

Recruitment was expected to begin within a month of the announcement.

“Council will be looking for a chief executive officer to continue the great work of the outgoing chief executive officer Debbie Terelinck.” Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio said.

The shire’s 2026-27 budget includes $35,000 for the recruitment process.

Ms Terelinck joined the Shire of Northam in October 2023 after more than 25 years in local government, including senior positions with the cities of Wanneroo and Subiaco.

Her time at Northam included an organisational restructure in 2024, which the shire said was intended to better align its work with community priorities in the council plan.

Mr Antonio said the council had accepted Ms Terelinck’s resignation with regret.

“She has led the organisation through a great deal in the past three years, and I am incredibly thankful for the genuine care and unwavering dedication she has shown to the shire in that time,” he said.

“I speak on behalf of all councillors and staff when I express that she will be sorely missed in this position.”

Mr Antonio said the council looked forward to working with Ms Terelinck during the transition.

Ms Terelinck was appointed following the departure of former chief executive Jason Whiteaker, who left the shire in 2023 and became the chief executive officer at the Shire of Mundaring shortly after.

When announcing her appointment, the council said her background in community services would provide stability as Northam continued to grow.