Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has today announced the appointment of Noreen Vu as the organisation’s new permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following a unanimous councillor decision at the May Ordinary Council Meeting held Thursday May 15, 2025.
Ms Vu will assume the role from Monday July 14, 2025, following the conclusion of current interim CEO Stephen Dunshea’s contract.
PHOTO: SMRC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Noreen Vu.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Ms Vu is currently serving as General Manager at Weddin Shire Council in the Central West of NSW. Her appointment comes on the back of a competitive and exhaustive recruitment process undertaken by Council over the last several months.”
SMRC Mayor Chris Hanna said, “I’m so excited to welcome Ms Vu aboard as Council’s new CEO. The depth of our new chief executive’s experience across all three tiers of Australian public service and her impressive academic qualifications in numerous disciplines really made her the stand-out candidate in a very competitive pool of applicants.”
PHOTO: SMRC Mayor Chris Hanna
Ms Vu brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Council, having worked across strategic planning, policy development and asset and utility management within the federal, state/territory, and local government sectors.
The new CEO previously served in an executive role at Coonamble Shire Council, where she oversaw the portfolio of environment, strategic planning and community services.
Council advised Ms Vu’s demonstrated ability to engage with people at a grassroots level was a key deciding factor behind her appointment and part of an effort to build a stronger and more sustainable organisation that works in closer partnership with its community.
Ms Vu expressed, “I’m excited to connect with the community here in the Snowy Monaro, and to continue Mr Dunshea’s work to ensure that our staff are valued and respected. I appreciate the councillors’ confidence and look forward to working closely together with the governing body to achieve our vision for Council.”
Ms Vu brings her substantial academic background to Council, holding bachelor’s degrees in Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) and Applied Science (Ecotourism), with master’s degrees in Planning, Environmental Law, and Business Administration.
Mayor Hanna said, “On behalf of the Snowy Monaro, I’d like to extend our warmest welcome to Ms Vu, and give our sincere thanks to Stephen Dunshea for all that he’s done to get Council on a positive track in his time as interim CEO.”
PHOTO: Outgoing SMRC CEO Stephen Dunshea.
“We wish him all the very best for the future, and look forward to this exciting new chapter for our region and our organisation.”