Chief Executive Officer Carissa Bywater has announced she will step down from her role after more than five years at the helm.

Bywater steered the Town of Mosman Park through the challenges of COVID-19, while overseeing the implementation of a major digital transformation at the local council.

During her tenure, the Town also developed its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and had its inaugural Sustainability Strategy adopted by Council in 2024.

Together with the Town’s Mayor, Bywater has been instrumental in securing $2.4 million in State Government funding to improve traffic safety around Mosman Park Primary School and Mosman Park School for Deaf Children.

Bywater’s relentless advocacy efforts with State Ministers and Federal Senators have also prompted Main Roads to begin concept designs for a safer beach underpass at Wellington Street.

Since joining the Town as CEO in July 2019, Bywater has significantly turned around workplace culture and set in motion new processes from the ground up, while getting the Town back on a stable financial footing.

“My proudest achievement during my tenure has been leading a major, transformational shift across the organisation. We’ve strengthened our governance and compliance, revived our brand and reputation, and implemented efficient systems across the board,” said Bywater.

“I am especially proud of how we’ve invested in the right people and, in turn, the people-centred culture that has flourished under my leadership. I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with outstanding individuals who are truly committed to growing and learning together.”

Mayor Paul Shaw credits the outstanding culture between Administration and Council to Bywater’s visionary and values-driven leadership.

“Carissa has never wavered from the passion and dedication she has for our community in the face of an extremely challenging political, economic and social environment, said Mayor Shaw.

“She has been an outstanding CEO, delivering a suite of key initiatives in line with Council’s goals. On behalf of Council, we wish her the very best as she embarks on her next chapter.”

Bywater will finish at the Town of Mosman Park at the end of October, before taking up the role of Director of Corporate and System Services at the City of Cockburn.