The Alice Springs Town Council has appointed Peter Varris as its new chief executive officer, the mayor Asta Hill has said.

Ms Hill said Mr Varris has more than 30 years of local government leadership experience and brings a strong background in corporate services, infrastructure, community services, governance, and executive management.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Peter to the Alice Springs Town Council team. Peter joins us at an exciting time, with a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects ahead,” Ms Hill said.

“His extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue delivering high-quality facilities and services for our residents, and I look forward to working with him to achieve positive outcomes for our town.”

Mr Varris’s LinkedIn profile says he had been the infrastructure and environment executive director and chief operating officer at the Vincent Council in Perth for four years, and worked in seven other Western Australian councils dating back to 1981.

He was a 2025 WA Local Government Association Eminent Service Award recipient and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia.

Former CEO Andrew Wilsmore left the job in May, having started at Alice Springs Town Council in June 2023.

Ms Hill said a CEO review committee, including an independent member, was formed to oversee the recruitment process and make recommendations to the council.

Mr Varris said he was enthusiastic about his new job.

“I am ready to take on challenges and opportunities ahead, and am eager to work collaboratively with the team to support council’s long-term vision for Alice Springs,” Mr Varris said.