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Posted by Allen Newton
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3 July, 2026
FORMER Perth Airport CEO, Brad Geatches has been appointed as the new chair of Southern Ports Authority while Mellisa Teede has been appointed chair of Kimberley Ports Authority (KPA).
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said both appointments were for a two-year term, effective 1 July 2026.
State government media releases announcing the appointments said Mr Geatches is a highly experienced senior executive and director with more than 30 years of leadership in the mining, aviation, and maritime sectors, including nine years as CEO of Perth Airport during a period of transformative development.
Ms Teede is a highly experienced senior executive and director of public sector organisations, including key roles with Western Australian regional development commissions.
Mr Geatches joins Southern Ports having served on the Pilbara Ports board since 2019, including as chair (2019-24) and deputy chair (since 2024).
He replaces outgoing chair Ian Shepherd, who was appointed on 1 February 2020, and provided leadership through a period of substantial operational growth according to the media release.
Southern Ports oversees the ports of Albany, Bunbury, and Esperance, playing a key role in facilitating trade and connecting Western Australia's southern regions to global markets
Rounding out the Southern Ports Board leadership is Jane Cutler, who steps into the deputy chair role.
Mr Dawson congratulated Mr Geatches on his appointment.
"I look forward to working closely with Brad as Southern Ports builds on its important contribution to trade, investment, and jobs creation for our state, particularly in the South West through additional capacity building at the Port of Bunbury,” Mr Dawson said.
"I would also like to recognise outgoing chair Ian Shepherd, who has provided outstanding leadership through a period of sustained growth and achievement over the past six years, and board members Gaye McMath and Dr Wiebke Ebeling for their contribution."
New chair for Kimberley Ports
Mellisa Teede. Image: Kimberley Ports Authority
Announcing the appointment of Mellisa Teede as the new chair of KPA, Mr Dawson said Ms Teade has been a director on the port authority's board since 1 July 2025 and would be replacing the retiring chair Reece Waldock.
Mr Waldock was appointed to the Board on 1 January 2019 and provided leadership and strategic direction for the Board and oversaw the Port of Broome's operational developments.
Also appointed to the board is Broome-based Nyamba Buru Yawuru deputy CEO Taliah Payne, who joins longstanding members Paul Larsen, Magued Moftah, and recent appointee Liz Buckey.
KPA is responsible for the management of the ports of Broome, Derby, Wyndham, and Yampi Sound, acting as a key gateway for trade that supports economic activity across the Kimberley region.
Mr Dawson said he looked forward to working with Ms Teade as Kimberley Ports continues on its journey towards development of the Ports of Broome, Derby, and Wyndham, building on the government’s investments in First Point of Entry infrastructure, unlocking economic growth for the Kimberley region.
"I would also like to recognise outgoing Chair Reece Waldock, who has provided outstanding leadership through a period of great change and development for all the ports of the Kimberley over his seven-year term."
