Dean Phillips appointed to Shire of Manjimup Council

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 August 2026

The Shire of Manjimup is pleased to announce that Mr Dean Phillips has been appointed to fill the vacant Rural Ward Councillor position.

Mr Phillips was the second unelected candidate from the 2025 Local Government Election and has accepted the vacant position through the new statutory backfill provisions of the Local Government Act 1995.

Mr Phillips will serve as a Rural Ward Councillor until the 2027 Ordinary Local Government Election.

Shire President Donelle Buegge welcomed Mr Phillips to Council and said she looked forward to his contribution.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to congratulate Mr Phillips on his appointment and warmly welcome him to Council. We look forward to Dean bringing his perspective and enthusiasm to the role as he represents the interests of the Rural Ward and contributes to the broader community,” Shire President Buegge said.

The vacancy arose in June 2026 and was initially to be filled through an extraordinary election. Following revised advice from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, the extraordinary election did not proceed, and the vacancy was instead filled through the statutory backfill process.

Mr Phillips will formally commence in the role on 11 August 2026.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Donelle Buegge, Shire President
Contact: 0409 114 681

Benjamin (Ben) Rose, Chief Executive Officer
Mikayla Ginbey, Corporate Communications Officer