Premier Mark McGowan has thanked retiring Lotterywest and Healthway CEO Susan Hunt PSM for her outstanding contribution to the public service, including 17 years in CEO roles.
Ms Hunt commenced her role as Lotterywest CEO in July 2017 and was concurrently appointed Healthway CEO in January 2018.
Her retirement announcement follows a record-breaking 2020-21 financial year for Lotterywest, with a return of $864.9 million to the Western Australian community in grants and lottery prizes.
Ms Hunt, alongside the WA Government, led the establishment of the Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund in March 2020.
The swift response to re-prioritise Lotterywest grant-making saw 962 grants totalling $159.7 million delivered to help those in the community most impacted by the pandemic.
Under Ms Hunt's leadership, a $17.5 million COVID-19 Retailer Incentive Package was also delivered, supporting almost 500 Lotterywest retailers through this uncertain period.
In 2018, Ms Hunt oversaw the amalgamation of Lotterywest and Healthway, which brought two statutory pillars of grant-giving together.
In shaping this alliance, Ms Hunt focused on achieving efficiencies and optimising community impact, with both organisations working towards the shared vision of 'Building a better and healthier WA together'.
Ms Hunt's other achievements include:
- CEO of Perth Zoo from 2004 to 2017;
- past President and longstanding Board member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Australasian Zoo Association;
- former Trustee of the International Species Information System;
- current Board member of VenuesWest, Perth Festival and Screenwest; and
- Chair of the Marine Turtle Expert Panel for Barrow Island
In 2010, Ms Hunt was awarded a Public Service Medal for her outstanding contribution to public service.
The Chair of the Lotterywest board, Peter Klinken, is working with the Public Sector Commission regarding recruitment for this role, which will be undertaken in line with public sector standards.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Ms Hunt retires with a legacy dedicated to public service, in which she has made a valuable and significant contribution towards the Western Australian community.
"During her time as Lotterywest and Healthway CEO, Ms Hunt established vital links between the two organisations, to focus on achieving community impact through grant-making.
"Ms Hunt's dedication to impactful, strategic grant-making has improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Western Australians each year.
"I'd like to thank Ms Hunt for her outstanding contribution and commitment to the public service and wish her a well-deserved retirement."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
