Whole new ball game for incoming Shire of Cranbrook CEO Greg Blycha

Greg Blycha has been announced as the new chief executive of the Shire of Cranbrook, replacing outgoing boss Peter Northover. Mr Blycha worked in the military for almost 20 years, before taking up a role at the Road Safety Commission as head of operations in 2016. In 2018, he moved into a role as the chief operating officer for soccer’s governing body in WA, Football West. Still with Football West, he was recruited to help the Health Department during the COVID-19 crisis, co-ordinating repatriating Australians returning from overseas into quarantine facilities. “It is making sure people get through the airport terminal, and there is a bit involved there with people getting swabs and getting on to buses, and then the check-in process and the next 14 days in quarantine,” he said about his crisis role with WA Health. He applied for the role at the Shire not knowing when sport would return to normal after COVID-19, or how long he would be required by the Health Department. “Everyone I have met in Cranbrook has been remarkable — that was a big factor in taking up the role,” he said. “There is a really committed council and I have some really strong staff and they seem wonderful. “It is the people which has swayed the decision, everyone I have met has been so genuine and willing to engage.” He will take over from Peter Northover on November 2, relocating with his wife and four daughters to become part of the Cranbrook community. Mr Blycha said he hoped to completely immerse himself and his family in the town and the regional way of life. “What I want to do is get to know the people and get to know what they want,” he said. “I intend to throw myself into the community and really ask what they want to see happen.”