Narrabri Shire Council appoints new general manager

Narrabri Shire Council has announced the appointment of its new general manager, with Robert Williams accepting the role.

Mr Williams, who boasts local government leadership experience working with councils in New Zealand, will commence his role in a fortnight.

Mayor Ron Campbell and fellow councillors have welcomed the appointment.

“Mr Williams was a local government chief executive in New Zealand before relocating to Australia earlier this year,” Cr Campbell said.

“He previously served the communities of Taupo and the Coromandel Peninsula District, and as a Chartered Engineer of the Institution of Civil Engineers UK, Mr Williams has more than 30 years of professional management experience, including more than 15 years in chief executive roles.

“This has included the successful completion of a wide range of infrastructure projects in both the private and public sectors.”

As the previous chair of the Collaboration Bay of Plenty (CoBoP), Mr Williams was responsible for ensuring the ongoing connectivity and efficiency of the central and local government agencies.

“During that period, CoBoP represented eight local government authorities and 26 central government agencies located in 115 different locations employing 8000 staff,” Mayor Ron Campbell said following the appointment of Mr Williams as council’s general manager.

Mr Williams is looking forward to becoming an integral part of the council team and the wider community in and around Narrabri Shire at a pivotal time.

“With major investments coming into the area over the next few years, I am very optimistic that our team, like myself, will be very keen to realise some positive and lasting outcomes for our businesses, our residents, our townships and our visitors,” Mr Williams said.

“Having spent some time in Narrabri Shire recently, I experienced first-hand the knowledge and professionalism of our council team working within the wonderful community facilities here.”

Mr Williams will commence his position with council on August 15.

Prior to the appointment of Mr Williams, Robert Ball and Glenn Inglis served in the position in an acting capacity while council undertook recruitment for the role.