New general manager welcomed to shire

Narrabri Shire Council’s new general manager has hit the ground running, touring council facilities and meeting the many staff who keep the shire’s many operations running smoothly.

Rob Williams started in the role on Monday and was taken by mayor Ron Campbell to understand the many facilities and services operated by council.

Council recently announced Mr Williams’ appointment following a recruitment process to attract a new general manager.

Cr Campbell was confident Mr Williams was the right person for the position.

“We’ve purposefully taken our time to find someone of the calibre of Rob,” Cr Campbell said.

“Through the recruitment agency engaged by council, we were able to do that.”

While Mr Williams is still settling into the position and life in the shire, he is already impressed by the towns and villages in the shire.

Mr Williams comes to Narrabri Shire Council after working in leadership roles with local government in New Zealand.

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.

While Narrabri is significantly smaller in population than some of the areas he covered in New Zealand, Mr Williams is impressed with the vibe of the town given its relatively small size.

Mr Williams made particular reference to Narrabri Shire’s motto – ‘Discover the Potential’.

“I think we are now realising the potential of Narrabri Shire,” he said.

“It’s a really exciting time for this shire.”

After officially starting in his new role on Monday, Mr Williams was given a comprehensive tour of council facilities by mayor Ron Campbell on Tuesday.

Among the sites visited were the works depot, waste transfer station, library, The Crossing Theatre and the Inland Port site.

Cr Campbell said he was confident Mr Williams will take Narrabri Shire to where it needs to be in the next five years.

“He has a great deal to offer our shire through his experience,” Cr Campbell said.

“He joins us at an exciting time in our existence as a shire.”