FOLLOWING the December resignation of Moree Plains Shire Council’s general manager, Kelvin Tytherleigh, council has welcomed former City of Coffs Harbour Council general manager Natalia Cowley to the role on an interim basis.

Ms Cowley commenced earlier this week and said she was eager to engage with the Moree Plains Shire community.

“I am looking forward to meeting all Council staff,” Ms Cowley said in a MPSC media release.

“I have been impressed by the openness and warmth of the passionate staff I have already had the opportunity to meet.

“It is clear to me that everyone is dedicated to serving the community and making a difference.”

This marks Ms Cowley’s first experience in a small rural town following delivering impressive results for larger regional councils and she is looking forward to exploring and enjoying the welcoming experience of Moree and the wider shire.

“I’m embracing the chance to explore more of Moree and its surroundings. I’m already appreciating the warm weather and most importantly, the warmth of the community,” she said.

Ms Cowley acknowledged the ongoing support from mayor Susannah Pearse.

“I thank the mayor, deputy mayor and councillors for their warm hospitality and generosity, and I am looking forward to working closely with Council to deliver on their vision for the community and engaging with residents to help shape the future of the region,” Ms Cowley said.

Moree Plains Shire Council mayor, Susannah Pearse, with interim general manager. Natalia Cowley.

As Interim general manager, Ms Cowley is committed to driving positive change and fostering strong relationships between Council, the community and local stakeholders.

Cr Pearse said “Ms Cowley is a general manager with an impressive track record of turning council finances around and delivering long awaited community projects”.

“As an award-winning financial expert, we are especially looking forward to working with her to develop our budget, improve value for your ratepayer money and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our organisation.

“Council would like also like to extend our sincere thanks to director of planning and development, Darryl Fitzgerald, for undertaking the role of acting general manager for the past few weeks,” Cr Pearse said.

Ms Cowley was last year awarded one of the highest honours in international financial leadership, when named the Outstanding Contribution to the Public Sector Award recipient from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Late last year, City of Coffs Harbour Council by resolution accepted Ms Cowley’s resignation as general manager.

Coffs Harbour mayor Nikki Williams in a media release thanked Ms Cowley for her dedicated service for the past two-and-a-half years.

Ms Cowley led the implementation and delivery of a number of significant programs and projects during her time as Coffs general manager, including structural change to deliver balanced city finances which provided a strong foundation for the future of Coffs Harbour, according to City of Coffs Harbour Council.

A significantly reduced vacancy rate was also achieved as well as a sustainable capital works program with improved governance.

In line with Office of Local Government Guidelines, Council will soon begin recruitment for the five-year general manager contract.