MOREE Plains Shire Council has appointed Natalia Cowley as new general manager.

Mayor Susannah Pearse congratulated Ms Cowley on her appointment and thanked other applicants for their interest in the position.

“Council agreed that what set Natalia apart from the rest of the field was her deep understanding of local government and proven ability as a general manager who has holistically turned around council performance, delivering real outcomes for the community,” Cr Pearse said.

“While there was a highly competitive field, Council was united in their selection of Ms Cowley as the preferred candidate.”

The vote was conducted in open Council, with councillors voting unanimously to appoint Ms Cowley.

The process was independently facilitated by Local Government Management Solutions, the recruitment arm of industry peak body, Local Government NSW.

Ms Cowley has been appointed for a five-year contract, commencing May 2, 2025. Deputy mayor Wayne Tighe echoed Cr Pearse’s comments.

“We are excited to have someone of Natalia’s calibre coming on board to lead our organisation and give it the consistency and focus it needs,” Cr Tighe said.

“Her results at other, larger, councils speak for themselves.”

Moree Plains deputy mayor Wayne Tighe, general manager Natalia Cowley and mayor Susannah Pearse.

Ms Cowley is Moree Plains Shire Council’s first female general manager.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past three months as interim general manager, getting to know councillors, the team, the organisation and the community,” Ms Cowley said.

“My focus in the short term is to build on the momentum that we have gathered thus far, with a view to completing as many of the outstanding projects as possible.

“Thank-you for the trust given to me by the council and the support provided to me by council staff.

“I love this big sky country and all that it offers, and am grateful for the warm welcome that I’ve received from the community.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and delivering for them,” Ms Cowley said.