Steve Hamilton, appointed General Manager of Moree Plains Shire Council. He commences on Monday 9 November 2026. Image supplied by Moree Plains Shire Council.
Steve Hamilton wants to get to know the communities he will serve as Moree Plains Shire Council’s new general manager, with listening and working together central to his approach.
Mr Hamilton brings experience in local and state government to the role. He and his wife Megan recently visited Moree, giving the couple an introduction to the community ahead of his arrival.
“My wife Megan and I recently visited Moree and were made to feel very welcome by everyone we met. I’m looking forward to getting to know our communities and being actively involved across the Shire,” he said.
“I’m passionate about local government and believe in being approachable, listening to people and working together to achieve our shared priorities.”
Mayor Susannah Pearse welcomed his appointment, highlighting his record of improving capital works delivery.
“Steve is a down to earth but highly motivated individual whose engaging nature will see him well placed to lead and inspire our organisation, and work collaboratively with our community and stakeholders,” Cr Pearse said.
Mr Hamilton joins the organisation as Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig considers suspending the elected council for three months. Council has until November 6 to respond before the Minister decides whether to proceed.
A suspension would put an interim administrator in place of the mayor and councillors, while council services and daily operations would continue. Mr Hamilton would manage the organisation and implement lawful decisions, with the administrator taking over the elected council’s governing responsibilities.
For Mr Hamilton, the focus is on what he can help achieve for the shire.
“Moree Plains has enormous potential, and I’m looking forward to working with our Councillors, staff and communities to deliver results that matter and make a positive difference to people’s lives,” he said.
His appointment follows interviews held at an extraordinary council meeting on October 21. He takes over from Acting General Manager Ian Stoneman, who led the organisation during recruitment.
Cr Pearse thanked Mr Stoneman for providing “such a capable and safe pair of hands” and working tirelessly for the organisation over the past four months.
