New England Joint Organisation hires its first executive officer
New England Joint Organisation, which includes Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, Uralla, Moree Plains, Narrabri and Tenterfield councils, met at Uralla on Monday morning and the recruitment of its first executive officer was high on it's agenda.
Organisation chair, Cr Michael Pearce from Uralla Shire Council, said a young lady named Brooke Southwell from Narrabri was appointed to the position.
We're looking for some easily manageable projects ...
Cr Michael Pearce
"Brooke will commence in her role as our executive officer from July 1," he said.
"We're very excited to have a brand new executive officer working for the group.
"She has experience both in local government and other agencies. She's worked for several councils, so she knows the ins and outs of local government and she's very well qualified."
Cr Pearce thought Ms Southwell's appointment would relieve some of the pressure on Inverell Shire Council's general manager Paul Henry, who was acting in the role.
"Any general manager for any council is obviously a busy person," he said.
"Because we're just a baby JO this is a part-time position. So, initially Brooke will be on a two year contract with a workload of three days a week, depending on how things progress.
"We're looking for some easily manageable projects, the low hanging fruits so as to speak, and there are a few things in the pipeline. In the next six months we'll be firing on all cylinders."
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On a personal note, Cr Pearce said he was loving the position.
"When we go to Sydney for the Country Mayor's Meeting every quarter, we have a gathering of the JO chairs the day before," he said.
"That way we can update each other on what individual JOs are doing and what they are up to, and it also gives us a stronger voice, as there are 12 JOs in NSW.
"So, it gives all of us a stronger voice, particularly when we have our meetings at Parliament House where we can always grab a Minister or a politician and chew their ear. It's a win-win for all and i'm loving every minute of it."