MEDIA RELEASE - West Arnhem Regional Council appoints new CEO
West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) is pleased to announce Paul Hockings as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following his appointment at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 12 October 2022.
WARC Mayor Matthew Ryan said the Council is excited to announce Paul as the incoming CEO who will take on the role from Daniel Findley after he provided notice to Elected Members in May 2022 that he would not be seeking a contract extension.
During his tenure, Daniel led WARC through a whole-of-organisation restructure to assist in empowering staff and to strengthen Council’s service delivery across the West Arnhem region. He oversaw the release of a new strategic plan and refresh of the organisation’s vision, purpose and values and was instrumental in the release of WARC’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. Working alongside an amazing senior leadership team, Daniel transformed WARC’s culture and reduced staff turnover, all while leading the Council through a global pandemic.
Mayor Ryan said that with Daniel’s leadership and vision, West Arnhem Regional Council has achieved many positive community outcomes.
“I have enjoyed working with Daniel and will miss his drive and passion and I thank him for his leadership and guidance through his tenure. Council now welcomes Paul as the new CEO, following a thorough recruitment process carried out by an executive recruitment firm which saw many quality applications received.”
Paul is an experienced Local Government CEO and General Manager and qualified CPA, having previously worked at Longreach Council as Director of Corporate Services and more recently, as CEO of Barcoo Regional Council during the last three years.
His has experience across multiple industries in regional and remote Australia, including maintenance management at a multinational mining company which included the Town Administrator/CEO role at Nhulunbuy, financial services within public organisations and in agribusiness for a rural water utility.
Paul said he is excited about the next chapter ahead with West Arnhem.
“My family and I are looking forward to returning to the NT after spending 10 years in Gove from 2004-14. I am keen to take on the CEO role at West Arnhem Regional Council and, whilst I am sure it will be a real challenge, I feel it will be a very rewarding role.”
Paul will commence the role of CEO on 31 October 2022, with outgoing CEO Daniel providing a comprehensive handover before finishing up.
Daniel said it has been a pleasure to work with the West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor and Elected Members over the last three years.
“I have had the privilege to walk alongside some extremely talented and dedicated people who choose to work at WARC. Incoming CEO Paul Hockings has significant experience and the right values to lead Council over the next period, and I am looking forward to watching everything that is achieved over the next few years.”
ENDS