APPPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Following a comprehensive search for a new Chief Executive Officer, Balonne Shire Council has announced that Michelle Clarke will be stepping into the role on 20 December 2024.  

Michelle is a well-respected member of our community, having held the position of Director of Finance & Corporate Services at Balonne Shire Council for the past eight years.  

Michelle has extensive local government experience in NSW and Queensland including having previously been the Chief Executive Officer for the Richmond Shire Council and her local knowledge will allow for a seamless transition into the position of Chief Executive Officer.  

Current Interim Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Kanofski will work collaboratively with Michelle over the next couple of weeks to transition the CEO role. 

The necessary temporary arrangements will also be put in place during the recruitment of a new Director of Finance & Corporate Services.  

Mayor, Samantha O’Toole welcomed the appointment of Michelle Clarke to her new role at the Balonne Shire Council.  

“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Michelle Clarke to the position of Chief Executive Officer”, said Mayor O’Toole. 

“Michelle is a valuable team member, has a great knowledge of Balonne having called our Shire home for eight years and understands what our opportunities and challenges are into the future.

“I look forward to working closely with her in this new capacity to focus on delivering services and infrastructure for our communities in a fiscally responsible way. 

“Together with Councillors and the Council team, I look forward to welcoming Michelle to guide Council’s day-to-day operations and implement council’s strategic direction through this period and into the future.”

“Michelle has been an outstanding Director on Council since 2017 and is best placed to lead the Council team into the future. 

“Her wealth of knowledge regarding Local Government is second to none and her leadership throughout last year’s record investment of $97 million in infrastructure, essential services and community initiatives was vital to its delivery. 

“I would also like to thank the outgoing Interim Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Kanofski for managing Council’s day-to-day operations while this recruitment process was undertaken.” 

Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Clarke is honoured to be appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Balonne Shire Council.

“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to work with our communities, employees and contractors to deliver the best outcomes for the Shire as a whole”, said Michelle Clark