About Council
Etheridge Shire Council governs a vast and remote region of approximately 39,000 km² in Northwest Queensland, supporting a small, close-knit population across communities including Georgetown, Forsayth, Einasleigh, Kidston and Mount Surprise. The Shire is rich in history, culture and natural assets, with a strong connection to its heritage and landscape. Council plays a vital role in delivering essential services and infrastructure, maintaining key community and cultural facilities, and working with its communities to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, investment and long-term sustainability—creating a future beyond rates, roads and rubbish.
The Position
As the Chief Executive Officer, you will have the experience and adaptability to lead in complex and changing environments. You will bring senior executive leadership skills gained in multidisciplinary organisations, ideally in a service delivery context. You will be community-focused and innovative, with the ability to develop and lead a clear strategic vision for the organisation’s future. You will lead high-performing teams, creating a workplace that values collaboration, safety, and cultural awareness
About You
You are a senior executive with Local Government experience leading complex organisations and a record of delivering strong outcomes across diverse service lines. Your leadership style is inclusive, values-driven and focused on building capability.
We are seeking an experienced executive to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer. As the organisation’s most senior staff member, you will provide clear strategic leadership, oversee operational performance and resources, and deliver balanced professional advice to the Mayor and Councillors. The CEO plays a central role in aligning service delivery with community priorities while leading the organisation through complex and changing environments and fostering a culture of collaboration, safety and cultural awareness.
The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience, ideally within local government or a comparable service-delivery organisation, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and achieve outcomes across diverse service areas. You will demonstrate strong governance, risk and financial management capability, sound political judgement and the interpersonal skills required to build trust with elected members, staff, community stakeholders and regional partners. An inclusive, values-driven leadership style and the ability to communicate, negotiate and develop organisational capability will be essential to your success.
This is an opportunity to lead a small but significant organisation and make a meaningful impact across remote communities. The role is based in Northwest Queensland, offering striking landscapes, a relaxed pace of life and a welcoming community while providing a rewarding executive leadership opportunity.
You will bring
* A proven record as a passionate and capable people leader who is approachable and outcomes focused
* Experience establishing and maintaining good governance practices and sound risk and financial management.
* Political acumen to work constructively with elected members, community stakeholders and regional partners
* Strong skills in communication, negotiation and relationship building
* Experience in promoting teamwork and developing and maintaining positive work relations and organisational culture
What’s on offer?
This full-time contract position offers a total remuneration package of up to $289,000 including base salary, superannuation, free house rental and electricity, mobile phone and private car usage. You’ll enjoy the lifestyle of vibrant scenery with a welcoming and relaxed community within Northwest Queensland.
To Apply
Please review the Information Pack, Job Description and Position Requirements for the role by clicking on 'Apply'. to arrange a confidential discussion regarding the position.
Closes: 9am on Monday 16 March 2026.