One direction for new directors

Dubbo Regional Council’s (DRC) Executive Leadership Team is now complete following the appointment of two new directors.

Jane Bassingthwaighte has been successful in obtaining the role of Director Community, Culture and Places, explaining she is very excited to be returning to Council. “I have had 14 years’ experience across various roles in Dubbo City and then Dubbo Regional Council, before departing to work for NSW Health. I am a local resident, extremely invested in my community through a variety of community-based organisations. I am really looking forward to returning to Council, working with Councillors, CEO Mr Wood and working to lead a great Community, Culture and Places team,” said Ms Bassingthwaighte.

Mr Luke Ryan, has been appointed DRC’s Director Infrastructure. Mr Ryan has been employed with DRC since September 2021 as Manager Infrastructure Delivery, and prior to this was employed with Lake Macquarie City Council for 12 years. “I am very enthusiastic about this new role; since moving to Dubbo I have had the opportunity of working alongside some of the most talented staff in my career, and now I am excited to put our knowledge expertise and passion for the community into practice by leading the Infrastructure Division,” said Mr Ryan.

The two roles will complete CEO Murray Wood’s new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) which has a revised focus on restoring relationships within the community. “We know that DRC has been under a lot of public scrutiny in the last couple of years. The community were disengaged and that was evident on my return. Now that our ELT is fulfilled, it’s time to get busy implementing key strategies to engage with our community positively again,” said Mr Wood.

“Jane has quality relationships within the local community and analytical experience in terms of our delivery service model which will equip her with the right tools to lead our Community, Culture and Places team. Luke has in-depth experience in Infrastructure Delivery, he is aware of our current challenges and is prepared to work with the community to implement strategies that will assist in delivering essential services to our region,” said Mr Wood.

The new recruits will commence their roles with DRC as of 20 June 2022. The new DRC Executive Leadership Team will be made up of the below.

  • Murray Wood, Chief Executive Officer
  • Dean Frost, Director of Organisational Performance
  • Natasha Comber, Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Engagement
  • Stephen Wallace, Director of Development and Environment
  • Jane Bassingthwaighte, Director of Community, Culture and Places
  • Luke Ryan, Director of Infrastructure Delivery
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