Date: 1 July 2026
Charters Towers Regional Council has appointed Michelle Clarke as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing on 24 August 2026.
Council resolved the appointment at a Special Meeting on 24 June 2026, following a competitive recruitment process. Mrs Clarke brings substantial local government experience across New South Wales and Queensland, including previous CEO tenures at Richmond Shire Council and Balonne Shire Council, as well as other senior leadership positions.
Mayor Liz Schmidt welcomed the appointment, saying Clarke’s financial and governance expertise, combined with her familiarity with the region, would support a smooth transition into the role.
Clarke said she was looking forward to returning to a region she had lived, worked and visited for the past twenty years.
The appointment concludes a period of interim leadership following the resignation of the previous CEO earlier in 2026. Acting CEO Martin Drydale — who had previously held the permanent CEO position at Charters Towers — guided the organisation through the transition period, including the development of the 2026–27 budget. Drydale will complete a formal handover before Clarke’s start date.