Date: 24th June 2026
David Neeves has resigned as General Manager of Gilgandra Shire Council after ten years in the role, with Mid-Western Regional Council announcing his appointment as its new General Manager on the same day.
Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten acknowledged Mr Neeves’s contribution across a period of significant growth and challenge for the shire. During his tenure, council delivered more than $100 million in capital works, strengthened its financial position and navigated drought, flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Neeves also played a central role in positioning the shire for opportunities linked to the Inland Rail project and the emerging renewable energy sector.
At Mid-Western Regional Council, Mayor Des Kennedy said Mr Neeves was selected through a competitive recruitment process and brings more than 25 years of local government experience, including his time at Gilgandra and an earlier role as Chief Executive Officer of Cloncurry Shire Council in Queensland. Mayor Kennedy pointed to the volume of renewable energy projects, housing development and infrastructure expansion in the Mid-Western Region as the backdrop for the appointment.
Mr Neeves will conclude his employment with Gilgandra Shire Council on 21 August 2026 and commence at Mid-Western Regional Council on 26 August. Gilgandra will shortly commence recruitment for an interim General Manager to ensure continuity of leadership through the transition.
Mr Neeves succeeds Brad Cam, who is departing Mid-Western Regional Council after 20 years of service.