Final council meeting for GM Ross Earl
Bourke Shire Council General Manager Ross Earl after his final council meeting on Monday. Photo TWH
He has helped steer Bourke through drought, economic decline, population drift and a pandemic but this week, General Manager Ross Earl attended his last Bourke Council meeting.
In less than two weeks, Mr Earl and his wife Annette will be leaving Bourke and retiring to Mudgee.
Ross leaves behind a legacy of hard work and commitment to the community, as well as personal career milestones that have capped off a long career in local government.
Mayor Barry Hollman, President of Local Government NSW Linda Scott and Public Works Advisory Regional Director Gavin Priestly were among those who thanked Mr Earl for his drive and work ethic, and recognised the impact he had made in his role as General Manager.
Mayor Hollman tabled a Mayoral Minute outlining Mr Earl’s contribution to Bourke since he took on the role in October 2012.
‘Despite the tumultuous impact of drought and COVID-19, through Ross’s stewardship and his ability to develop relationships, council is in a strong financial position, is highly regarded by politicians and officers from both State and Federal Governments, and most importantly, is delivering unprecedented levels of service to the community.
‘Undoubtedly, the awarding of the Bluett Award to Bourke Shire Council in 2019 was a career highlight for Ross. It was the culmination of a significant amount of work, but only one of his highlights whilst at Bourke.
‘He displayed a very strong knowledge of the industry that is Local Government and the important role it plays within respective communities, was instrumental in the NSW Government’s decision to hold a Cabinet Meeting a Bourke, a first for a remote locality in the State.
‘He arranged for the NSW Government’s Department Secretaries to meet in Bourke - the first time the Secretaries had met outside of Sydney. He chaired the Orana General Manager’s Advisory Committee.
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