April 2015 – Peter Clee – President

PeterThis last month was really a busy period.

The CEO, Michael Campaign is currently on leave prior to his retirement in May.

Council advertised for a new CEO in March. There were 14 applicants when applications closed on 31 March.

Since then the HR consultant LGANT provided has assessed the applications and CV’s and shortlisted several candidates.

These applications were then checked in greater detail and a shortlist of 4 suitable candidates provided to the selection panel for further consideration.

The interview process proceeded very smoothly and the selection panel were very pleased with the high quality of all of those interviewed.

The selection panel then asked LGANT HR to assist the panel undertake due diligence on the final candidates including National Police Checks and Referee Reports.

The whole process, whilst very time consuming, has been extremely good and we were very fortunate to have such high calibre candidates to choose from.

The selection panel utilised a multi stage process in forming an opinion on the candidates.

 

  1. Review and Analysis of the formal application and CV
  2. Relevance of the application to the selection criteria advertised
  3. 4 questions in a written form with a time constraint
  4. A formal interview
  5. Referee checks and comments

The final candidates were of an exceptionally high calibre and the process was extensive, difficult and time consuming.

In the end the panel has selected Deborah Allen to fill the position of CEO and made a conditional offer of employment to her.

Deborah Allen comes to Wagait Shire with an impressive resume. She has over eleven years of military experience in the Australian Navy. Deborah comes to us from the position of Community Administrator and Town Manager of Andamooka and Iron Knob in South Australia. Deborah was by far the best candidate and she will be a valuable addition to the staff at Wagait Shire. She has accepted our offer of employment.

I thank the members of the selection committee for there time, hard work and effort in selecting such a fine candidate for the position of CEO. The  effort put in by the selection panel has made the selection of a CEO a quicker and smoother process.

 

Deborah is married and will move from South Australia to reside in the council accommodation at Wagait Beach.

Andamooka and Iron Knob communities are similar in size to Wagait Beach

Deborah has indicated that she is keen to take up the role at Wagait Beach and will commence work in late May.

During this last month I have been interviewed by the NT News, The Alice Springs News, ABC TV as well as appearing live on ABC radio.  Interviews were about several local issues including dogs, waste dump, water supply and the Kenbi Land Claim.

I also attended a TOPROC meeting and attended the Local Government Associations general meeting in Tennant Creek.