New CEO Andrew Meddle has jumped straight into the deep end on his first day of work, beginning his new position at the helm of Kempsey Shire Council touring the shire with the NSW Minister for Roads and Transport, the Mayor, the Member for Oxley, and members of staff on the weekend, assessing flood damage and advocating for government support.
Andrew was shocked at the damage, particularly at Ryans Cut, where the force and velocity of the water has scoured out the road and around the bridge, as well as causing considerable damage to private property surrounding the cut.
"I was particularly impressed by the commitment of staff who have been working around the clock to record, investigate and repair the damage done to roads, bridges and infrastructure across the shire, as well as their level of investment and care for their local community," he said.
Andrew will be settling in for the next few months as his wife finishes up her teaching obligations in South Australia before joining him with their daughter later in the year.
"It was quite the contrast coming here from South Australia," he said, "as that state is in the grip of a terrible drought, with so much suffering borne by the farmers."
"And then to arrive in the Macleay in the middle of a major flood, which again causes so much suffering to the primary producers, really reminded me of the challenges faced by people on the land over which they have very little control."
"This is what makes the advocacy work being done by the Mayor and senior staff so important - state and federal governments need to be aware of the damage caused by the floods, and that we will need support to repair and recover after an event like this."
Andrew comes from Essex on the east coast of England and moved to Australia with his family in 2012. Living in South Australia since this time, he has worked in Local and State Governments, leading a broad range of services as a General Manager and Chief Executive.
Over his career, Andrew has gained a range of experience in youth services, libraries, open space, planning and transport, and heritage and conservation. He holds a joint Master's Degree in Urban Planning and Transport Planning, a degree in Countryside Planning, and qualifications in Countryside Management, Environmental Assessment, and Project Management.
Outside of work, Andrew tells us he is a keen golfer and lawn bowler, who also enjoys reading, walking, watching rugby and soccer and spending time with his wife, Karen, and daughter, Charlotte, together with their two whippets.
