Mareeba Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Franks, has been recognised for his outstanding leadership and management qualities.
Mr Franks was delighted to receive the Queensland Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) Manager of the Year Award at the annual LGMA conference last Thursday.
The accolade acknowledges and encourages leadership and management excellence and is presented to a senior Local Government employee who has made an outstanding contribution to the positive growth of their Council and community.
Since Mr Franks was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Mareeba Shire Council in January 2014, he has overcome many challenges to lead the organisation through a very vulnerable time. Mareeba Shire Council Mayor, Tom Gilmore said Mr Franks was able to draw on his experience and knowledge to work with Council and senior management to create a new competent, effective and sustainable organisation following the de-amalgamation.
“A fundamental part of his role was the development of a culture of enthusiasm, willingness and trust within the organisation,” Cr Gilmore said.
“In the two and a half years of his tenure, Peter has defined and re-defined an organisational structure, suitable to the purpose of the community and of the capacity of the community to pay.
“This has been and remains a fine balancing act which Peter has been able to guide the Council through while retaining the confidence of both the Council and community,” he said.
With over 15 years’ experience in Local Government, Mr Franks is known to challenge the status quo and provide opportunities for staff to rise to the challenge and contribute to an efficient and effective organisation.
Originally from South Africa, Mr Franks has an extensive background in Human Resource Management, development and training. Mr Franks has been Chief Executive Officer of several regional Councils across Queensland including Livingstone and Mackay.
Mayor Tom Gilmore, Councillors and Staff of Mareeba Shire Council warmly congratulate Mr Franks on this outstanding achievement.