In other appointments:

• Independent administrator named for troubled regional Victorian council

Gail Connolly, who led Georges River Council through a rocky amalgamation process, has joined City of Parramatta as its new CEO.

Lord Mayor Donna Davis said Ms Connolly was selected following an extensive national search, bringing with her  more than 30 years’ experience in the public sector.

Ms Connolly, who was honoured this Australia Day with a Public Service Medal for her services to local government, was General Manager of Georges River Council between 2016 -2022.

She was previously General Manager at the City of Ryde and has held senior executive roles at several other local government organisations including City of Gold Coast, City of Sydney, and Campbelltown Council.

Council looked forward to working closely with Ms Connolly to deliver important community projects, Mayor Davis said.

“Ms Connolly’s extensive leadership experience in local and state government will be an asset to our Council,” Cr Davis said in a statement.

“With her deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead of us, we are confident Ms Connolly is the right person to lead the City of Parramatta through this unprecedented period of transformation and growth.”

Ms Connolly said she looked forward to serving the people of Parramatta and working in partnership with the community.

“I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the City of Parramatta through its next chapter,” she said in a statement.

John Tanner named as administrator for Moira Shire

In other appointments, Victoria’s Moira Shire Council has confirmed that John Tanner will be the council’s independent administrator.

His appointment follows a Commission of Inquiry report that found a litany of dysfunction including the murder of a manager by a staff member and resulted in Council’s sacking.

Mr Tanner has an extensive background in local government, small business and regional development, serving as as a board member for several regional organisations and Administrator for Brimbank City Council.

“I look forward to working with Moira Shire and its staff in addressing the recommendations of the Commission,” Mr Tanner said in a statement on the council’s website.

“My focus is on ensuring Council services are delivered effectively and that the health and wellbeing of staff is prioritised. I’m also committed to strengthening the engagement and relationships between the community and the Council.”

Mr Tanner will remain with Moira Shire for the next three months as he works towards a smooth transition to a permanent panel of Administrators.

Mr Tanner was appointed interim administrator on March 9.

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