Thursday, August 14, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Council’s New CEO Brings A Passion For Community Building

Cr Heath Paton

Some fantastic news to report this week with the appointment of the new CEO for Mackay Regional Council.

After an extensive recruitment process, Gerard Carlyon will be coming on board at the end of September. He brings with him a wealth of experience as he joins us from the Fraser coast regional council where he’s currently serving as the deputy CEO.

Mr Carlyon is a personable, approachable leader who cares deeply for his staff and the community. He aims to make council a “delightful” place to work – he wants people to enjoy coming to work each day and wants to engage and listen to staff to make that happen.

Personally, I’ve worked in small businesses my whole working life and it’s that approach to building a community and culture within the workplace that aids not only to staff attraction but also the retention of skilled labour which can be a common obstacle in regional settings.

It’s that passion for community building that aided to the growth of my own business and culture inside it. The skillset created in doing so is one that has put me in good stead carrying out councillor duties on a day-to-day basis, especially listening and communicating with the community. It’s great to have a CEO that puts the same emphasis on community engagement – listening to the community and delivering the projects that are needed for sustainable regional growth.

Mr Carlyon previously held the roles of Director of Community Services and Director of Planning at Mackay Regional Council between 2009 and 2018. Both positions giving a firm understanding and insight into our region’s growth and direction and I think it’s great to have a CEO with local roots who is genuinely invested in our local community and I’m looking forward to working closely with him to help achieve these goals.

Whilst awaiting the appointment of the new CEO, it’s important to note that council has been running as per normal under the watchful and dedicated acting CEO David McKendry’s direction. We’ve been fortunate enough to benefit from his calm and professional leadership during this busy time for council and I would like to personally thank him for the long hours and hard work he has put in.

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