In a move set to shape Mackay’s next chapter, council chambers confirmed last Monday, August 11, that Gerard Carlyon will step in as Mackay Regional Council’s new Chief Executive Officer.
The decision, made during a special meeting, marks a homecoming for Mr Carlyon, who will take up the role at the end of September after previously serving the region as Director of Community Services and Director of Planning from 2009 to 2018.
Mr Carlyon said returning to Mackay was very much a homecoming for his family.
“I love Mackay – my daughter was born here in the Mater Hospital and much of our family and many of our friends are here,” Mr Carlyon said.
“I’m honoured to be rejoining the Mackay Regional Council team and I look forward to listening and learning from the community, councillors and staff so we can build on the region’s strengths and deliver great outcomes for residents,” he said.
“The region – from the Pioneer Valley to the beaches and down to Sarina – is just beautiful and the council is an amazingly progressive council with a positive mindset that is focused on community improvement.
“I know staff attraction and retention is an issue facing the entire Mackay region, so I really want to make council a delightful place to work; I want people to enjoy coming to work each day and I want to engage and listen to staff to make that happen.”
Mr Carlyon joins council from Fraser Coast Regional Council, where he currently serves as Deputy CEO.
With more than two decades of senior leadership experience across State and Local Government, Mr Carlyon brings a wealth of expertise in regional and economic development, strategic planning, community services, environmental management and major project delivery.
Mayor Greg Williamson said Mr Carlyon was a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of our region and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“We’re thrilled to have someone of his calibre and experience leading our organisation into the future,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Gerard has a very strong connection with the Mackay region and he is passionate about working with and engaging with the community, which makes him an ideal choice to guide the council through its next chapter,” he said.
Mr Carlyon said his time in the Fraser Coast had taught him how vitally important sustainable development was in a rapidly growing region.
“The Mackay region and Fraser Coast have a lot of similarities around geographic size and the makeup of rural and residential communities – Mackay is also poised for a period of rapid growth.
“I’m looking forward to being part of that next period and helping to deliver key projects like future stages of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails and the Northern Beaches Community Hub.”
Mayor Greg Williamson said council extended its sincere thanks to the Acting CEO David McKendry “who had been a steady hand on the tiller” during the transitionary period.
Mr Carlyon’s appointment signals a new era of leadership as Mackay Regional Council looks ahead to growth, innovation, and community-focused progress.
Gerard Carlyon has been appointed Mackay Regional Council’s new CEO, returning to the region in September to lead it into a period of growth and community-focused progress. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
On August 11, Mackay Regional Council appointed Gerard Carlyon as its new CEO, ushering in a new era of leadership. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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