Michael Thomson formally resigns as Mackay Regional Council CEO

Three months after his shock cancer diagnosis, Mackay Regional Council CEO Michael Thomson has resigned to focus on his family and health battle, stepping down with an important message for his community.

Michael Thomson has formally stepped down as Mackay Regional Council CEO three months after receiving a shock cancer diagnosis.

“I have made this tough decision in the best interests of the organisation and my family,’’ Mr Thomson said.

“After being diagnosed, I had urgent surgery and then embarked on a treatment regime, including chemotherapy.

“I have reached the third month of that treatment and my latest scans show positive signs. I also feel quite well within myself, both physically and emotionally.

“However, I am also aware that my cancer journey will have many ups and downs. Although I feel well enough to return to work now, I am cognisant there will likely be some tough days ahead.

Mackay Regional Council appointed Michael Thomson in 2020. Picture Zizi Averill

“Weighing up the disruption my treatment could have on Mackay Regional Council at a crucial time, embarking on a new budget with a new Corporate Plan, I have decided the best option is for me to leave the organisation.

Mr Thomson has three children, Mikaylia, Jay and Tara.

“Although my diagnosis has been scary and daunting for me, I know how harrowing it is for my loved ones, especially my children,” he said.

“Telling your kids you have cancer is without doubt one of the toughest things you can do in life.

“The emotional toll my diagnosis and treatment are having on them weighs heavily on my mind.

“Please do not take your health for granted. Be proactive to give yourself every chance of avoiding a shock diagnosis.”

Mr Thomson said he had loved his time at council and was proud of the achievements he had helped to lead there, including a values refresh, leadership training and new corporate plan.

Mr Thomson resignation takes immediate effect and the council will now begin searching for a replacement.

Acting CEO Angela Hays took over the role in March and her interim position has been extended for another three months.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson has praised Mr Thomson’s contribution to the region.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson (left) with Michael Thomson. Picture: Contributed

“Michael achieved a lot of change since joining council as CEO in August 2020 and I know he would have liked to stay on to see a lot of those initiatives through to fruition,’’ he said.

“The fact he does not want to disrupt the organisation during his health battle is a testament to the value he puts on the role.

“We respect his decision and his desire to focus on his health battle and spend time with family.”

Mr Thomson took on the CEO role less than a year after his high-profile sacking from the Northern Territory‘s Power and Water Corporation.

Mr Thomson said his time in the NT had taught him how to walk the tightrope between commercial imperatives and community concerns.

Before serving in local government, Mr Thomson worked in the commercial sector.