Coffs Harbour Council general manager Natalia Cowley resigns

Coffs Harbour council’s first female general manager, award-winning accountant Natalia Cowley, has resigned in a shock move. Here’s the latest.

The changing of the guard heralds Andrew Beswick as the Coffs Harbour Council general manager after Natalia Cowley quits.

Coffs Harbour’s first female general manager, award-winning accountant Natalia Cowley, has resigned.

The shock move came at the council meeting on Thursday after Mayor Nikki Williams said she was moving a mayoral minute of a “personal nature” to the end of the meeting.

When all other council matters had been debated, Ms Williams called for the gallery to be cleared for consideration of a “confidential” item.

Upon return of the gallery, it was revealed that Ms Cowley had resigned in an email on November 25. A reason for the resignation was not given.

Andrew Beswick, the City of Coffs Harbour infrastructure director, was announced as her replacement.

The City of Coffs Harbour’s new General Manager Andrew Beswick.

Prior to the announcement, councillors Paul Amos and Tony Judge praised Ms Cowley for her financial acumen.

Ms Cowley has been the general manager of the City of Coffs Harbour since July 2022.

Just two weeks ago Ms Cowley was awarded one of the highest honours in financial leadership – the Outstanding Contribution to the Public Sector Award – from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Ms Cowley’s award nominator wrote: “She is leading an agile, fast-paced, ambitious and innovative $250 million organisation that is in charge of its financial destiny.”

During her short tenure as general manager, several significant infrastructure projects were completed including Yarrila Place, the Coffs Coast Regional Sports Hub Stage 2, new community facilities like the Sandy Beach Community Hub and enhanced amenities such as the Botanic Garden Glasshouse and the Vost Street Netball Courts.

Former Coffs Harbour City Council general manager Natalia Cowley and former mayor Paul Amos. Picture: Chris Knight

Under Ms Cowley’s leadership, the council also enhanced its environmental credentials as the first ECO-certified destination in NSW.

Ms Cowley took up the top position after leaving Central Coast Council, where she was the chief financial officer from October 2020 before becoming the director of corporate affairs in March 2021.

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