Dalassa Yorkston appointed new NPARC chief executive
The hunt for a new chief executive has come to an end for a remote Cape York council following a successful campaign to oust the previous holder of the top job.
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The hunt for a new chief executive has come to an end for a remote Cape York council following a successful campaign to oust the previous holder of the top job.
The Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council officially announced the appointment of Dalassa Yorkston to the position of chief executive on Monday following a special council meeting held on June 5.
It follows a tumultuous period for the most northern mainland Queensland council after a string of short-term appointments to the top job.
In November 2024 a Charge.org petition started by Kawia Sunai called for the termination of former chief executive Kate Gallaway, who was appointed in November 2024 under the leadership of former mayor Patricia Yusia.
In January 2021, Susan Law began a term as CEO that lasted one year and seven months. She previously resigned from Armidale Regional Council after councillors unsuccessfully waged a legal battle to terminate her contract.
Ms Law took over from Graeme Gillam who was in the top job for only 11 months until June 2020.
Incoming chief executive Ms Yorkston has served for 17 years with the Torres Shire Council, including 13 years in the chief executive role.
Mayor Robert Poi Poi said he was pleased to announce that Ms Yorkston had accepted the top role at the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
“I am excited about the future for NPARC and the great progress we can now make with Mrs Yorkston as our CEO,” he said.
Facilitated by an independent recruitment agency, the successful appointment of Ms Yorkston was the result of an extensive recruitment process, according to council.
Mrs Yorkston will take up her position from August 4 and in the meantime Lew Rojahn will continue to act as interim CEO.
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