New chief executive Keehne as mustard to start East Arnhem Regional Council position

THE East Arnhem Regional Council has a new boss to answer to, with a new chief executive

New chief executive of the East Arnhem Regional Council Dale Keehne

THE East Arnhem Regional Council has a new boss to answer to, with former indigenous alliance boss Dale Keehne taking the reigns as chief executive of the council.

Mr Keehne, previously the chief executive of the Barang Regional Alliance, comes from a strong history of community development in the NT and Australia, after originally being involved as a director of community development council 15 years ago.

“After six years working in a range of roles overseas and other parts of Australia I offer a strong commitment to ensure that East Arnhem Regional Council lives up to its purpose of serving, empowering and being driven by the Yolngu and Warnindilyakwan people,” he said.

“I return to East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) with my sights set firmly on strengthening our relationships with community and focusing our work on providing the services needed and wanted by our residents.”

Council president Kaye Thurlow said the appointment had come at a good time for council as they go through an “exciting time of change”.

“Dale’s knowledge and experience across the Region will certainly provide for a smooth transition into the role, and importantly, some strong leadership and direction to our organisation’s progress and revitalisation,” she said.

“Council is excited for this next phase and look forward to setting positive directions for the future of our organisation and the Region.”

Mr Keehne began his position earlier this week and will be meeting with key stakeholders over the coming weeks to identify a strong direction forward for council.