Far North Queensland’s Rachel Brophy announced as new chief executive of Southern Downs Regional Council, to start in mid-January

The mayor of the Southern Downs has weighed in on the appointment of the new chief executive who she says will be ‘set to guide council through an exciting new chapter’.

Former Douglas Shire chief executive Rachel Brophy will be the Southern Downs' new chief executive. Photo: Contributed.

After months of searching for a new chief executive following a drawn-out termination saga that had everyone from the public to councillors weighing in, the Southern Downs now has a new captain to steer the ship.

Former Douglas Shire chief executive Rachel Brophy has been revealed to be taking the position early next year, making the move from the Daintree region of Far North Queensland.

A source confirmed Ms Brophy beat out 59 other applicants for the position and will be in the position by mid-January after the contract is finalised.

Ms Brophy grew up 600km south of Birdsville in a mining town, which she said had “given her a unique view and understanding of the challenges that growing up in remote Australia can entail as well as a strong sense of social justice”.

Ms Brophy has almost two decades of experience in similar roles across state and local government, including in Douglas, the North Burnett as well as in a managerial role in Adelaide, South Australia.

Ms Brophy said she is excited to join the team and help drive the region’s growth and progress.

New Southern Downs Regional Council chief executive Rachel Brophy (Photo: SDRC)

“Having grown up in regional Australia, I am very excited about the opportunity of living and working within the Southern Downs,” Ms Brophy said in a press release.

“It is a fabulous place to call home and as a keen bush walker and gardener, I am looking forward to exploring the natural beauty of the Southern Downs region and working collaboratively with mayor Melissa (Hamilton), councillors and staff to deliver services to our community.”

Ms Brophy’s extensive experience includes successfully leading transformational projects, fostering productive partnerships, and implementing initiatives that delivered lasting benefits for local communities.

Her qualifications in law, financial management, marketing, and business management, combined with a strong governance and financial background, position her to provide strategic leadership for council.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (Photo: Michael Hudson)

Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton said Ms Brophy had the expertise and vision to help council realise the region’s opportunities and address its challenges.

“I am delighted council has been successful in securing such an accomplished leader as Ms Brophy to be our new chief executive,” Ms Hamilton said.

“A national recruitment campaign attracted both national and international applicants of the highest calibre. Five candidates were shortlisted, and after a rigorous selection process including an independent member on the interview panel, Ms Brophy was chosen by councillors as the successful candidate.

“With more than 16 years’ experience in local government, Ms Brophy has a strong commitment to delivering value to residents and to improving community wellbeing through a combination of people-centred leadership, creative problem solving and sound governance.

“Regarded for her ability to deliver innovative solutions, Ms Brophy is set to guide council through an exciting new chapter focused on operational excellence.

“Together with my fellow councillors, I look forward to working closely with Ms Brophy to realise our vision of a vibrant and sustainable Southern Downs.”

It is understood Ms Brophy handed her resignation in May of 2024 at Douglas Shire Council, finishing up in the role in July.

The search has come to a close after months of interviewing candidates, following the shock termination of former chief executive Dave Burgess in September.

The new chief executive is expected to sign the contact on Thursday will start in the role in early 2025, likely mid-January.

Originally published as Far North Queensland’s Rachel Brophy announced as new chief executive of Southern Downs Regional Council, to start in mid-January