Balranald Shire has found its new leader, and by all accounts, they've struck gold with their latest appointment. Mayor Cr Louie Zaffina announced today that Terry Dodds PSM will be stepping into the chief executive officer role, bringing with him an impressive three decades of local government expertise.

It's been quite the journey for Council to reach this point. After casting the net wide and receiving what Cr Zaffina described as an overwhelming response from quality candidates, the decision-making process was no small feat. However, when it came to the final vote, councillors were unanimous in their choice – always a promising sign for any incoming executive.

What makes Dodds particularly appealing for Balranald is his solid track record across multiple councils. He's previously held the CEO position at both Murray River and Tenterfield Shire Councils here in NSW, before heading north to lead Livingstone Shire in Queensland. That kind of diverse experience across different states and communities suggests someone who can adapt and deliver results regardless of the local challenges.

Perhaps more importantly, Dodds has earned a reputation for something that's absolutely crucial in local government – building positive workplace cultures. Anyone who's worked in or around councils knows that staff morale and team dynamics can make or break an organisation's effectiveness. When councillors specifically highlight this aspect of his leadership style, it suggests they're thinking strategically about the long-term health of their organisation.

The timing couldn't be better for this appointment. Cr Zaffina noted that councillors are confident Dodds will continue the positive momentum that's been building since the elected council returned to action in October last year. That's council-speak for "things have been moving in the right direction, and we want someone who can keep that progress going."

There's also a practical advantage to Dodds' appointment – his familiarity with the region from his time at Murray River Council means he won't be starting from scratch. He already understands the local dynamics, challenges, and opportunities that come with operating in this part of NSW. That's invaluable for any new CEO, as it typically takes months for outsiders to get their bearings in a new community.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this whole process is what it says about Balranald Shire's current standing. When you've got numerous high-quality candidates vying for your top job, it's a pretty clear indication that your organisation is seen as an attractive proposition. As Cr Zaffina put it, councillors were "overwhelmed with the strength of interest in the position."

That's not something every council can say, particularly smaller regional councils that sometimes struggle to attract top-tier talent. The fact that Balranald has become a sought-after destination for senior local government professionals suggests the shire is building a reputation as a place where good things are happening.

Dodds will officially start his new role on Monday October 27, which gives him a bit of time to wrap up his current commitments and prepare for the transition. Council also took the opportunity to thank the recruitment consultants from Local Government Services Group who assisted with the process, as well as all the candidates who threw their hats in the ring.

With nearly thirty years of senior leadership experience under his belt and a proven track record of organisational success, Terry Dodds looks set to be exactly what Balranald Shire needs at this stage of its development. The unanimous council vote suggests he'll have strong support from elected members, and his reputation for building positive workplace cultures bodes well for staff and community outcomes alike.

All in all, it sounds like Balranald Shire has made a smart choice for its future leadership.