Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner and CEO, Reece P Kershaw APM, today announced the appointment of Mr David Willing to the position of Executive Director (ED) Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (NTFRES).
Mr Kershaw said that Mr Willing possesses extensive experience across multiple government agencies in the emergency response and recovery space, including a strong understanding of considerations from the regional and remote perspective, as well as considerable expertise in negotiating strategic outcomes, Northern Territory Police say.
"Mr Willing has held several Executive Director roles across government, including most recently as Executive Director Security & Government Services, a position which saw him gain a wealth of experience in the natural disaster recovery program, which will serve the NTFRES portfolio well," Mr Kershaw said.
In 2011 Mr Willing was appointed as the Emergency Recovery Coordinator following Tropical Cyclone Carlos and has worked in that role for the majority of major emergency events since. He has represented the NT on numerous national committees including the National Crisis Committee, Australian and New Zealand Emergency Management Committee (ANZEMC), and was the National chair or the ANZEMC Recovery Committee in 2013. Prior to joining the NT Government, he served in the Royal Australian Navy and then the Australian Public Service in Alice Springs.
Mr Willing said he was looking forward to this new chapter in his career.
"Having managed the Security & Government Services role for the past few years and working closely with the emergency management sector, I am excited for this new opportunity, as I am well aware of the value that the NT Fire Rescue and Emergency Services bring to the community," Mr Willing said.
"I am proud to be taking stewardship of NTFRES and working to facilitate improving community preparedness and resilience."
Mr Willing holds a Master of Arts in Public Sector Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Management, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds several other tertiary qualifications in management, security and risk management.
"Myself and the Tri-Service Leadership Group are very pleased with this appointment and look forward to David joining our executive team," Mr Kershaw said.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank acting ED Mr Mark Spain ASFM, for his management and leadership during this period of change and transition for NTFRES."
Mr Spain will return to take carriage of the Chief Fire Officer portfolio with Mr Willing commencing Monday 19 November 2018.
