Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Natalia Cowley to the position of General Manager.
Ms Cowley is an award-winning Council General Manager and Fellow Chartered Accountant, with a proven track record of leading large and complex councils through financial recovery, organisational transformation and sustainable growth, while delivering strong community outcomes.
Ms Cowley led one of the largest financial recoveries in NSW local government history at Central Coast Council and has returned multiple councils to surplus while strengthening culture, service delivery and community satisfaction.
Cessnock City Mayor Dan Watton congratulated Ms Cowley on her appointment and is looking forward to collaborating with her to achieve positive outcomes for the Cessnock Local Government Area.
"As a council and a community, we're undertaking an important journey towards financial sustainability. Natalia brings a track record of disciplined financial leadership with a strong focus on people and performance," said Clr Watton
"I look forward to working closely with her as we continue on this path."
Ms Cowley joins us from Moree Plains Shire Council, where she is General Manager. She has extensive local government experience in executive leadership roles across several prominent New South Wales councils, including Central Coast Council, City of Coffs Harbour, and Muswellbrook Shire Council.
A proud resident of the Cessnock LGA, Ms Cowley is looking forward to making a difference in this prominent leadership role in her community.
"I'm grateful for the confidence shown by the Mayor and Councillors and I'm looking forward to getting started and working closely with them, staff and the community to deliver the best outcomes for our LGA," said Ms Cowley.
Ms Cowley will commence in the role on Monday 29 June 2026.
