Council has appointed two new community representatives to the Finance and Infrastructure Review Panel, filling the panel's vacancies and bringing membership to five.
Allan Baptist and Jane Milinkovic bring extensive executive-level experience to the committee and will provide independent advice to Council on financial management, long-term planning, major infrastructure projects and performance reporting.
Mayor Patricia White welcomed Mr Baptist and Ms Milinkovic to the panel following their appointment.
"The Finance and Infrastructure Review Panel plays a vital role in helping Council make informed financial decisions and deliver important outcomes for our community," Cr White said.
"With all positions now filled, the panel is well placed to provide valuable oversight of major capital works and advice on project governance for initiatives valued at more than $10 million," she said.
"Alongside the strong professional experience these members bring, it's also pleasing to see the panel reflect the diversity of our community and the different perspectives that help strengthen decision-making."
Following a competitive recruitment process, Mr Baptist and Ms Milinkovic were recommended for appointment by a selection panel comprising the Mayor, Chief Executive Officer, Director City Performance and Chief Financial Officer.
Mr Baptist brings extensive local government knowledge to the role, having worked in councils to deliver infrastructure projects and having previously served as a Councillor. He was Chairman of the NSW Federal Assistance Grants Commission where he met with NSW councils to understand their financial challenges and gathered deep insights into the current financial landscape of the sector.
Ms Milinkovic is a Chartered Accountant with strong financial management skills across both profit and not-for-profit organisations. She is the Director of her own business advisory firm and is a serving board member in the community housing sector.
Both new panel members will be appointed for a two-year term, with an option to re-stand for one additional term.
About the Finance and Infrastructure Review Panel
The committee, formerly known as the Finance Review Panel, was established and endorsed by Council in 2024 as a community platform to provide advice on the organisation's plans and strategies.
Following an annual review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the panel, Council resolved to broaden the panel's scope, changing its name to Finance and Infrastructure Review Panel and strengthening the process to fill existing vacancies.
