Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has announced the appointment of Narelle D'Amico as the new Director Community Utilities.
Ms D'Amico joins PMHC following seven years with Bundaberg Regional Council, where she led significant operational and strategic initiatives as Branch Manager of Water Services and later as Director of Infrastructure Services.
Her career achievements include implementing major water wastewater treatment upgrades, streamlining development and compliance processes, and driving digital transformation initiatives that improved customer experience and industry engagement.
Acting CEO Robert Fish said Narelle's appointment reflects PMHC's commitment to delivering high‑quality, future‑focused services to the community.
"We're delighted to welcome Narelle to our leadership team," he said. "Her proven track-record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, her passion for people, innovation, and community outcomes, make her a perfect fit for our organisation," Mr Fish said.
In her new role, Ms D'Amico will lead the Community Utilities portfolio, overseeing essential services and infrastructure that support the Port Macquarie Hastings region's growth and liveability.
"The Community Utilities portfolio is at the heart of how a growing region functions," Ms D'Amico said.
"I'm looking forward to applying my experience in utilities infrastructure to ensure we keep modernising systems and processes and delivering essential services that our community can rely on."
Ms D'Amico brings experience in incident and crisis management, tasked with leading operational responses during significant service challenges.
At Bundaberg, she oversaw responses to major water supply incidents, including managing the impacts of seasonal algae blooms in the Burnett River catchment that affected taste and odour in the water supply. Under her leadership, she implemented rapid treatment adjustments to maintain service standards and customer confidence.
Prior to that, Ms D'Amico served as the Northwest Incident Manager for Water Corporation in Western Australia, coordinating critical operations during cyclone events to ensure continuity of water services for isolated communities.
All experiences that will be pivotal to assisting her in her new role at PMHC.
"I know how vital utilities services are to people's lives, and I have been privileged to learn a great deal about the responsibility that comes with managing these services in my previous roles," Ms D'Amico said.
"I look forward to taking on this new role and taking some time to settle into the beautiful Port Macquarie region with my family."
