Ms Mash comes to Oberon from Burke Shire Council in Far North Queensland, where she is the chief executive officer, having also held the same position in Cook Shire, again in Northern Queensland.

Ms Mash said she loves cold weather, even after living in the tropical north, and her family, including husband Colin and sons Jake and Riley, are excited about their move to snowy Oberon.

Ms Mash has extensive experience in tourism, hospitality and economic development, including a business degree majoring in tourism.

She has also worked in local government in New Zealand.

Ms Mash said she is keen to join a council with such a growing tourism industry, as well as being a smaller NSW council.

She said Oberon attracted her because of its perfect positioning – a place where locals can enjoy the country lifestyle but are only an easy drive from Sydney and Canberra.

She is impressed by Oberon Council, its stable senior management, and its nine councillors, who she described as a group committed to represent the region.

Oberon residents can look forward to meeting the new council general manager in September.

Until that time Oberon Council’s Director of Engineering Leigh Robins will continue on as the acting general manager. Welcome Leanne!