COMMUNITY IS KEY TO SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

Newly appointed administrators for Norfolk Island Regional Council, Scott Mason and Gary Mottau, attended the December Council meeting as observers before diving into their roles.

Both administrators aim to keep the Minister and the Department informed about emerging and ongoing issues and community attitudes.

As Lead Administrator, local government veteran Scott Mason is taking a community-based approach to his role.

“My approach to building trust with the community is based on honest and meaningful communication from the start, developing relationships within the community to achieve the best outcomes for Norfolk Island. Gary and I have already met with some of the island’s local leaders and organisations, and we intend to continue to make further community connections, whether in person or through digital meetings,” he said.

“I believe my role is to strengthen the relationship between NIRC and the Norfolk Island community, and to prepare NIRC for transition out of administration.”

Gary Mottau, an experienced financial professional whose previous involvement with NIRC as an independent member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee provided him with key insights into the operational and financial workings of the organisation, understands the challenge ahead.

"I’m excited and challenged by the opportunity the Minister has given me to work with the local community, Scott Mason, Phil Reid and his team to prepare NIRC for transition out of administration,” he said.

During their visit to Norfolk Island in early December, both Scott and Gary gained insights into the island’s natural beauty, history and culture. They also met with members of the community and intend to talk to as many organisations, businesses and individuals as possible over coming months.

Both Scott and Gary invite the community to contact them to arrange either an in-person meeting during their monthly visits, beginning in January 2025, coordinated around Council meeting dates, or online meetings via Teams by emailing council.administrator@nirc.gov.nf.