Our Senior Leadership Group

Matthew Magin CEO

Chief Executive Officer

Matthew Magin

Matthew was appointed Chief Executive Officer in November 2016. He has an extensive background in stakeholder engagement, government relations, economic development and the retail industry.

He was CEO of the Burdekin Shire prior to joining Balonne. Matthew is a Director with Local Government Manager’s Australia Queensland, a member of the Councils of Western Queensland and represents Council on a wide range of regional and community committees and groups.

Michelle Clarke Director Financial Services

Director Finance & Corporate Services

Michelle Clarke

Michelle has been with Council since October 2016 and was officially appointed as Director Finance & Corporate Services in February 2017. 

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Law and Administration, Diploma in Local Government Financial Management, a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting and completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Corporate Governance and Risk Management.

 

Digby

Director Community & Environmental Services

Digby Whyte

Digby joined our team in September 2018 and has experience in the broad field of parks and recreation at the city, regional, state and international levels in New Zealand, the USA, Australia, and France.

He has dealt with services ranging from tourism and events, cultural heritage, infrastructure, education, biosecurity, and sheep and beef farming.

 

Chris Whitaker

Director Infrastructure Services

Chris Whitaker

Chris joined our team in February 2023. He has over 16 years’ experience leading regional council infrastructure teams, including most recently with the Southern Downs Regional Council and the Banana Shire Council.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and has developed a key focus throughout his career on delivering road maintenance, road construction projects.