Want more from your career and life? Your unexpected leadership opportunity awaits at Quilpie Shire Council

Think stepping up your career means sacrificing what truly matters in life? Think again. Quilpie Shire Council is your incredible and unexpected opportunity for real impact, real community and the life you want to live. We've got bold energy and big ideas for the future - and we need two Deputy Directors to help get us there. If you 're   a senior leader yearning for more from your care er and life, discover the powerful opportunities waiting for you at Quilpie Shire Council. 

Lead our vision for a thriving future

You might not have heard of Quilpie. But a role as one of our Deputy Directors might just be the most unexpected and rewarding career move you'll ever make. 

Located in Outback Queensland, Quilpie Shire is about 10-hour drive or a 3.5hour flight east of Brisbane. With a population of 800, we're a friendly , welcoming community - a tight-knit place where people know your name and look out for each other.

We may be a small Council, but we've got big ideas and bold energy, and we're proudly punching well above our weight. 

"Our vision is to deliver a future that is forward-thinking, industry-leading and community-focused - in summary, great!" says Justin Hancock, CEO of Quilpie Shire.

"Our Deputy Director roles are the pivotal delivery point, turning strategic vision into operational delivery."

At Quilpie Shir Council, we're driven by a ambitious goal: to increase our population to 1,000 - a 25% increase. This growth will unlock significant opportunities for our Shire, fostering even greater economic prosperity and liveability for our residents.

"All our Deputy Directors have strategic roles to play in translating our vision into action," says Eng Lim, Director of Infrastructure Services. "By leading our key portfolios and ensuring delivery of major projects and operational excellence, they will help us foster an inviting, welcoming community where people, business and industry can thrive."

Lisa Hamlyn, Director of Community and Business Development, adds that the Deputy Directors roles are vital to the executive leadership team's vision for Quilpie Shire, which is to "foster a connected, resilient, and flourishing community that embraces innovation while still preserving our unique outback identity and lifestyle. 

Seize unique leadership challenges and rewards 

Our size and location offer unique leadership challenges and opportunities for impact that you simply don't get in a city or large regional area.

As Deputy Director, you'll see firsthand the profound impact you have on a community striving for greatness. Every day offers the chance to challenge the status quo, uncover creative solutions, and actively shape Quilpie Shire 's future. 

"We have the opportunity to develop outside-the-box alternatives for projects that you wouldn't normally be able to explore in a large organisation," says Brian Weeks, Deputy Director of Infrastructure Services. "The isolation of Quilpie allows you to look for alternative options that may not be looked at when the "normal" solution is just around the corner."

"Leading in a remote Shire means operating with limited staff and budgets, requiring creative problem-solving and efficient use of resources, which is a great opportunity to prove oneself," adds Eng, "We manage services and infrastructure across a vast area, over 67,000 square kilometers, which presents logistical and operational complexities not found in urban settings. Yet, any efforts made are quite visible amongst the small close-knit community."

Lisa highlights that unlike larger councils, where executive roles can be siloed, Quilpie Shire Council leaders are hands-on, collaborative, highly visible and deeply embedded in the fabric of the community.

"Decisions aren't lost in bureaucracy," she days. "In a lot of cases, the community is part of the process and decisions are felt directly. Quilpie Shire leaders don't just lead "departments"; they have the opportunity to influence the here and now and the future of the Shire."

You'll also gain exposure to diverse sectors, community challenges and a wide range of functions, broadening your experience, deepening your knowledge and accelerating your career. 

"Our Deputy Directors get a unique balance of strategic planning and operational hands-on work" says CEO Justin." Its often about rolling up your sleeves and delivering alongside staff."

Discover unique lifestyle and career benefits

Never lived in Outback Queensland? Prepare to be surprised. We guarantee its unlike anything you might expert. 

While remote, we're far isolated. In fact may people find they socialise more in a few months here than they have in years elsewhere. As Justin put it, "The community is a vibe"- not a word, but a feeling that grows on you. 

"Our tagline of "simply unique' is more than just words on paper," he adds. "And the ability to witness the development of the community you call home can be likened to watching a flower blossom. Some buds may take longer than others to develop, nut the reward is always worth it."

Yes, it gets hot, with summer temperatures reaching 45 degrees. But the spectacular environment truly compensates, offering stunning sunrises and sunsets, abundant wildlife, the Mike Way suspended nightly over your backyard. and a desert blooming with wildflowers in springtime. 

"Quilpie is a good place to explore the real West that tourists don't often get to see." says Brian. "Its also a place where you get to make lifelong friends."

And with zero traffic, you'll have more time to focus on what really matters to you - at work and in life. 

"its only a five-minute drive or cycle to work and a three-minutes drive to the airport." says Eng. "You also get to see the tangible results of our decisions as a Council. For me, its's a unique chance to leave a lasting legacy by shaping the future of a region and supporting its sustainability and growth."

Our culture: Where fun and humour are core values

It's rare to find an organisation that lists Fun & Humour as a core value. But at Quilpie Shire Council, we proudly live and work by it every day. 

"I have never worked in an  environment where there is more laughter, not just in the tearoom, but in the office space, on the field or in the boardroom," says CEO Justin. 

"The fact we have fun and humour as a value speaks volumes about what working here is like," Brian adds. "The fact that we can all laugh at each other, including the senior staff, is a great thing. It relieves the stress of what, at times, can test the strongest of people."

We also live by our core values: Respect, Communication, Pride, Trust and Teamwork. These aren't just words: they're evident in our daily operations and interactions across Quilpie Shire Council.

"Respect is shown every day in how we engage with each other and the community," says Lisa. "Communication is our open-door policy, and trust is built through mutual respect and knowing we can support and reply on each other at all levels." 

"Everyone comes together in times of need at Council, reflecting the teamwork and trust we have in each other in delivering services to the community," adds Eng. "You do feel that pride of serving and solving problems."

"Team Quilpie is a vey significant bond, and the collective achievements are celebrated here," says Justin. " For example, our multi-award-wining Visitor Information Centre couldn't have achieved what it has without Town Services keeping the grounds and town street so presentable. We all work together, and we all respect each other and our contributions."

Ready to boost you career in a place that offers space to breathe and room to grow? Explore your opportunity at Quilpie Shire Council - where its your life to live, your community to build, and your career to grow. 

Find out more and apply now for our Deputy Director of Community and Business Development of Deputy Director of Corporate Services roles