Recruited to Corowa Shire Council in 2005 as economic development manager, she did not apply for the director role in the restructure late last year.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve gained and challenges I’ve enjoyed during the last 13 years, and the wonderful team of people I’ve been lucky enough to work with, including people who have left or retired and some who have passed,” Ms Kay told The Free Press.
She is so proud of how hard the team worked to achieve “positive things for the community with limited resources but lots of team work and support for each other”.
“I have been extremely fortunate to work with many remarkable individuals, community groups and businesses during my time at council and across almost every industry sector.
“There have been countless community infrastructure projects I have been very lucky to be a part of, many of which would never have been possible without extensive support from the community and businesses throughout the council area.”
Focus Engineering, Rivalea Australia, Mulwala Water Ski Club, Thales Australia, Corowa RSL, Uncle Tobys and McDonald’s were among those praised by Ms Kay for supporting projects time and time again.
“It has been a privilege to be involved with so many community groups and remarkable volunteers throughout the council area,” Ms Kay said.
“Some wonderful people work tirelessly to achieve positive things for the community. In most cases, it is still the same amazing volunteers as it was when I first started at council.”
Ms Kay was instrumental in snaring over $20 million in competitive funding. Projects that have been especially exciting to work on, she said, have included foreshore development such as the lagoon and fishing wharf, boat ramps, new playgrounds, industrial estate development, three newly refurbished libraries, redevelopment of the Corowa Civic Centre, new sport and recreation infrastructure such as much needed netball courts, football ground redevelopments, clubroom improvements and lighting, improvements to important community buildings and preschools and a significant solar PV project.
Other projects underway that Ms Kay has been involved in securing funding for include the path construction from Corowa to Mulwala, boardwalk along the lagoon, cafe at Rowers Park, a major playground at Bangerang Park along with several new toilet blocks /refurbishments and the new Corowa Swimming Pool.
Amalgamation of Corowa and Urana Shires has enabled funding and resources, Ms Kay said, to start flowing which has provided some wonderful opportunities for the community.
“Funding the ongoing maintenance and operation of council post 2016 amalgamation is definitely a key challenge moving forward, especially for the road network,” she said.
“It is amazing how resourceful regional communities can be so I am sure this will be worked through with support from the community.”
Ms Kay said she thoroughly enjoyed working with many highly committed and experienced councillors who have so much passion for the area.
“There have been many challenges over the years such as the closure of Riverina Regional Library or working through Federation Council’s first special rate variation,” she said.
“I believe positive outcomes were achieved such as that we are now part of the strongest Regional Library service in NSW and Corowa Shire was one of the lowest rated councils in NSW so without these increases, the council was not in a position to maintain its important infrastructure such as basic roads maintenance or renewal.
“Council has had a small but outstanding finance, customer service, administration, governance and community services team,” she said. “One of the increasing challenges in Local Government is ensuring that we keep our administrative overheads low so that the focus of expenditure is on the ground services to the community. “
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has provided me with support and guidance over the years including staff, councillors, business leaders and volunteers - and for allowing me to be part of a team with an outstanding work ethic and genuine concern for the ratepayer.”
Kristy starts her new Victorian State Government job as Executive Officer for the North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group in Wangaratta on Monday.
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