Chief Executive Officer & Directors

Andrew Meddle – Chief Executive Officer

Andrew comes from Essex on the east coast of England and moved to Australia with his family in 2012.

Living in South Australia since this time, he has worked in local and state governments, leading a broad range of services as a General Manager and Chief Executive. 

Over his career, Andrew has gained a range of experience in youth services, libraries, open space, planning and transport, and heritage and conservation.

He holds a joint Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Transport Planning, a degree in Countryside Planning, and qualifications in Countryside Management, Environmental Assessment and Project Management.

Phillip Hood – Director Operations & Planning

Phil is an experienced local government leader with a career across regional NSW spanning engineering, project delivery and senior executive management.

He has held senior leadership roles with Walcha Council and Port Macquarie Hastings Council, overseeing a wide range of council functions. His background includes infrastructure and operations management, organisational leadership and project delivery, supported by qualifications in engineering, communications and project management.

Originally from Taree, Phil has a long-standing connection to the Macleay Valley, having spent his childhood holidaying in Hat Head and becoming a resident in 2020.

Daniel Thoroughgood – Director Corporate & Commercial

Daniel has been an integral part of Kempsey Shire Council since 2011, beginning as Team Leader of Information Technology before progressing to Group Manager of Governance and Information Services in 2013.

With extensive experience across a range of industries including IT, telecommunications, health and local government, Daniel has worked in diverse settings, from family businesses and small enterprises to multinational corporations, charities and the public sector.

Daniel has a strong connection to the Macleay Valley, where he has spent most of his life.

In addition to his role at Kempsey Shire Council, he is actively involved in the industry as a board member of Statewide Mutual, representing the Mid North Coast region.

Wes Trotter - Director Utilities

Wes has more than 25 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. He joined Kempsey Shire Council in 2017, as a Process Engineer, before working his way up to Manager and Group Manager roles.

Previously, Wes held various positions including Maintenance Fitter Australian Capital Territory Energy and Water (ACTEW), Water Industry Operator ActewAGL and Senior Shift Supervisor Icon Water.

With his industry wide experience, Wes understands the practical implications of operations, maintenance and complex capital projects.

Wes is also an Executive Committee member of the NSW Water Directorate