General Manager & 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.
Michael Jackson – Director Operations & Planning
Michael is an accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Michael joined Kempsey Shire Council in October 2022 as a valuable addition to Executive team.
Prior to this, he served as the Design and Projects Manager at Penrith City Council, where he oversaw the delivery of Major Capital Works for over 10 years, including recreation, public domain, commercial, transport, and drainage infrastructure projects.
Throughout his career, Michael has delivered major capital works while also leading transformation projects, cultural change, and business improvements. His career began in commercial office and retail fitout, working on projects for major financial institutions, before he moved to Local Government to expand his scope of work.
Michael's passion point is business improvement, which he has incorporated into all his roles, including his secondments to review and enhance systems and processes.
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