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Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Magin pipped a statewide field of local government leaders to ‘Manager of the Year’ honours. Photos supplied: Burdekin Shire Council
Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Magin pipped a statewide field of local government leaders to ‘Manager of the Year’ honours at a ceremony in Brisbane earlier this month.
Presented by Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) at its Annual Local Government Conference on 10th September, the award recognised Mr Magin’s “outstanding leadership and management excellence” and contributions to the Burdekin community.
“Matthew is a highly deserving LGMA Manager of the Year Award winner… [and his] leadership sets a strong benchmark for Queensland local government,” an LGMA spokesperson said.
“He provides clear direction while remaining connected to the people who must deliver it. That is what makes his leadership credible and enduring.”
Having attended the previous 15 LGMA Annual Local Government Conferences with no silverware to show for it, Mr Magin described this year’s recognition as overwhelming, if not a “complete and utter shock.”
“I wasn’t even aware I was a nominee,” Mr Magin said, adding that a trio of nominators—whose identities were “sworn to secrecy”—revealed themselves after his victory.
“I go to these every year, listening to all the other nominations being read out. This year, it was fortunate that it was mine.
“To be up on the stage, looking out at all of the previous winners in the audience and knowing what good managers they are—to be included in that company was incredibly humbling.”
Mr Magin was appointed Burdekin Shire Council CEO in September 2024 after an earlier stint in the role from 2014-2016, with an eight-year spell as CEO of Balonne Shire Council in between.
The past year has seen him oversee the finalisation of the $55 million South Ayr Filtration Plant and the completion of the Anzac Park Pump Track.
However, Mr Magin said the award recognised the entire Council organisation and its engagement with the community rather than “just projects you can cut a ribbon for.”
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the recognition was “fitting and well-deserved.”
“Matthew leads with professionalism, integrity and a genuine desire to achieve the very best outcomes for our community. His leadership extends well beyond the workplace, and his impact can be seen across the community,” she said.
“Although he may not have grown up here, he has embraced the Burdekin as if he has been part of it his entire life. He treats our community with genuine care and respect, and that connection is reflected in everything he does.”
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