David Nicholson enjoying new role as Shire of Gnowangerup chief executive

New Shire of Gnowangerup chief executive officer David Nicholson says it quickly became a case of “why not Gnowangerup?” after he starting researching the region before applying for the role. Mr Nicholson was appointed as the successor of outgoing chief executive Bob Jarvis at a special meeting in October before officially taking over the role mid November. He said he was immensely proud to be in role and he wanted to “make a positive difference to the lives of the people who live in the shire by delivering on council’s vision”. “Gnowangerup and indeed all three towns in the shire — Gnowangerup, Ongerup and Borden — have inherent natural beauty,” he said. “They provide the delights of regional living and a stunning environment, and also offer all the services that a community needs. “Each town is well serviced with schools, access to medical and health care, recreation facilities and there is a delightful community feel. “I undertook considerable research into the region before even considering applying for the role and in the end the question to myself wasn’t ‘why Gnowangerup?’ but ‘why not Gnowangerup?’.” Mr Nicholson has experience as a business owner as well as in senior local government roles at the City of Bayswater and the City of Wanneroo. While living in Kalgoorlie he was on the executive committee of the Kalgoorlie Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was president for two years. He was also chair of the Goldfields Institute of Technology board and the committee of Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance. “I pride myself on my ability to listen, lead and influence,” he said. “I’m passionate about seeing people achieve their best in whatever that may be, and in creating an environment where people can excel. “This includes all the employees at the shire, and the community.” He said he saw his role at the shire as helping the council fulfil its “many important priorities” and he would be guided by the organisation’s strategic community plan. “I’ve truly enjoyed my first month,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time engaging with the community, trying to be visible, meeting key stakeholders and developing relationships. “The job is what you want to make it and as I’m passionate about making a difference, I know I’m going to be busy.” Mr Nicholson said he had no problems settling in and “enjoying the calmness of regional living” and that as an avid runner he had enjoyed running new roads and discovering new destinations. “There is only me and my wife and we’re in a period of transition,” he said. “While Gnowangerup is home for me, my wife still has responsibilities in Perth so for the time being she will be a DIDO wife.”