Hawkesbury Council General Manager Ms Elizabeth Richardson stepped down from her role after five years.
During her tenure, Richardson oversaw a significant program of reform and delivery that strengthened Council’s performance and capability. She led a comprehensive organisational transformation, resulting in a more positive workplace culture, with employee engagement now ranking among the highest in the local government sector.
She also drove a substantial uplift in infrastructure delivery, increasing Council’s capital works program from approximately $15–20 million annually to around $100 million per year, underpinned by strengthened governance, improved program controls and enhanced organisational capability.
Richardson also played a critical leadership role in disaster response and recovery, guiding the organisation and community through the 2022 and 2024 flood events. This included overseeing $180 million infrastructure recovery program to restore critical access for local and remote communities.
Under her leadership, major financial sustainability and service reforms were implemented, including the transfer of wastewater services to Sydney Water, ferry operations to Transport for NSW, the extension of the Hawkesbury Waste Management Facility’s lifespan, improved commercial returns and significant contract reforms across key service areas. Reforms in Council’s planning processes have also resulted in DA processing times for housing now being among the fastest in Sydney.
In addition, Richardson strengthened Council’s governance and strategic planning frameworks, while achieving state and national recognition across sustainability, infrastructure recovery, community engagement and climate adaptation.
Hawkesbury City Council Mayor Les Sheather acknowledged Richardson’s outstanding service and leadership over the past five years.
“On behalf of Council and the Hawkesbury community, I want to sincerely thank Elizabeth for her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and genuine care for our people,” Mayor Sheather said.
Ms Elizabeth Richardson “Under her leadership, Council has not only navigated adversity but emerged stronger, more resilient and better positioned for the future. Elizabeth’s legacy will be felt for many years to come – she has built a strong, capable organisation that is well placed to continue delivering for our community.”
Council has appointed Will Barton as Acting General Manager from Friday 17 April 2026 while the recruitment process for a new General Manager is carried out. The Mayor has assured residents that the interim arrangement will not impact leadership at the highest level.
