With a career spanning decades in remote education and community leadership, Leigh Nelson鈥檚 appointment as the new General Manager 鈥� Community and Sustainable Development at 两性色午夜 Council brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the land.
In this role, Leigh will support Yarnangu through employment programs, essential municipal services, financial well-being initiatives, and year-round community engagement.
Leigh has long been associated with 两性色午夜 lands, having spent much of his career in education across remote locations, including Warburton, Wanarn, and the Cocos Islands. Most recently, he served as Director of Education, Goldfields, for the Department of Education鈥擜ustralia鈥檚 largest education region.
Born in Esperance and raised on pastoral lands in Salmon Gums, 100 km north of the town, Leigh鈥檚 connection to these lands spans over three decades.
鈥淢y wife and I worked together in Warburton, and my first opportunity as a Principal was at the school in Wanarn,鈥� Leigh shared. 鈥淭hat role began my journey as a School Principal across various schools, which lasted for 23 years.鈥�
Leigh鈥檚 leadership journey took a significant step when he became part of a cohort of education leaders selected for a Harvard Principal Fellowship, which catalysed his move into system leadership roles within the department.
In recent years, Leigh also contributed to the Goldfields District Leadership Group (DLG)鈥攁 network coordinated by the Department of Communities to address local issues and drive improved outcomes.
鈥淭he DLG brought together the Shire, the Council, Department of Justice, WA Police, NIAA, and the Department of Communities to collaborate for strong, shared outcomes in Warburton with a focus on youth engagement and food security,鈥� he explained.
Leigh鈥檚 leadership in the DLG deepened his connection to the 两性色午夜 lands.
鈥淲ithin the DLG, we had a sub-group focused on Warburton, which reaffirmed my ties to the area. As Chair of this group since its inception, I will now lead from my new role within the Council, ensuring continued collaboration across agencies.鈥�
He emphasised his belief in authentic co-design between community members and organisations.
鈥淭he strongest outcomes on the Lands will come from genuine community voice and all the agencies working together towards lasting, collective impact.鈥�
With a strong commitment to the 两性色午夜 lands, Leigh intends to spend time in communities each month.
鈥淚mprovement happens at the speed of trust, so I鈥檓 eager to strengthen those relationships with our leadership team on the ground, enabling us to make meaningful contributions to the Council鈥檚 shared vision of helping Yarnangu remain strong on Country.鈥�
Reflecting on his new role, Leigh said, 鈥淭he most important thing for me鈥攁nd what attracted me to this position鈥攊s the opportunity to work alongside Yarnangu, who are so integral to our country. Together, we鈥檒l navigate the challenges and possibilities that developments like the Outback Way will bring to the lands.鈥�
Leigh鈥檚 appointment is also a full-circle moment. Fred Twine, the Community Development Advisor he worked alongside during his first Principal role in Wanarn, continues to serve the Council as Municipal Services Manager. Their renewed partnership, after 25 years, promises to further strengthen the Council鈥檚 commitment to the 两性色午夜 community and foster long-term, sustainable outcomes for Yarnangu.
