Executive Leadership Team

Alastair Dawson is the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Livingstone Shire Council, commencing from 15 July 2024.

Sonia Tomkinson is the newly appointed Acting General Manager of Communities at Livingstone Shire Council, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to enhancing the prosperity and livability of Central Queensland. With a career spanning over 15 years in State and Local government, Sonia has been instrumental in driving economic development and strategic planning initiatives.

In her previous role as Manager of Economy and Places, Sonia led a dedicated team in facilitating economic growth through various projects, including managing significant land assets like The Gateway Business and Industry Park and The Station. Her efforts have been pivotal in collaborating with regional partners, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the region’s brand attractiveness.

Sonia holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Curtin University and a Bachelor of Business with a Finance and Economic major from Central Queensland University.

Andrea Ellis - Chief Financial Officer

Andrea Ellis is the Chief Financial Officer at Livingstone Shire Council, where she brings over two decades of experience in finance and accounting. Andrea's journey in local government began in 1999 as a trainee, and she steadily progressed through the ranks while pursuing her accounting degree. She is a Fellow of CPA and holds a degree in accounting from CQ University.

With a passion for continuous improvement, Andrea expanded her expertise by working with a global mining company, where she honed her skills in accounting and business improvement, earning Black Belt qualifications in Lean Six Sigma. Her diverse background enables her to challenge conventional practices and drive innovation in her current role.

Andrea is also highly engaged in professional associations, serving as the current secretary of the Local Government Financial Professionals (Queensland) and Chair of the Queensland CPA Committee for Women. Through these roles, she advocates for diversity and inclusion in the finance profession and supports the professional development of her peers.

At Livingstone Shire Council, Andrea leads a dynamic team of corporate support functions, leveraging strategic alignment and data-driven insights to challenge traditional organisational paradigms. Her emphasis on innovation and non-traditional outcomes drives tangible results, ensuring the council remains adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

Andrea’s multifaceted experiences and unwavering dedication make her a respected leader in both her professional and personal spheres.

Matt Willcocks - Chief Information Officer

Matt has joined Livingstone Shire Council after 12 years of Local Government experience in New South Wales and brings with him formal and post graduate qualifications in information technology, business, both project and business management and is currently completing his Masters of Business Administration.

Matt now leads the technology focus of the organisation and is passionate about the benefits and efficiencies the use of technology can enable for Council, its residents and visitors.