Resigning from the position of general manager (GM) was a difficult decision for Megan Dixon, but one she felt she had to make. 

"I loved my role and the community but it was a misalignment in terms of where I felt I needed to be," Ms Dixon said. 

The Walgett Shire Council announced her resignation on Tuesday, 25 March.

Ms Dixon's tenure has left its mark on her. 

"From a leadership perspective, I've learned to trust myself and the integrity that I bring to the position, knowing that everything I've done is a reflection of myself," Ms Dixon said.

During her time as GM, Ms Dixon has had her hands full managing tough situations such as bushfires, a flood, and a workplace death but also many bright moments.

"I am particularly proud of our achievements in securing funding for critical infrastructure projects, strengthening emergency management capabilities, and fostering strong relationships with the State Government, our community, and Walgett Shire's First Nations peoples," Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien said.

 Following in the footsteps of Ms Dixon's 20-month tenure is interim GM Andrew Brown.

Mr Brown has been working on the Walgett Shire Council for the past six months as council's interim Chief People and Culture Officer

He started as a career working as a solicitor in Dubbo and Armidale and later joined the Armidale Regional Council where he was responsible for governance, HR, and information technology. Mr Brown later moved to Narrabri Shire Council where he worked as Director of Corporate and Commerical Services.

After his two stints in local government, Mr Brown worked as Deputy COO and Director of Integrated Services at the University of New England (UNE). He has also held positions as a lecturer of Criminology, a Research Fellow at the Centre for Rural Criminology, and a member of the Centre for Local Government, all at the UNE.

"In stepping into the role of Interim General Manager, I am most looking forward to working with the staff of Walgett Shire Council, who I regard as the organisation’s most valuable asset," Mr Brown said.

"During my time with the Council, I have been consistently impressed by their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the Walgett Shire community.

"My focus will be on supporting our staff and ensuring the effective and reliable delivery of Council’s core services across the entire shire."

"His familiarity with Council operations enables him to step into the role seamlessly, ensuring continuity of essential services for the community," Cr Ramien said. 

"Council will take the necessary time to carefully assess its leadership needs and appoint the right person to guide the organisation into the future."

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, MP Roy Butler, Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien, and former GM Megan Dixon. Photo: supplied.

Ms Dixon says she is leaving on good terms with the council and staff members. 

"I'm really appreciative of that," she said. 

"There's some characters in there but I've really enjoyed working with them.

"Leading a rural community can be really difficult because there's always choices that have to be made and there's never enough money to serve the community demands.

"Working in local government is interesting and challenging in terms of meeting the community's expectations.

Ms Dixon said the Walgett community will stay close to her heart. 

"There's no other place in the world like it in terms of character. 

"It's a diverse community with a lot of richness to it."

Ms Dixon said that since she announced her resignation she has been overwhelmed with an outpouring of positive messages from the community about her time in Walgett. 

Now that her tenure in Walgett is over, Ms Dixon will be returning to her family home in Dubbo, spending some time in nature, and going on an overseas trip. 

"I love exercise, so I'll be getting outdoors and taking a little break."

Her first stop is the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail in Japan. 

"I've had this trip lined up for six months with some very old friends. I'm really looking forward to it.