Executive Leadership Team

As Interim Chief Executive Officer, Alastair Dawson brings 40 plus years in executive Management and more than 25 years as a Chief Executive Officer in both local Government, the Higher Education Sector, the Water Sector, e Agriculture Advocacy and other private enterprises.

He has worked for some of the largest councils’ in Australia, including Logan City, Brisbane City, and the Gold Coast, and was the previous Chief Executive officer for Beaudesert Shire Council and the Rockhampton Regional Council. He has also served as a previous Interim Chief Executive Officer at Livingstone Shire.

(Acting General Manager of Portfolio Strategic Growth until December 2025)
 

With a diverse background and experience in both the private and public sectors, Katrina combines her analytical skills of a traditional economist with a visionary approach to sustainable growth. Over a 12-year career at Manager and Director levels, Katrina has become a trusted advisor to CEOs and elected officials, delivering high-level strategic advice supported by rigorous research.

Katrina has a track record of designing innovative business and community programs, crafting comprehensive research reports, and developing stakeholder engagement models that drive government-led initiatives across diverse communities. A passionate advocate for sustainable development, Katrina is committed to fostering economic growth in Livingstone Shire that balances immediate needs with the well-being of future generations.

Delivering excellence in service delivery, fiscal responsibility, and the cultivation of long-lasting partnerships is a long-held commitment for Katrina. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics (Politics) from the University of Canberra and an Honours degree in Economics from the Queensland University of Technology. In 2018, Katrina completed a Master of Social Science in International, Urban, and Environmental Management at RMIT in Melbourne, further refining expertise in sustainable and inclusive development.

(Acting General Manger of Communities)

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.

(Acting General Manager Corporate Services)