Retiring Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd PSM.
Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd PSM has announced he will not seek an extension of his current employment contract, ending more than 34 years of service with Parkes Shire Council, including 15 years as General Manager.
Correspondence from Mr Boyd was tabled by Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, advising that he intends to take accrued leave from the end of October through to the conclusion of his current contract on 2 July 2027.
Mr Boyd said the decision represented an opportunity for a planned and orderly transition to the next generation of leadership.
“After 34 years with Council, including the last 15 years as General Manager, I believe it is an appropriate time for a planned and orderly transition to the next generation of leadership.
“It has been a rare privilege to serve the Parkes Shire community for such a substantial part of my career. I thank the Mayor and Councillors, past and present, for the trust and support shown to me during my tenure and remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
On behalf of Council, Mayor Neil Westcott acknowledged Mr Boyd’s dedicated service and leadership and his significant contribution to the organisation and the broader Parkes Shire community.
“Council acknowledges the enormous contribution Kent has made to Parkes Shire over more than three decades,” the Mayor said.
As part of the leadership transition, Council resolved to appoint Director Infrastructure and Sustainability Andrew Francis as Acting General Manager from Friday 30 October 2026. Mr Francis will remain in the role until a new General Manager is recruited and appointed, or until otherwise determined by Council.