Cook Shire CEO announces retirement

Pictured above: Retiring Cook Shire CEO, Linda Cardew (left) with Daisy Hamlot of Hope Vale (right)
at Cook Shire's 2021 NAIDOC Week community event. 

In a letter to Mayor Peter Scott dated 6 September 2021, Ms Cardew wrote that she intended to retire permanently from her current role at Cook, and that while she would not be seeking a further term as CEO, Ms Cardew asked if Council would consider a three-month extension to her current contract (that’s due to expire in April 2022). This will allow her to complete several major projects, help to develop the 2022-23 budget, and facilitate a succession plan and handover schedule for the succeeding CEO.

Council accepted Ms Cardew’s letter of intent and request for extension at the September Ordinary Council Meeting.

Cook Shire Council Mayor Peter Scott congratulated Ms Cardew on her decision to retire thanked her for her valuable contribution to the Shire.

“Ms Cardew has been such an asset to Council and to the community of Cook since accepting the role of CEO in 2018. Having worked at several other local government councils in Queensland and New South Wales, her incredible wealth of experience and dedication to local government, combined with her passion for community and kind heart has a brought strength and stability to Cook Shire Council,” commented Mayor Scott.

Ms Cardew and her husband Tony are planning to complete the final leg of an adventure they started almost 40 years ago – circumnavigating the world on their yacht.

In order to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to the organisation, it is anticipated that the recruitment process for Ms Cardew’s successor will commence in the coming weeks.

For more information contact the Senior Media and Communications Officer via email at mail@cook.qld.gov.au or phone on 4082 0500.

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