Working for the Region Natasha Comber, Director Economic Development and Business, Dubbo Regional Council

I guess one way to put it would be that my division oversees the economic health of the LGA (Local Government Area).

This includes everything from Council’s corporate businesses (the airport, saleyards, showgrounds, caravan park and property developments), how visitors experience the region at Council facilities such as the Old Dubbo Gaol and Wellington Caves, economic development (which is all about assisting business and industry to grow), destination marketing (which involves marketing our region as a desired destination to visit, relocate, start a business or host an event), to communications and stakeholder engagement.

It’s a really diverse and challenging portfolio, however they are all areas that I am extremely passionate about.

Tell us about an exciting project happening in your area?

There’s so much going on its hard to choose just one! For example our Property Asset team is managing the development of the new Rural Fire Service training facility so that’s an exciting capital work project for the staff and the development of the airport precinct.

The project will also deliver tremendous economic benefits to the region which is very exciting.

What do you enjoy about working for the community?

The diversity of the opportunities, challenges and the passionate businesses and community members I get to work with.

It’s rewarding to deliver projects that strengthen the region’s economic position as well as support the great lifestyle we enjoy in our part of the world.

I’m naturally pretty competitive so I’m certainly driven by the idea of ensuring our region continues to develop economically and socially.

What does it mean to be a good leader?

For me I think good leadership is about adaptability, engagement and commitment.

Leaders engage with their audience and inspire their teams – they listen, learn, discuss and sometimes constructively debate.

Then it’s all about demonstrating commitment to move forward and deliver.

A good leader is able to think big picture but knows how and when to get into the details.

What do you to relax?

Not enough, according to my husband!

Enjoying the outdoors with the family, catching up with friends and a bit of amateur gardening. I’m a Dubbo girl born and bred and I am fortunate to have a wide circle of amazing friends that help me unwind and have a laugh. I think it’s the mix of affordability, accessibility and the perfect blend of both rural and city living that gives our region the edge.

You can head out to a nice restaurant, fly somewhere for the weekend or sit around the campfire and gaze at the stars.

As a parent, I also think our region is an amazing place to raise a family. We have a strong sense of community with world class facilities, a great choice of schools and loads of open spaces.