CEO Announcement

The Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Marshall as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Marshall brings over 19 years of leadership experience within the local government sector, positioning him as an ideal leader to guide GARC through its formative stages.


This appointment comes at a pivotal time as GARC embarks on the de-amalgamation process from East Arnhem Regional Council. Mr. Marshall’s deep understanding of remote local government operations on the Archipelago will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth, effective separation. His leadership will be instrumental in establishing GARC as a stand-alone council dedicated to meeting the needs of the Groote Archipelago community.

Constituting Member Mr Michael Malouf AM expressed confidence in Mr. Marshall’s ability to lead the organisation through a period of dynamic change and development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shane to the Groote Archipelago Regional Council team. His extensive experience, visionary leadership, and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local governments make him the ideal person to guide us into the future. Shane’s commitment to community-first leadership aligns with our vision for the new council to truly represent the aspirations and voices of the communities of the Archipelago.

Mr. Marshall’s immediate priority will be to lay the groundwork for the establishment of GARC’s newly elected Council with the first council elections scheduled to take place in March 2025. His efforts will focus on organising a robust electoral process, ensuring that the newly elected representatives are well supported in their roles to lead the region forward.

Following the elections, Mr. Marshall will work closely with the newly formed Council to deliver on its vision for the Groote Archipelago. A significant part of this vision includes supporting the Council’s commitment to  Local Decision Making (LDM) , empowering the Groote Archipelago communities to take control of services and programs that directly impact their lives.

Mr. Marshall will leverage his expertise to assist the Council in implementing its LDM objectives, fostering a collaborative and community-driven approach to service delivery. This strategic focus will be essential in enabling GARC to build strong partnerships with local stakeholders, prioritise the needs of the community, and create sustainable, locally led solutions that reflect the aspirations of the Groote Archipelago residents.With Mr. Marshall at the helm, GARC is poised to set a strong foundation for its future, ensuring that the transition is not only smooth but also transformative for the region.

Mr Malouf said “Mr. Marshall’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration and transparency, values that he intends to uphold in his role as CEO”.“I am honoured to be appointed as the inaugural CEO of the Groote Archipelago Regional Council” said Shane Marshall. “Local government is at the heart of our communities, and I look forward to working with the council team, local stakeholders, and the broader community to achieve lasting, positive outcomes. 



About Shane Marshall

Shane Marshall is a well-established leader in the Australian local government sector, known for his strategic insights, operational excellence, and strong advocacy for community-focused consultation. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in delivering transformative projects, building strong partnerships, and enhancing service delivery in a range of local government settings.

His extensive portfolio includes the management of large-scale infrastructure developments, exemplary fiscal management and leading award-winning sustainability initiatives in the Region. Shane’s track record of success and his reputation as a collaborative and visionary leader have earned him widespread respect across the industry.