Townsville City Council Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Townsville City Council has 6 executives leading key functions including administrative strategy, financial oversight, operational coordination, public engagement, legal compliance, and governance risk management.

Committed to regional prosperity, Townsville City Council drives community development, environmental sustainability, and economic growth through essential public services and strategic infrastructure investments across Northern Australia.

Leadership Roles at Townsville City Council

  • Chief Executive Officer - Joe McCabe
  • Chief Financial Officer - Julie Hilder
  • Chief of Staff - Bede Harding
  • Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer - Mark Blenheim
  • Chief Legal Officer - Emma Micola Von Furstenrecht
  • Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) - David Sewell
  • Joe McCabe - Chief Executive Officer

    Joe McCabe, the Chief Executive Officer at Townsville City Council, directs the overarching administrative strategy for the largest city in Northern Australia. McCabe manages the implementation of council policies, ensuring alignment between municipal objectives and the delivery of essential services like waste management and water supply. By coordinating across various departments, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational efficiency while fostering community partnerships that enhance local quality of life. Joe McCabe also facilitates communication between the council and regional stakeholders to support long-term economic growth. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all municipal facilities, including libraries and recreational venues, meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors. This leadership role requires constant balancing of public interest with fiscal responsibility to ensure the sustainable development of the entire Townsville region.
    Joe McCabe

    Julie Hilder - Chief Financial Officer

    Julie Hilder, the Chief Financial Officer at Townsville City Council, manages the fiscal health and budgetary frameworks necessary for maintaining municipal infrastructure. Hilder oversees the allocation of funds for critical services, including water supply and waste management, while ensuring compliance with regional financial regulations. By analyzing economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution to support community development projects and recreational facility maintenance. Julie Hilder also collaborates with other executive leaders to secure grants and funding opportunities that drive local economic growth. This position involves rigorous monitoring of expenditure to maintain the financial stability of the council. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer enables the delivery of high-quality services to residents and businesses across Northern Australia, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the long-term prosperity and sustainability of the city.

    Bede Harding - Chief of Staff

    Bede Harding, the Chief of Staff at Townsville City Council, coordinates internal operations and facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and the broader council departments. Harding manages the flow of information regarding community development initiatives, ensuring that strategic priorities remain consistent across all municipal functions. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff improves the efficiency of service delivery for essential facilities like libraries and parks. Bede Harding also supports the execution of council-wide projects, aligning departmental efforts with the overarching mission of environmental sustainability and economic growth. This role involves managing complex schedules and high-level projects that impact the entire Northern Australia region. Through proactive coordination, the Chief of Staff ensures that the council operates as a cohesive unit, effectively addressing the diverse needs of local residents, businesses, and visitors.

    Mark Blenheim - Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer

    Mark Blenheim, the Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer at Townsville City Council, directs public engagement strategies to promote municipal services and community programs. Blenheim manages the communication channels that inform residents and visitors about available facilities, including libraries, parks, and recreational venues. By crafting targeted campaigns, the Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer enhances public awareness of environmental sustainability initiatives and local economic growth opportunities. Mark Blenheim also oversees the branding of council services to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. This leadership role involves analyzing public feedback to refine outreach efforts and strengthen community partnerships. Through effective promotion of council activities, the Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer drives participation in local events and programs, ultimately fostering a stronger connection between the governing body and the diverse population of Northern Australia.
    Emma Micola Von Furstenrecht, the Chief Legal Officer at Townsville City Council, provides essential legal counsel to ensure all municipal operations adhere to regulatory standards. Von Furstenrecht manages the legal framework surrounding community development projects, land use, and public service delivery. By reviewing contracts and agreements, the Chief Legal Officer protects the council from potential liabilities while facilitating partnerships that support economic growth. Emma Micola Von Furstenrecht also advises on the legal implications of environmental sustainability policies and waste management regulations. This role involves close collaboration with other executives to ensure that all council initiatives remain compliant with state and federal laws. Through meticulous legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the interests of the city, ensuring that the council continues to provide reliable services to residents and businesses throughout the Northern Australia region.
    David Sewell, the Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) at Townsville City Council, architects the internal governance structures and risk management protocols for the organization. Sewell identifies potential operational risks associated with municipal services, such as water supply and infrastructure maintenance, and implements mitigation strategies to ensure continuity. By establishing robust governance frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) maintains transparency and accountability in all council decision-making processes. David Sewell also oversees the management of internal audits and compliance reporting to uphold the integrity of the governing body. This role involves working across departments to foster a culture of risk awareness and ethical conduct. Through proactive governance, the Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) supports the sustainable growth and stability of the city.
    David Sewell

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Townsville City Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Townsville City Council?
    Townsville City Council is led by Joe McCabe (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Julie Hilder (Chief Financial Officer) and Bede Harding (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Townsville City Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Townsville City Council includes leaders such as Joe McCabe (Chief Executive Officer), Julie Hilder (Chief Financial Officer), Bede Harding (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Townsville City Council have?
    Townsville City Council has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Townsville City Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Townsville City Council includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Legal Officer.