THE STATUS quo is the antithesis of where Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) new growth and prosperity director Jacqueline O'Neill is headed.
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'Just because' doesn't cut it and there's always a reason to ask why, and how, things could be done better.
"I'm a little bit entrepreneurial in my role, as opposed to the more traditional - my role is really about growth, prosperity and how we make the city a place where people want to come and live," Ms O'Neill said.
"I've been fortunate, I don't think luck comes into it because you have to get your own opportunities in life - but I've worked for utilities, the transport industry, media.
"I've had a collective background which really plays well to this in terms of growth."
Ms O'Neill has moved to the region with her family and two children, she's a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a master's degree and graduate diploma in marketing.
As the growth and prosperity director, she is responsible for the airport, Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), Entertainment Venues, economic development, community services and events.
Part of her role is looking at future trends and seeing how those could complement Blueprint 100, Ms O'Neill said.
"The fact that the council has created this blueprint tells me they have a solid foundation, they know where they are going and that's because they have consulted extensively with the community," she said.
"I see this as a partnership document because it was drafted with the community, this is what the community desires.
"Some of it we can do today, some is aspirational and it will take engagement with the business community, state and federal government."
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Ms O'Neill said she hopes to bring fresh drive and ideas to the council and work with the other directors to make Tamworth a better place to live.
"Can there be things that can be done better? Absolutely," she said.
"I ask why we do things a certain way a lot, it's not saying it's the wrong way and there's times when I'm not aware of a regulation or legislation, but I think it's important as a leader to be curious.
"It's a key attribute you should have as a leader, always be curious and always be willing to listen."
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