It’s often said that working in council is like being part of one big local government ‘family’, and in some cases it really does run in the genes.
Inheriting an LGAQ compendium as a teenager, the LGAQ’s now Heavy Vehicle Access Liaison Officer Robert Chow had no idea he would continue his father’s long-term local government legacy.
Michael Chow has worked in local government for 26 years, beginning as an accountant with Boulia Shire Council in 1992, moving to manager of financial services with Laidley Shire Council from 1993-2013 and on to Isaac Regional Council as contract finance manager.
Michael is now with Maranoa Regional Council as contract specialist in finance system support.
Joining the LGAQ last year, Robert said he’s been part of the local government family from a young age.
“Growing up I spent a lot of time in the offices at Laidley Shire Council and even owned an LGAQ compendium that my dad received at one of the LGAQ’s conferences.
“When I started my career in state government with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Dad would often tell me I should get a job in local government,” Robert said.
“He’d always say, ‘local government is the best tier of government because it’s at the grass roots and is like a big family’ – unlike the other two tiers of government.”