Scot MacDonald

Scot MacDonald, Armidale Regional Council’s Director of Businesses and Services, holds three qualifications from UNE. His career has taken him from private enterprise to serving eight years in the NSW Parliament and back to his important role at the Armidale Regional Council. His sage advice for aspiring leaders is timeless.

What was your UNE qualification/s?

Bachelor of Financial Administration; Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources; Masters in Environmental Management

Online or on-campus study?

First year on campus (at St Alberts). Remainder was distance education.

How was your experience with UNE lecturers?

Always positive. Always supportive. I was always challenged.

What was your reason for studying at UNE?

I was attracted to the course after finishing an Associate Diploma in Farm Management in Qld. I enrolled in Ag Economics, but switched to BFA when I went external. UNE seemed to be most sympathetic to agriculture.

Any plans for future study with UNE?

Not at this stage.

Your current job?

Director of Businesses and Services at Armidale Regional Council.

The personal qualities needed to do your job?

Effective leadership skills to manage 180 staff and teams. Temperament to get the best out of people in demanding conditions. Ability to think through problems.

If you weren’t in this line of work, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I have enjoyed private and public roles. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. I would probably go back to Agricultural services.

Your advice for anyone interested in pursuing this type of career?

Get a good grounding in critical thinking. No matter your field, you'll need financial skills. Learn how to read a Balance Sheet and P&L statement. Understand accountability- to the community, regulators, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.

The biggest challenge and biggest achievement you’ve experienced in your work or life in general?

Biggest challenge was building an agricultural supplies business through the vagaries of New England seasons, commodity price cycles and changes in government policy (think the demise of the Reserve Price Scheme). Biggest achievement was serving 8 years in NSW Parliament and being the government's representative in the Hunter through natural disasters and large infrastructure delivery.

How has your UNE qualification aided you in your career?

Definitely giving me a good understanding of economics and financial management. It impacted every role I have had. It taught me to ask the right questions in business and in public service.

What inspires you inside work and outside work?

In the private sector it was delivering a good service and adapting our business to be ready for changes and opportunities. In the public sector it is delivering infrastructure; ensuring financial sustainability; injecting environmental sustainability into services and policy; helping constituents and community organisations.

Do you volunteer your time for a community project or organisation? Yes. I have been in Rotary for nearly 30 years. A very effective community organisation.

In this time of Covid-19, how has the virus impacted your work?

Various impacts. I am responsible for utilities. Water supply and waste services continues. They have to. I also look after Armidale Airport. Its revenue has crashed 90%. That has been challenging. Covid has meant I have had to relook at every business unit.

Anything else you would like to share?

After going through high school being a very average student, UNE gave me the backing and opportunity to study at university. We suited each other like a hand in a glove. I am convinced UNE is crucial to the economic, social and environmental success of regional NSW. And the country. Give it a go no matter where you are in life.

After going through high school being a very average student, UNE gave me the backing and opportunity to study at university. We suited each other like a hand in a glove....Give it a go no matter where you are in life.