Health and Medical Research Minister Jillian Skinner confirmed Mr Porter’s appointment to the Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board.

The 10-member governing board is responsible for establishing and overseeing the governance and risk management framework of the district, setting its strategic directions and monitoring its performance.

Mr Porter’s local government career started in 1981 at Lake Macquarie City Council.

He moved to Port Macquarie with his family in 1986 to take up the position of administration manager with the then Hastings Council.

Mr Porter worked in several senior management positions, including council’s governance and executive services manager, before his retirement.

Most recently, he was Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s administrator from April 2011 to September’s local government election.

Mr Porter said he was looking forward to working with board chairman Warren Grimshaw and the other board members in overseeing the delivery of health services to all Mid-North Coast residents.

“Following the recent board meeting, I also had the opportunity to meet with clinicians and staff,” Mr Porter said. “I have been impressed by the enthusiasm of the board members and the dedication of clinicians.”

Mr Grimshaw has congratulated Mr Porter on his appointment.

“Neil Porter brings to the role of governing board member extensive experience in the public sector, particularly in the areas of governance, risk management and continuous improvement,” Mr Grimshaw said.

“He also has a strong commitment to community service which will make him a great asset to the Mid North Coast Local Health District.”

The governing board meets regularly with staff during its monthly meetings at health facilities across the entire district, which extends from the Camden Haven to Woolgoolga.