Coffs Harbour’s Glenn George named Premier’s Public Servant of the Year

FORMER Coffs Harbour School boy Glenn George, now Manager at Advanced Operational Support, is this year’s NSW Public Servant of the Year.

This award recognises an individual who demonstrates a commitment to shaping an exceptional public service.

Working within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and living on the Coffs Coast, Mr George has a passion for all things water, especially the ocean.

“I grew up in Coffs and went to school here before moving to Queensland for about 10 years and then gravitating back,” he told News Of The Area.

“I’m a civil engineer and love the ocean, with my main sports now being ocean paddling and spearfishing, representing Australia in spearfishing in the past.”

Mr George has led the design and delivery of Advanced Operational Support (AOS) since its inception in 2023, supporting regional Local Water Utilities (LWU) in NSW to improve water quality for communities.

Through his leadership, AOS has delivered technical support, operational risk assessments, and training on the ground by working directly with local water utilities to help them to improve water treatment performance and public health outcomes.

He has overseen the implementation of site-specific improvement plans at over 25 locations, directly benefiting more than 40,000 residents.

His work has resulted in measurable improvements in water quality, operational efficiency, and emergency preparedness.

AOS has been delivered on time and within budget, with strong uptake and recognition from stakeholders across government and LWUs.

The Premier’s office said, “Mr George’s leadership reflects a commitment to evidence-based decision-making, interagency collaboration, and service delivery in complex regional environments.

“As the manager of AOS, he demonstrates an understanding of the challenges faced by under-resourced water treatment operators, combined with his commitment to practical solutions.”

By Andrea FERRARI