About David Waddell

A man sitting on a leather couch with a chocolate Labrador retriever lying on an oriental rug in front of him.

Trusted leadership through change

David Waddell is an experienced chief executive, engineer, and board director with more than three decades of leadership across local government, environmental planning, infrastructure, and community strategy. Most recently CEO of Orange City Council, David has guided organisations through reform, crisis, and growth — building stability, trust, and long-term results.

Governance and strategic oversight

David currently serves on the boards of Housing Plus, Wangarang Industries, and the Orange Chamber Music Festival. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is prequalified under the NSW Audit and Risk Committee Independent Chairs and Members Scheme. His governance style balances strategic vision with practical oversight, ensuring sound decision-making in complex environments.

Track record of impact

Across his career, David has delivered major infrastructure and planning projects — from leading the Orange FutureCity revitalisation program to initiating a 100% renewable power purchase agreement, and overseeing the $33.5M Orange Conservatorium and Planetarium project. He has also directed environmental approvals for nationally significant initiatives including the Sydney and Melbourne Desalination Projects and Sydney Metro.

A balance of perspectives

Beyond his professional roles, David is an active member of his regional community. He enjoys playing the bagpipes, flyfishing, winemaking, longboard surfing, and reading. These interests reflect the balance and perspective he brings to leadership, combining strategic focus with creativity and a deep connection to people and place.

Beyond the Boardroom

A man wearing sunglasses, a white cap, and a khaki jacket holding a large fish next to a creek in a natural outdoor setting.
A smiling man wearing sunglasses, a beige cap, and a brown jacket holding a rainbow trout in a lush green outdoor setting near a stream.
A man wearing sunglasses, a white cap, and outdoor gear proudly holds a large rainbow trout he caught by a stream in a natural setting with green grass, trees, and rocky cliffs under a blue sky.
A man riding an elephant in a river surrounded by green vegetation.
Two men in golf attire shaking hands on a golf course, with one holding a golf club and the other holding a pink golf tee or marker, and a wooden fence in the background.
A man wearing a large straw hat and sunglasses taking a selfie on a sandy beach with a hilly, green landscape and ocean waves in the background.
A man and a boy standing in a vineyard during the daytime, with nets over the grapevines, trees in the background, and a clear sky.
A person in a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and casual clothing holding a shovel, standing on green grass next to a brown dog, with a background of fields covered with white netting, under a bright blue sky.
People participating in a parade, some playing bagpipes. The crowd is gathered along the street in front of a Subway sandwich shop. There are trees and a storefront with balloons and signs in the background.
Six men standing outdoors in front of a modern building with glass and metal siding, participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. One man is cutting a red ribbon while others look on, smiling and clapping.