THE next phase of Kangaroo Island's recovery and rebuilding process will be led by new local recovery coordinator Rob Manton.
Announced on March 30, Mr Manton takes over from Mike Williams, who is returning to his role as Executive Director, National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department for Environment and Water.
State bushfire recovery coordinator Margot Forster said this transition marks a natural change point in the recovery process.
"Mike Williams has ably led the crucial early relief and recovery on KI, and I'd like to acknowledge the hard work he has put into these first 12 weeks of recovery on the Island," she said.
"Mike's compassion and understanding of the Island's needs in these first weeks have been invaluable.
"Mike will now be supporting the implementation of the State Government's Parks 2025 plan, which recently received a $22 million funding injection to activate nature-based tourism and fast-track the recovery of regional economies, which have been hard hit by national and international events.
"The next phase of recovery and rebuilding on the Island is beginning, and to oversee this process I welcome Rob Manton as Kangaroo Island Local Recovery Coordinator.
"Rob will drive the Island's community-led recovery and rebuilding process through the next phases.
"Rob brings extensive skills gained from his experience as Director of Veterans SA, his planning and operations work with Defence, and most recently as Liaison and Outreach with the State Government's Disaster Rebuilding and Resilience team."
Mr Manton started on KI on Monday and can be reached on 0435 568 170.
Ms Forster also confirmed a new long-term Recovery Centre Manager for KI on Monday.
KI resident Anna Osman has been appointed the manager of the Parndana Recovery Centre.
"Anna Osman, as an Islander, is well known to many and knows the KI community," Ms Forster said.
"She has a wealth of experience that will help her help the community to rebuild after these bushfires, with over a decade's experience in asset management and community infrastructure projects in her previous role with Kangaroo Island Council."
For the latest information on current relief and recovery operations, including Recovery Centre locations and opening times, grants and financial assistance, mental health resources and more, visit www.dhs.sa.gov.au/kangarooisland or phone the Parndana Recovery Centre on 0438 861 215.
