Her appointment comes after former CEO Ray Campling resigned from the position in March, having served in the role for more than a decade.

Council held a special meeting on Wednesday to make the decision of Ms Holmes’ appointment.

Mayor Graeme Massey said council was looking forward to working with its new chief.

“She had the chance to come down and take a look at our facilities last week, and we were fortunate enough to have the Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz come by too,” he said.

“We’ve very pleased that we have been able to get someone who is familiar with this part of the world and who has a substantial amount of experience.”

He said council had received 35 applications from across the country.

“Jessie fit the criteria we were looking for more than we could have ever hoped,” he said.

“She was the standout candidate from a high quality field. We are excited about the leadership and the drive she will bring to our organisation.”

Ms Holmes went to school in Dimboola, and currently lives in Birchip with her husband Zach and their daughters Pippa, 4, and Hattie, 2.

She has been Buloke Shire Council’s Community Development director since 2009.

Ms Holmes said she was excited about her appointment.

“The communities that make up Yarriambiack are similar to many I have grown up and lived in across the Wimmera Southern Mallee and it is pretty hard to beat the quality of the people that inhabit them,” she said.

“Working with a group of councillors and staff group that is totally passionate and committed to their communities also makes me feel like this is a fantastic appointment.”

She said she was looking forward to getting stuck into the issues that mattered to the community.

“I feel like Yarriambiack has some amazing opportunities with their community to capitalise on evolving agriculture, tourism and being seen as an all age friendly destination,” she said.

“There are the usual financial sustainability issues that come with rural councils that have small populations and large asset bases but these are not insurmountable.

“I currently live in the area so I know that the best thing about these places is raising your family in a community.”

Ms Holmes has signed a five year performance based contract.

She will start in her new role on July 23.