The Clarence Valley Independent recently invited Ms Black to speak with us as a high-profile local woman in business in recognition of International Women’s Day 2025. A feature article on Ms Black will also be published in the upcoming edition of our Autumn Scene magazine, due for release in mid-March.

Her name is instantly recognisable throughout the region as the General Manager of Clarence Valley Council (CVC), but behind the scenes and away from her office, Laura Black is content with her own company, spending time with her family, going for long walks, and reading a good book (or two).

And if her TV happens to be switched on, it’s usually because a travel show is being aired.

While travel has always been one of her passions, it also brought her on a career trajectory which ultimately led her to Northern NSW.

Born in Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, Ms Black journeyed to Australia with her parents as a young child and settled in Sydney where she later completed her secondary education.

With early ambitions to be a lawyer, she commenced work in the community services sector, an interpersonal role she described as “very rewarding.”

After attaining tertiary qualifications in Social Sciences and later Planning and Business Administration, an opportunity to work in local government and play an integral role in paving the way for community betterment while experiencing a deep-seeded sense of enjoyment and fulfilment through her work, integrated with her understanding of disciplined and motivational leadership, constructive teamwork, and decisive core management style has elevated her to her current position.

While continuously striving to achieve the best outcomes which benefit the wider Local Government Area (LGA), Ms Black credits her Senior Executive team and CVC staff for their continuous support and dedication to their respective roles as they work together to achieve their common objective.

Describing herself as resilient, focused on the task at hand, and having broad shoulders, characteristics she attributes to being passed down from her mum and paternal grandma, Ms Black is also a strong advocate of government policies which support women entering and re-entering the workforce while encouraging equilibrium between professional and private pursuits.

In recognition of International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Ms Black elucidated the importance of celebrating women everywhere and the many extraordinary achievements they have made through the years from hanging up their pinafores, fighting for the right to vote, and establishing successful careers in their chosen professions.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase what women have achieved,” she said.

“It’s also important for young women to know they can be anything they want to be, they just need the right people around them to support them.

“Get out there and have a crack, seek opportunities as they present themselves and look for a good mentor to support you.” 

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 5 March 2025.