Rebecca Fox has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Regional NSW as it works to help regional communities bounce back from recent flooding disasters.

Ms Fox, who was born and grew up in Condobolin in the State’s Central West, joined the public service in 2015 and became the first female leader of NSW Public Works four years later.

She has been acting in her new role since August.

Regional NSW minister Paul Toole said Ms Fox would use her proven leadership skills to champion economic growth across regioal NSW.

“I am confident her experience and capabilities will continue to lead the department in building strong and resilient regional cities and towns,” he said in a statement.

Ms Fox said she was delighted to continue her work at the helm of the department and oversee its more than 5,000 staff to ensure regional industries and resources are supported to grow into the future.

“The Department of Regional NSW has backed the regions during some of the most difficult years in living memory and I am confident we can keep turning up and delivering for our regional communities, whatever comes next,” Ms Fox said.

“We provide not only a voice for people living and working in regional NSW, we deliver   the infrastructure, the services and the amenity to ensure it’s an even greater place to live, work, play, do business or invest.”