On Monday 10 May Bernie O'Sullivan officially commenced as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Councillors and Council staff welcomed Bernie at a smoking ceremony performed by Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson. This was held on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land at the Gisborne Administration Centre.
"Councillors were honoured to have Uncle Bill Nicholson perform a smoking ceremony to welcome Bernie back to the Macedon Ranges, and in particular Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land, where Bernie attended his first Councillor briefing," said Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson.
"In his first week Bernie has shown his commitment to reacquainting himself with, and learning new things, about the Macedon Ranges, our residents and our businesses. As well as beginning to meet with Council staff, Bernie took the opportunity to catch up with The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, State Member for Macedon, and advocate on behalf of Councillors and the community on a wide variety of topics."
Adding to the busy start to the week, Bernie also attended an Unscheduled Council Meeting, where Councillors endorsed the Draft Annual Budget 2021/22, and draft Revenue and Rating Plan, for community consultation.
Bernie said, "It was an honour to be welcomed by Uncle Bill Nicholson to mark my commencement as CEO of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, and learn more about the cultural practices of indigenous peoples of the area.
"I look forward to working with Councillors, staff and the Macedon Ranges community to deliver outcomes that our community can be proud of and enjoy into the future."
Mayor Anderson stated that Bernie was joining Macedon Ranges Shire Council as changes in the Local Government Act, continuing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of our statement of planning policy into the planning scheme require a combined effort of everyone in the shire.
"Bernie's senior leadership experience and local knowledge find him well prepared to continue to improve life for all in the Macedon Ranges," said Mayor Anderson.
"Councillors look forward to working with him and we're pleased to begin this next chapter with Bernie's strong and community focused leadership."
Bernie was previously in the position of Director Strategy and Growth at the City of Greater Bendigo. Prior to that Bernie was Acting Chief Executive Officer at the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA VIC) and worked as Deputy Secretary, Regional Services for the Victorian Departments of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), and Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI). He also worked in senior leadership roles in Sydney and Canberra for 15 years in policy, management and advocacy.
