City of Greater Bendigo Director Strategy and Growth Bernie O'Sullivan will depart the organisation to take on the Chief Executive Officer role at Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Mr O'Sullivan joined the City in October 2016 to become the organisation's first Strategy and Growth Director, having previously worked as the Acting CEO of the Institute of Public Administration Australia and as Deputy Secretary at the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (and its predecessors) leading the department's state-wide regional operations.
During his time with the City, Mr O'Sullivan's significant achievements include securing Qantas flights for Bendigo and the region, attraction of major exhibitions to the Bendigo Art Gallery, delivery of new events including White Night, the Lost Trades Fair and inaugural Regional Centre for Culture, securing the relocation of the Arena Theatre Company to Bendigo, activation of our performing arts spaces, outdoor dining and city centre, partnering with leading local businesses and organisations, becoming a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, significant strategic work to position Greater Bendigo for the future and the continued search for industrial land to accommodate future growth.
City CEO Craig Niemann congratulated Mr O'Sullivan on his new role.
"Bernie has been a great asset for the City and we wish him all the very best as he takes on this new challenge. He is a skilled communicator who will be a great advocate for staff and support for Council. Macedon Ranges can look forward to welcoming a great, people-oriented leader for their organisation and community," Mr Niemann said.
"Bernie can be very proud of his time at the City and the way he has led the Strategy and Growth directorate to help enhance the overall liveability of our city in the short and long term, and I am pleased that he will only be down the road so we can continue to work together to deliver positive outcomes for the central Victorian region."
Mr O'Sullivan said he was looking forward to this next chapter.
"I have greatly enjoyed my time at the City and the chance to work in Local Government with a passionate group of staff and Councillors. Working in this level of government means you can make a big difference in your local community, and it has been a privilege to be a leader in Greater Bendigo during a time of significant growth and change," he said.
"Most recently, I have been very proud of the work of the Strategy and Growth directorate to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the way staff responded internally as parts of our business, particularly the Art Gallery and Bendigo Venues & Events, were significantly impacted.
"I look forward to taking my learnings at the City and supporting not only the Macedon Ranges community but contributing to the continued growth and development of this great region."
Mr O'Sullivan's last day with the City will be Friday April 23.
