Bendigo has been managed in recent years by a very visionary and progressive executive team, despite the inevitable detractors, and we are losing one of its leaders, Stan Liacos.

I guess the good news is that Stan isn’t really moving all that far, but he is moving on.

His new position of regional director at Regional Development Victoria will take him on to a new path, new directions and is one of only five new regional directors across the state.

This position was created in the wake of the Brumby review of regional economic development and will allow Stan to still have a hand in Bendigo’s future developments, plus advocate for the wider Bendigo region, helping create new jobs, growth and vibrancy.

Stan’s appointment, following on the retirement of the incomparable and extremely professional Jan Boynton, will not come as a surprise to those who have been well aware of his passion, his commitment and the enthusiasm that he brought to his previous role.

This is a man who is absolutely ready for such a role, if you look at the history of his achievements in Bendigo during his time as director of city futures.

I know him best as one of three visionary men, the other two being Dale Pearce, principal of Bendigo Senior Secondary College and David Lloyd, CEO of Capital Venues and Events, who worked steadfastly and passionately to make their dream of the Ulumbarra Theatre a reality...and they succeeded with bells on!

This dream was often against a small cohort of persistent nay-sayers, but they successfully overrode all objections and the reality is magnificent, and a legacy to all three men.

(I also acknowledge the role Craig Niemann the CEO of the Greater Bendigo Council played towards supporting this project).

But that is not all Stan achieved. His legacy also included the expansion of the Bendigo Art Gallery, arguably the best regional art gallery in Australia today, the Edward Street car park, funding for the expansion of the Bendigo Airport and Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic Leisure and Wellbeing Centre and the expansion of the Bendigo Stadium. They are only the big picture items. I know he has also had a hand in many smaller developments.

Stan comes to his new position with the experience of working closely with all the leaders in the executive team, and he will now be working not with one council but with 10 local governments, stretching from Gisborne to Mildura. That’s a lot of area to cover, many kilometres to drive!

In his role on the executive this is a man who certainly lifted the profile of Bendigo. Our council said of Stan: ‘A renaissance has occurred during Mr Liacos’ time.’ High praise.

Stan’s recently quoted his mother as saying to him ‘you have to give to get the most out of life.’ He certainly took that dictum to heart.

 And to complete the quote I began with, Stan has definitely dressed up and made it happen! The Bendigo community will miss his bright positive personality and I personally wish him every success in the future.