A CITY of Greater Bendigo director will take on the top job at the Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
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Bendigo's inaugural strategy and growth director Bernie O'Sullivan's last day in the role is April 23.
May 10 will be his first day as Macedon Ranges Shire Council's chief executive officer.
"It is going to be highly rewarding to return to my home region and make a positive difference to our local community," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"There are great opportunities to contribute to an optimistic and liveable future for the Macedon Ranges, and I'm keen to ensure the community is at the centre of our work."
Mr O'Sullivan said he was looking forward to using what he had learned in Bendigo to support not only the Macedon Ranges but to contribute to the continued growth and development of the region.
He has worked at the City of Greater Bendigo since October 2016.
"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," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"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.
"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 and Events, were significantly impacted."
City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann said Mr O'Sullivan had been a great asset to the organisation and could be proud of his time at the city and the way he had led the strategy and growth directorate.
"We wish him all the very best as he takes on this new challenge," Mr Niemann said.
He said Mr O'Sullivan was a skilled communicator who would 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.
"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 was previously the acting chief executive of the Institute of Public Administration Australia.
He has also been deputy secretary of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
The City of Greater Bendigo listed securing Qantas flights for Bendigo and the region, attracting major exhibits to the Bendigo Art Gallery, and delivering new events such as White Night Bendigo among Mr O'Sullivan's significant achievements.
Other listed achievements included bringing the Arena Theatre Company to Bendigo and "significant strategic work to position Greater Bendigo for the future".
Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson said the shire council was excited to have someone of Mr O'Sullivan's calibre and local knowledge joining the team.
She said the national recruitment campaign that followed former chief executive officer Margot Stork's resignation attracted a very high standard of candidates.
"Bernie O'Sullivan brings a wealth of experience in leadership and a strong understanding of the issues impacting regional Victoria, especially in the Loddon Mallee region which we are a part of," Cr Anderson said.
"We look forward to working together on continually improving the delivery of a high standard of services and infrastructure to all members of our community, whilst we protect and enhance the local amenity and environment that attracts people to work live and visit the Macedon Ranges".
John Nevins has been Macedon Ranges Shire Council's acting chief executive since October 21.
He finishes in the role on April 21. Macedon Ranges planning and environment director Angela Hughes will be acting as chief executive officer from April 21 - May 10.
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