Southern Grampians Shire Council has welcomed two new directors, with Rory Neeson (pictured) and Darren Barber returning to the Council in the roles of Director Wellbeing, Planning and Regulation and Director People and Performance respectively.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to welcome both Rory and Darren back to the Southern Grampians Shire Council,” said Council CEO, Tony Doyle.
“Throughout the recruitment process, which was extensive and well applied, both candidates demonstrated significant experience and leadership skills that will undoubtedly complement the current Executive Team and assist with the progression of our major upcoming projects.
“Both Rory and Darren have been part of the Southern Grampians Council staff previously, before building their professional experiences at other Councils in Victoria and South Australia.”
Mr Neeson began his local Government career at the Southern Grampians Shire 16 years ago and has spent the last nine years with Corangamite Shire.
“Darren returns to us from City of Mt Gambier and brings 20 years of experience across a range of sectors including human resources, OH&S, industrial relations, recruitment, regulatory services and community. In addition to strong, values-based leadership skills, Darren has a demonstrated strong record in supporting staff development and relationships within the community. We welcome his appointment as Director People and Performance and look forward to building a new Executive with Darren onboard,” said Mr Doyle.
“I look forward to welcoming them both back to the region and progressing the Southern Grampians into 2023.”
Mr Neeson said he was excited to have the opportunity to be working at the Southern Grampians Shire Council again.
“I am really excited by the opportunity to come back to work at Southern Grampians Shire. I am passionate about working with communities to deliver projects that are important to them with an emphasis on community engagement and communication,” he said.
“Already in the first month it has been great to get out and meet with members of the community from across the Shire and I look forward to this continuing over the coming months.”
Mr Barber said he’s highly passionate about the region and building community relationships.
“This is a terrific opportunity to add value to the region where I was born and raised. I’m extremely passionate about our community and excited to be joining at a time when significant change is occurring that will improve the liveability of our region.”
Mr Neeson was formerly Manager Growth and Engagement at Corangamite Shire with Mr Barber previously General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services at the City of Mount Gambier.
Both Director positions form part of the Southern Grampians Shire Council Executive Leadership Team and are existing roles vacant due to the departures of Andrew Goodsell and Evelyn Arnold in 2022.
