Swan Hill Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer, John McLinden (pictured, right), has resigned citing an inability to attend the workplace due to the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate for staff.
At a meeting today, Councillors received and accepted Mr McLinden’s letter of resignation.
“John advised in his letter that as a result of the Chief Health Officers directions, he has been unable to attend the workplace since Friday, 15 October 2021, an arrangement that would be required for an unknown period of time,” Mayor Bill Moar (pictured, left) said in a statement late this afternoon.
“John feels that as the CEO, in a senior leadership position, he is no longer able to continue in this role, while currently excluded from the workplace.”
Earlier this month, the Victorian Government made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for authorised workers – with a deadline of November 26 for all staff to be fully vaccinated.
“He indicated in his letter of resignation that he wished the staff, the Council and communities within the municipality, all the very best for the future,” Mayor Moar said.
He said Mr McLinden had made a significant contribution as Council’s CEO, for the past five years, during some challenging times.
“We thank him for his outstanding leadership and we extend our sincere best wishes to John and his family for the future.”
His last day with council will be Friday, 5 November 2021.
