Craig Lloyd, new CEO of the Murrindindi Shire Council

Murrindindi Shire Council has today announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Craig Lloyd. Mr Lloyd is currently the Director of Presentation and Assets with the City of Greater Bendigo.

Mr Lloyd will take up the CEO role on January 8.

Mr Lloyd has extensive senior executive experience in the public sector, including roles with state and local government, emergency services and not-for-profit organisations.

Mr Lloyd holds a Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Project Management and a Post Graduate Certificate in Community Development.
Mr Lloyd said he was delighted to have been appointed as Council’s new CEO.

“I look forward to working with the community, Councillors and staff to deliver on Council’s plans.

“I am passionate about working with, and for, communities, driving quality service delivery and leading a passionate and engaged workforce”.

“I also look forward to relocating to Murrindindi Shire with my young family and learning more about all the wonderful things the Shire has to offer,” added Mr Lloyd.

Mayor Charlie Bisset said she was thrilled with the appointment and believed there was never a better time to lead Murrindindi Shire Council.

The Council unanimously resolved last Wednesday (Nov. 1) to appoint Mr Lloyd following an extensive recruitment process facilitated by an external recruitment agency.

“There is a real sense of possibility and opportunity amongst both Councillors and staff. Following the feedback from the ‘Have Your Say’ campaign earlier this year, we are changing direction to ensure we engage, and work more closely with, the Murrindindi Shire community to enhance our prosperity and to make our Shire an even better place to live.

“Mr Lloyd has the experience, skills and qualifications to help guide the organization on this important journey. He also understands the challenges facing rural communities. He has a passion for community development and the business skills to ensure we remain on the right path.

“I am confident that he will help to advance our goals for improving how Council works with the community and to meet any new challenges we might face”, Cr Bisset said.

Cr Bisset said the community learnt earlier in the year about the imminent retirement of the current CEO Margaret Abbey and her plans to take some overdue leave.

“At that time, Council made the decision to approve Ms Abbey’s leave until her contract finishes on June 27, 2018.

“Mr Lloyd has agreed to fill the vacancy created by Ms Abbey’s absence on leave, and Council has appointed him as Interim Chief Executive Officer from January 8 to June 30, 2018. Mr Lloyd will then continue in the role as the permanent CEO for a term of five years commencing on July 1, 2018, following Ms Abbey’s formal departure from the position”.

Cr Bisset added that she wanted to acknowledge and personally thank Ms Abbey for the important work she has done over the last eight years.

“While Ms Abbey has not yet finished in her role, I would also like to take this opportunity to express Council’s gratitude and immense appreciation to her. Ms Abbey took on the role of CEO at a particularly difficult time for the Shire, and for the organisation. She led the extremely difficult and challenging work of recovery and rebuilding which followed the 2009 bushfires. She also ensured the organisation is now in a sound financial position to meet any new challenges.

“Although Ms Abbey is retiring from her role with local government, I know she plans to keep busy in other roles. I am confident that Margaret will bring characteristic energy and drive to the role of President of the Administrative Council of the International Bobbin and Needle Lace Guild, OIDFA (L’Organisation Internationale de la Dentelle au Fuseau et à l’Aiguille). I know that Councillors and staff join me in wishing Margaret well in all her future endeavours”.

“Council will be expressing its thanks to Ms Abbey in coming months as she hands over the reins to Mr Lloyd,” Cr Bisset said.