Council appoints new directors

Published on 04 September 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council has filled its two vacant director positions and will soon begin advertising for a third director vacancy.

Council announced earlier today that Paul Fernee has been appointed Council’s Director Community Wellbeing, with Wade Williams appointed the new Director Infrastructure and Development.

“Council congratulates Paul and Wade on their appointments, with both having proven success working on major initiatives in the Gannawarra,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Paul and Wade have been in acting director roles for at least the last ten months, with their appointments ensuring a smooth transition for staff and residents.”

ABOVE: Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson (above) walks along Victoria Street, Kerang with Director Infrastructure and Development, Wade Williams (left) and Director Community Wellbeing, Paul Fernee (right).

Mr Fernee, who has held the Acting Director Community Wellbeing role since July 2022, was Council’s former Manager Community Engagement, joining Council in late 2019 after leading a variety of services in Local Government including Infrastructure, Community Development and Sport and Recreation in other rural Victorian communities.

“Paul has overseen some of Council’s major community engagement and community wellbeing projects during the past three years, including the development of the Gannawarra Council Plan 2021-2025 and navigating the future of Council’s Aged and Disability services,” Mr Rollinson said.

Mr Williams, who has been Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure and Development since early 2023 following Mr Rollinson’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, joined Council in 2018 following eight years of managing large complex projects in the civil industry.

“In the space of five years Wade has gone from being one of our Civil Project Officers to a director, thanks to his ability to inspire his fellow employees and engage with the community. This was evident with his involvement with the recent Cohuna Waterfront Development,” Mr Rollinson said.

Meanwhile, Council will soon begin advertising for a new Director Corporate Services following the retirement of Phil Higgins, who had been in the role since November 2018.

“Phil’s extensive experience in the local government sector, developed during his time at Campaspe, Leeton and Murray River councils, was highly valuable to our staff and the community, especially as Council managed to maintain services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the October-December 2022 floods,” Mr Rollinson said.  

MAIN PHOTO: Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson (above) with Director Infrastructure and Development, Wade Williams (left) and Director Community Wellbeing, Paul Fernee (right).