Workforce change as Council moves towards better service delivery

Meander Valley Council has seen a number of staff changes as the organisation focuses on a new service delivery model to better meet the needs of our growing community.

“We need to be in a position to effectively respond to the changing expectations of our residents. We have a responsibility to deliver the right services in an efficient and contemporary way, ” Mayor Wayne Johnston said.

A organisational review undertaken late last year resulted in a number of role changes and recruitment of additional staff. A small number of employees elected to take voluntary redundancies over redeployment or other options available under Council’s enterprise agreement. During this same period, some long-standing staff have retired or commenced their transition to retirement.

“We have been working on succession planning, to ensure that new staff can benefit from the knowledge of those who are leaving the organisation,” Mayor Johnston said.

In addition to changes triggered by the recent restructure, Council’s Business and Economic Recovery Manager, Neil Grose has tendered his resignation.

Mayor Johnston said Neil played an important role in helping Meander Valley businesses and the community to manage the difficulties of COVID-19.

“His contribution and enthusiasm for the task have been fantastic. We respect Neil’s decision to pursue other opportunities and wish him well.”

Neil Grose’s role was a temporary appointment which formed part of Council’s $1.7M COVID-19 Support Package. Council is yet to make a decision on the focus of the role moving forward.

“As with any change, there is an adjustment period. However, we have begun a long-term modernisation process and, over time, we will be delivering improved services and a renewed community program,”

Mayor Johnston said.

Council is seeking to employ five additional staff members to deal with the growth in demand for services.

“We are investing in our existing workforce to help develop new skills and are providing real opportunities for young people through the recruitment of a number of graduate or cadet roles. The contributions of all our staff, past and present have helped shaped Meander Valley and this is something that we value highly as we move towards a new and exciting phase,” Mayor Johnston said.

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Enquiries: Mayor Wayne Johnston 0417 316 208