CEO to depart next year

CITY of Greater Bendigo chief executive officer Craig Niemann will step down from his role at the end of 2023.

Mr Niemann has served in the job for 16 years, having been a municipal director before that.

He has worked a total of 40 years in the local government sector, with time at the Borough of Eaglehawk and the Shire of Loddon.

As the City prepares to move into the new Bendigo GovHub, Mr Niemann said he feels next year will be the right time to leave the organisation.

“It has been a great honour to lead the City of Greater Bendigo,” he said. “We are on the cusp of an exciting transition for our organisation, and I am grateful that I will be able to see this significant project through.”

Mr Niemann said he is also eager to see the completion of several major projects, including the Bendigo Airport terminal expansion, the Botanic Gardens central hub, redevelopments to the Art Gallery and Golden Dragon Museum as well as the Regional Employment Precinct project.

“A further year will allow for continued advocacy to attract the financial support needed to get these projects off the ground and contribute to the considerable planning required for Bendigo to host the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“It is not yet time for reflection because there is still much to do, but I have always been very proud to fill the CEO role and the organisation’s service to the community.”