Two familiar faces return to leadership roles

Southern Grampians Shire Council welcomed two new directors this month with Rory Neeson (below) and Darren Barber (right) appointed to the roles of Director Wellbeing, Planning and Regulation and Director People and Performance.

Southern Grampians Shire Council CEO Tony Doyle said he was pleased to announce the appointments acknowledging the new skills both directors will bring to the senior leadership group, staff, as well as the community.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to welcome both Rory and Darren back to the Southern Grampians Shire Council,” Mr Doyle said.

“Throughout the recruitment process, which was extensive and well applied, both candidates demonstrated significant experience and leadership skills that will undoubtedly complement the current executive team and assist with the progression of our major upcoming projects.

“Both Rory and Darren have been part of the Southern Grampians Council staff previously, before building their professional experiences at other councils in Victoria and South Australia.

“Rory began his local Government career at the Southern Grampians Shire 16 years ago, and has spent the last nine years with Corangamite Shire. Rory brings extensive knowledge and experience in community engagement, business, tourism, communication, and advocacy. He is also passionate about building workplace cultures and performance so will be a positive addition as Director Wellbeing, Planning and Regulation.

“Darren returns to us from City of Mt Gambier and brings 20 years of experience across a range of sectors including human resources, OH&S, industrial relations, recruitment, regulatory services and community. In addition to strong, values-based leadership skills, Darren has a demonstrated strong record in supporting staff development and relationships within the community. We welcome his appointment as Director People and Performance and look forward to building a new executive with Darren onboard.

Mr Neeson said he’s excited to have the opportunity to be working once again at the Southern Grampians Shire Council. “I am really excited by the opportunity to come back to work at Southern Grampians Shire,” he said. “I am passionate about working with communities to deliver projects that are important to them with an emphasis on community engagement and communication.

“Already in the first month it has been great to get out and meet with members of the community from across the Shire and I look forward to this continuing over the coming months.”

Mr Barber said he’s highly passionate about the region and building community relationships. “This is a terrific opportunity to add value to the region where I was born and raised,” he said. “I’m extremely passionate about our community and excited to be joining at a time when significant change is occurring that will improve the liveability of our region.”

Mr Neeson was formerly Manager Growth and Engagement at Corangamite Shire with Mr Barber previously General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services at the City of Mount Gambier.

Both Director positions form part of the Southern Grampians Shire Council Executive Leadership Team and are existing roles vacant due to the departures of Andrew Goodsell and Evelyn Arnold last year.