Surf Coast Shire CEO to leave lasting legacy

The Surf Coast Shire Council’s chief executive officer Keith Baillie has announced he will stand down as CEO after five years in the position.
Mr Baillie will assume a new position at Geelong based not-for-profit G-force employment solutions, and has expressed gratitude for his time at the Surf Coast Shire Council.
“Serving our community has been a privilege. I am very grateful for this opportunity and thank the councillors and community for their support,” said Mr Baillie.
“Council exists to ‘Help our community and environment to thrive’.  Council has dedicated and wonderful staff who are committed to this purpose.  I thank them all and wish them every success,” he said.
Mayor Rose Hodge said Mr Baillie’s legacy at the Surf Coast Shire would endure for “many years to come”.
“Personally I am sad he is leaving but on behalf of the whole organisation I wish him all the best for the next chapter in his career,” said Cr Hodge said.
She said Mr Baillie demonstrated “enormous” drive and commitment to the region, and achieved substantial funding for projects in the shire from Stribling Reserve in Lorne to the Torquay multi-purpose indoor stadium
“I recall our trips to Parliament House to lobby federal government ministers where I saw first-hand his commitment and professionalism in representing the shire and broader region.”
His legacy will include a record capital works program, a dedication to achieving long term financial sustainability for council and governance reforms which have improved councillors’ work practice.
“Surf Coast Shire Council, through Keith’s leadership, also took a lead on the recycling crisis last year by committing to a fourth bin ahead of many other Victorian Councils,” Cr Hodge said.
“Whatever the endeavour, Keith puts his heart and soul into seeing it through to a successful conclusion.
“This work is paying off now and will continue to do so for years to come.
“He will be greatly missed and we thank him whole heartedly for his service,” Cr Hodge said.