…in with the new

By Helen Tatchell

It is official, a new Moorabool Shire Council CEO has signed his contract for the next five years, witnessed by Mayor Paul Tatchell and Deputy Mayor Cr John Keogh at Council chambers in Ballan last Wednesday.
Mr Derek Madden comes to Moorabool after eight and a half years with the Cardinia Shire.
In introducing Mr Madden, Moorabool Mayor Paul Tatchell said, personally he is very excited.
“I know change is difficult in any organisation, and whilst one door closes another does open,” he said.
“Derek is going to bring a great skill set to the Moorabool Shire, one that is proven with a terrific track record.”
Arriving to Australia from Dublin Ireland in the year 2000, Mr Madden said it was an honour and a privilege to take this new role.
“It was a real challenge to move on from Cardinia as I really enjoyed it, but what was attractive here was the growth area coming through and of course the rural townships and what they offer,” he said.
Mr Madden was involved in the digital transformation at Cardinia and has similar plans for Moorabool.
“We really put all the services online there and I believe there is scope to do that here in Moorabool as people want to access the services 24/7, and the only way to do that is through a digital channel. It will be one of my key drivers in my term.
“One of my goals for Moorabool is to firstly look at the Key Performance Indicators and to further strengthen relationships with State and Federal governments,” he said.
“The rate payer can only fund so much of the infrastructure that is required going forward, and it is about building, and enhancing those relationships.”
And what plans does Mr Madden have for his first 100-days as Moorabool CEO?
“Talk to the staff. I think strong staff will deliver better services and in addition to that I want to get an understanding of the rural townships, and their needs, so they don’t get left behind. At Cardinia I did see that with the growth corridor taking up a lot of resources, financial and staff time, so to make sure that is allocated evenly across this shire.”
Mr Madden is married with a 10-year old daughter and did a ‘field trip’ prior to applying for the job.
“The diversity within the townships and the issues I saw are similar to the issues that Cardinia faced ten-years ago.
“I will sit back and listen to the officers, to get a better understanding of the asset management framework and the resources the organisation has.”
Former CEO Rob Croxford retired after eight years with Moorabool Council with his last day being Friday 19 October.
Mr Madden will take up his position with Moorabool Shire Council from Monday 29 October 2018.