By Bonny Burrows
Cardinia Shire Council CEO Garry McQuillan has announced he will step down from the top job, come 5 October.
Mr McQuillan, who has been in the role for 11 years, formally advised the council of his decision on the evening of 5 March.
He plans to enjoy retirement.
Mr McQuillan’s decision, just two weeks after Casey CEO Mike Tyler suddenly resigned, comes after an almost 50-year career in local government.
Mr McQuillan has held executive positions with the City of Boroondara and the City of Fairfield in New South Wales.
He was also deputy shire secretary of the Shire of Portland and the manager of finance and administration with the Shire of Hastings.
Prior to his appointment as Cardinia CEO, he served in the role in an acting position after long-serving CEO Don Welsh parted ways with the organisation.
Before that, he was council’s general manager of corporate services.
Known among the council for being “honest, hardworking and reliable”, Mr McQuillan has always remained humble about his achievements.
Upon accepting the top job, he was quick to say he was only part of a bigger picture.
“I am only one of a whole team of people that make this organisation successful,” he said.
“I have a great team around me.”
A passionate advocate on broader community and social issues, Mr McQuillan has helped drive numerous council campaigns in the areas of family violence and healthy eating, including Together We Can.
According to the council, “his leadership skills, coupled with his practical approach to problem solving and ability to create rapport with colleagues at all levels, has helped us become a leader in local government, particularly in relation to its pioneering of activity-based-working”.
As CEO, he also served as Chairperson of the Southern Metropolitan Regional Development Australia Committee and was involved in the Interface and South East Metropolitan group of councils.
He will resign from all positions.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Collin Ross said the council wouldn’t be where it was today without Mr McQuillan’s efforts.
“Garry has led Cardinia Shire Council through an incredible period of growth and leaves the organisation well placed to tackle the challenges of the future,” councillor Ross said.
“He has worked in local government for close to 50 years and I know he is looking forward to pursuing some personal goals in his retirement.”
Long-serving councillor Graeme Moore said he was sad to see Mr McQuillan go.
“He’s been a dedicated CEO to our shire for a long time. It’s not going to be the same without him,” Cr Moore said.
Describing the outgoing CEO as “always supportive and really good to work with”, Cr Moore said he would also miss Mr McQuillan on a personal level.
“It’s a bit of a shock to me, but he was not going to stay around forever,” Cr Moore said.
“Garry’s given his life to the council and now it’s time for him and his wife to enjoy their lives.”
Mayor Ross said everyone at council wished him all the best.
“On behalf of my councillor colleagues past and present, I would like to thank Garry for the extraordinary contribution he has made to Cardinia Shire during his 16 years, including the past 11 years as CEO,” Cr Ross said.
Deputy Mayor and long-time councillor Brett Owen said appointing a new CEO would be one of the most important decision council would face this term.
“I am excited about the opportunities ahead of us,” councillor Owen said.
The council will provide further details about the new CEO appointment process in the coming weeks.
