East Gippsland Shire Council has reappointed Chief Executive Officer Anthony Basford for five years.

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said the reappointment of Anthony provides stability and the opportunity to continue to drive the strategic direction of the organisation.

“Anthony is the right person for the job,” Cr Reeves said.

“Having the CEO reappointed now for five years also provides the next council an opportunity to further bed down strategies, processes and policies for the long term. This is the right decision at the right time for the organisation and the community.

“We are excited for the organisation, this Council, the next Council, the community and importantly the CEO.”

Cr Reeves said Council made the reappointment at the Council meeting held on 26April following a recommendation by the CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee after long and due consideration in line with the provisions of the Local Government Act.

Mr Basford thanked the Council for the opportunity.

“It is a privilege and honour to lead an organisation of great people, committed to doing their best for a great community,” Mr Basford said.

Over the last four years, Mr Basford has led the organisation through structural changes, the Black Summer Bushfires, pandemic response, multiple La Niña flood events, the largest capital program in the Shire’s history and a Council election.

“The organisation has stepped up and has been agile to the needs of the community in difficult and challenging times,” Mr Basford said.

“I am very proud of our response to the Black Summer Bushfire event and how we have supported community to achieve their goals. We have pushed on to deliver services and works programs during the pandemic.

“Now, the work continues as we strive to ensure East Gippsland remains a great place to live, work, raise a family, visit and enjoy life.”

Mr Basford said he was looking forward to progressing Councillors’ priorities in:

• Strengthening community engagement and inclusiveness
• Supporting recovery and emergency preparedness
• Building a strong and diverse economic future
• Tackling issues of global importance at a local level
• Improving development outcomes
• Delivering new and improved facilities for communities
• Maintaining financial sustainability and being responsive to community need

 "I am ready for the challenge, with the support of our staff, and looking forward with great optimism to the road ahead.”

Mr Basford started as CEO at East Gippsland Shire Council in November 2018 on a four-year term.