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Latest edition Edition date · Wed, 15 July 2026

“Purposeful manipulation” – a council crippled – #616

  • Hepburn Shire Council crippled by councillor stand-downs, in what the council calls a purposeful manipulation of the Local Government Act – the latest on the governance crisis is coming up
  • Plus new court action against the government, this time from Boroondara Council
  • A NSW councillor suspended from office
  • Blacktown opts for a reduced special rate variation
  • Gold Coast Council’s CEO seeks legal advice on a proposed leadership review
  • New Council CEOs appointed in South Australia and Western Australia
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Mid Murray Council appoints Andrew Johnson as new CEO

Mid Murray Council appoints Andrew Johnson as new CEO

Date: 15 July 2026 Mid Murray Council has appointed Dr Andrew Johnson as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Ben Scales. Dr Johnson will start with the council on 10 August following what the council described as a comprehensive recruitment process, according to Murray Bridge News. He brings experience as CEO of the Walkerville and […]

New Shire of Boddington CEO announced

New Shire of Boddington CEO announced

Date: 14th July 2026 The Shire of Boddington has appointed Rachael Wright as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Wright will bring over 18 years of Western Australian local government experience to the role. She currently serves as the Executive Manager of Corporate and Community Services at the Shire of Gingin and has previously held […]

“Purposeful Manipulation” – Hepburn Shire Council crippled by private legal action

“Purposeful Manipulation” – Hepburn Shire Council crippled by private legal action

Date: 14 July 2026 Hepburn Shire Council‘s governance crisis has escalated sharply, with three more councillors stood down after being served with criminal charges by the same private individual behind earlier action against the council. Council has confirmed that Cr Shirley Cornish, Cr Lesley Hewitt and Cr Pat Hockey have been served with charges and […]

Coorong Announces new CEO appointment

Coorong Announces new CEO appointment

Coorong District Council has announced the appointment of Scott Reardon as its new Chief Executive Officer, following what council described as a robust recruitment process. Mr Reardon brings extensive local government management experience to the region, having previously served as the CEO of the neighbouring District Council of Karoonda East Murray. With a career spanning […]

Rural Councils Victoria cautiously welcomes Opposition’s $5 billion roads pledge

Rural Councils Victoria cautiously welcomes Opposition’s $5 billion roads pledge

Date:13 July 2026 Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has given a qualified welcome to Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson’s pledge to spend $5 billion on road repairs and maintenance over the next term of parliament, while pressing for detail on how much would reach country roads. The pledge falls short of RCV’s own call for an […]