New CEO announced for Light Regional Council
Monitors for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Victorian Council rate cap and waste charge guidelines
Council moves to shut illegal prayer hall
SA: Light Regional Council has appointed Darryl Whicker as Chief Executive Officer, effective late March 2026, bringing over 20 years of local government experience, including his current role at the District Council of Grant.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Mark McShane will continue in the role until March and assist with onboarding to ensure a smooth transition.
The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of two municipal monitors to oversee governance improvements at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos said Prue Digby and Rebecca McKenzie will take on the 12-month monitoring roles, starting January 19th.
Ms Digby brings expertise in local government leadership and governance, while Ms McKenzie has extensive council experience, including serving as CEO of Glen Eira City Council.
The monitors will work with the council to strengthen governance processes, decision-making procedures, and support the wellbeing of both councillors and staff.
The monitoring period will run until January 2027.
The Victorian government has confirmed a 2.75% council rate cap will apply next financial year, aligned with the Consumer Price Index.
New guidelines have also been introduced for waste management charges, to ensure they reflect actual service costs and improve consistency across councils, according to the Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos.
The government says that since the “Fair Go Rates System” was introduced in 2016, the average rate cap has been 2.3%, down from 6% annual increases in the previous decade.
NSW: Canterbury Bankstown Council has issued a cease use directive to shut down an illegal prayer hall operated by cleric Wissam Haddad at the Al Madina Dawah Centre.
The council says the site was only approved as a medical centre and has never had authorisation to operate as a place of worship.
This is the second time Haddad has been ordered to close unauthorised premises, with Council warning of potential fines up to $6,000 for corporations if non-compliance continues.