CASTLEMAINE, VIC – Mount Alexander Shire Council has formally extended its gratitude to Chief Executive Officer Darren Fuzzard, who has announced he will step down after ten years at the helm.
Since his appointment in 2016, Mr. Fuzzard has overseen a transformative period for the region, navigating the Shire through significant infrastructure developments, a shifting economic landscape, and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Legacy of Stability and Vision
During his decade of service, Mr. Fuzzard was a vocal advocate for a “connected and creative” community. With a professional background in engineering, he brought a technical precision to the Shire’s infrastructure projects while maintaining a focus on social advocacy and environmental sustainability.
Mayor Toby Heydon praised Mr. Fuzzard’s tenure, noting his ability to balance the complex requirements of local government with a genuine commitment to the residents he served.
“Darren has been a steady and principled leader for our organisation,” Cr Heydon said. “He leaves the Council in a strong position, having built a culture of transparency and resilience that will serve this community for years to come.”
Key Achievements
Under Mr. Fuzzard’s leadership, the Council reached several milestones, including:
- Climate Action: Overseeing the development of robust environmental strategies to address regional climate risks.
- Infrastructure Growth: Streamlining major capital works projects across Castlemaine and surrounding townships.
- Community Resilience: Leading the municipal response to the pandemic, ensuring essential services remained uninterrupted for vulnerable residents.
Next Steps
Mr. Fuzzard, a local resident of the Shire, noted that it had been a privilege to serve the community in which he lives. He cited the dedication of the Council staff as the highlight of his career in the region.
The Council will soon commence an extensive recruitment process to identify a successor. In the interim, arrangements will be put in place to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and the continued delivery of the Council’s 2023-2027 Council Plan.
Further details regarding the recruitment timeline and interim leadership will be released in the coming weeks.