Date: 18th June 2026

Mount Alexander Shire Council has appointed Michael Annear as its new Chief Executive Officer, promoting from within its senior leadership team.

Mr Annear has served as Council’s Director Infrastructure and Development since 2021, where he oversaw strategic planning and policy work, secured additional external funding, and led improvements in capital works delivery and community engagement.

Before joining local government, Mr Annear spent more than 30 years in senior roles with the Australian Red Cross and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, leading disaster response and development operations across Asia Pacific, Africa and Australia. He holds qualifications in civil engineering, social science and business administration.

Mayor Toby Heydon said Mr Annear’s experience and understanding of the organisation made him the right choice to lead Council forward, noting his existing contribution to the council and confidence in his ability to build on it.

The appointment follows the planned departure of current CEO Darren Fuzzard, who will conclude ten years of service on 19 July 2026. Mr Annear will commence as CEO on 20 July 2026.

Source: Mount Alexander Shire Council