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Buckley Farewells Bass Coast

CEO Paul Buckley PSM bids farewell after five years in the top job.

By Portal Admin - 23rd February 2019 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council farewelled CEO Paul Buckley PSM on Friday, 15 February after five years in the top job.

Mr Buckley introduced many new initiatives and successfully delivered millions of dollars’ worth of operational efficiencies which have been redirected into much needed capital works projects and services.

This period also saw Council focus on improving its community engagement, which was successfully delivered through the development of its current and award winning Council Plan and Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-21.

Under his leadership, Council saw the creation of its first Long Term Financial Plan and Advocacy Strategy.

Recent advocacy from Council under Mr Buckley’s watch has resulted in record investment of $150 million into the community including the redevelopment of Wonthaggi Hospital, a new senior campus for Wonthaggi Secondary College, intersection upgrades for Phillip Island Road and 24 hour health care services for Phillip Island.

He said the past five years at Bass Coast have been some of the most rewarding and enjoyable of his career.

"I have had the pleasure of working with a great group of people – Councillors, staff and community and I thank you for welcoming me into your community and responding to the plan I brought to the table," Mr Buckley said.

"I am very proud of what we, as an organisation, have achieved. The organisation has responded well and I am confident that it is well-placed to meet future challenges.

"I wish the Council, (incoming CEO) Ali, the organisation and the community all the best for the future. Bass Coast is a great part of the world and I will leave with fond memories and confidence that the Shire will continue to develop and prosper."

Mr Buckley’s plans for the future include a holiday, the possibility of some Board roles and a lot more time spent outdoors and with family and friends. Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said Mr Buckley was amazing to work with and that his incredible knowledge across a broad spectrum of subjects really lifted the organisation.

"Mr Buckley has played a huge role to get the organisation to where it is today – in a fantastic position to support all of the intergenerational projects we have coming up," Cr Tessari said.

"And while it is sad to see Mr Buckley go, it is with great excitement that we welcome incoming CEO Ali Wastie to Bass Coast."

Ms Wastie joins Bass Coast with over ten years of executive leadership experience across State and Local Government, most recently as Director, City Communities at the City of Melbourne.

"We look forward to Ms Wastie bringing her experience to the organisation and continuing to meet the needs of our communities and ratepayers," Cr Tessari said.

BCSC Paul Buckley PSM

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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