The new Edward River Council chief executive officer has ‘hit the ground running’, spending his first days in the role exploring the region’s key priorities for the next five years.
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In the three days since officially starting last Wednesday, CEO Jack Bond met with staff and key stakeholders, including NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton, and inspected numerous council facilities.
However, he will already have a strong handle on the important issues, having been born and raised in Deniliquin and most recently worked at neighboring Murray River Council as director of infrastructure.
He takes over from interim CEO Gary Arnold, who was appointed after Phil Stone was dismissed by the previous council.
One of Mr Bond’s first key meetings was with Mrs Dalton, to discuss vital issues affecting the region including key items on council’s advocacy plan such as housing, childcare, education and health.
“This was a great opportunity to discuss our key advocacy areas, as well as the pressing need for support around renewables and maximising opportunities for our local government area out of these significant projects,” Mr Bond said.
Mr Bond met with Pastoral Times general manager Leesa Muir and said he enjoyed a wide-ranging discussion on local issues, the importance of local media and council working closely together with media to keep the community informed.
Mr Bond visited all council depots to inspect facilities and meet staff. He said he was particularly impressed by three of the most visited council assets – the Peppin Heritage Centre, Edward River Library and council’s customer service centre.
“As a local resident, I know all these places well, but having a chance to meet with staff and get an insight into what goes on behind the scenes has been a real eye-opener.
“I’m very impressed with the dedication of our staff here to make sure residents and visitors are informed, cared for, and provided with fantastic recreational and cultural opportunities,” he said.
“It has been a very warm welcome for me at Edward River Council and I know I have made the right move to be here. I have really enjoyed spending time getting out to see all
our staff and I’m looking forward to meeting more representatives of local organisations over the coming weeks.”
An interview with Jacquie Marshall at Radio 2QN rounded out a busy few days for the new CEO.
Ms Muir said yesterday she welcomed the opportunity to have important discussions with Mr Bond, and was delighted with the approach to communication being adopted at ERC.
“It was extremely difficult to work with the previous council, which did not seem interested in transparency with the community. This has changed since the new council was elected, with the support of interim CEO Gary Arnold and Mayor Ashley Hall.
“Mr Bond is obviously keen to build on this transparency and communication, which will be a huge positive for our community,” Ms Muir said.
With more than 15 years of experience in local government, Mr Bond brings an exceptional skill set to the role, specialising in infrastructure, asset management and community development.
Mr Bond began his career at Murray Shire Council, before gaining broader experience in Albury-Wodonga and the private sector. With Murray River Council in his previous role, he has successfully led major projects, regional advocacy initiatives and organisational transformation.
And he will need all of these skills to rebuild Edward River Council, which has had a difficult period.
Apart from the key advocacy issues he discussed with Mrs Dalton and others last week, Mr Bond will have to oversee a review of the botched Edward River Village seniors living precinct, and lead upgrades to Deniliquin Airport and other infrastructure.
There will also be the issue of addressing the council’s skyrocketing payroll, which was predicted to be about $7 million after the local government merger in 2016, but instead has ballooned under the previous administration to about $12 million.
But a priority, which his first few days on the job indicate he recognises, will be building bridges and repairing relationships that were damaged by the previous council.
“I am passionate about working with the community to build on our strengths and realise the opportunities ahead,” Mr Bond said at the time of his appointment late last year.
“Together, we will focus on enhancing liveability, driving growth, and ensuring Edward River remains a vibrant and thriving region for generations to come.”
The first Deniliquin raised and educated CEO to lead the local council is well placed to work through this process, with the support of a more collaborative and united Mayor and councillors.
Jack Bond with Member for Murray Helen Dalton.
Jack Bond speaking to Customer Service officer Val Hughes.
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