McQuillan gets the nod

Paul Dunlop
GARRY McQuillan is Cardinia Shire Council’s new chief executive officer.
Mr McQuillan, acting CEO since early this year, has been endorsed by council to officially take over the position.
Mayor Kate Lempriere announced the appointment on Monday.
Mr McQuillan was council’s general manager of corporate services before stepping into the top job after longserving CEO Don Welsh parted ways with the organisation in February.
Cr Lempriere said Mr McQuillan topped the list of candidates for the role.
She congratulated the new chief executive saying she was looking forward to working with him and paid tribute to his “excellent qualities”.
Mr McQuillan, whose previous local government positions include deputy shire secretary of the Shire of Portland and manager of finance and administration with the Shire of Hastings, said it was a privilege to be CEO of Cardinia Shire.
“I am only one of a whole team of people that make this organisation successful,” he said.
“I have a great team around me. In the past 12 months we’ve done a lot of good things … we will continue to do a lot of good things.”
Mr McQuillan’s appointment came after councillors met last Thursday to interview the top five selections chosen by specialist executive recruitment consultants McArthur Management services.
Mr McQuillan was among the short list of candidates selected from a field of almost 50 applicants after the position was advertised two months ago.
Councillors paid tribute to their new CEO when the appointment was made public at the 11 December meeting, council’s final meeting for the year.
Cr Bill Pearson said Mr McQuillan was “honest, hardworking and reliable”.
Cr Brett Owen said he was confident council had chosen the best candidate, saying he had received nothing but good feedback about Mr McQuillan in the community.
Cr Bill Ronald said Mr McQuillan had shone in the position of acting CEO.
“I look forward to him making a big impact,” he said.
Cr Doug Hamilton said Mr McQuillan had proven himself an extremely capable operator with a strong financial background and sound business acumen.
Cr Graeme Legge said he was a thorough and conscientious shire officer.
Cr Ed Chatwin said Mr McQuillan had shown he did not hang back on the “hard decisions”.
He said all councillors could do better on behalf of the organisation, and urged residents to continue to give their support.