Campaspe to farewell CEO after four years at the helm of Council
Campaspe Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Pauline Gordon will leave her position next month after accepting a senior role with Boroondara City Council in Melbourne.
Mayor Daniel Mackrell announced Ms Gordon’s resignation, thanking her for her leadership during what has been one of the most challenging periods in the shire’s recent history.
“On behalf of my fellow councillors, our staff, and the entire Campaspe community, I thank Pauline for her leadership and dedication,” Cr Mackrell said.
“Her work has placed both the organisation and the Shire in a strong position for the future. While we are saddened to see her go, we wish her every success in her new role.”
Ms Gordon joined Campaspe Shire in October 2022 at the height of the region’s devastating flood emergency, stepping into the role a week earlier than planned to assist with emergency management. It was her first chief executive position after more than 30 years working in local government across seven councils.
During her almost four years with Campaspe, she oversaw the council’s flood recovery efforts, organisational restructure and improvements to the council’s financial sustainability, emergency management capability and community engagement.
Under her leadership, council secured funding for several major projects, including the Victoria Park redevelopment, the Wilf Cox Reserve upgrade, more than $7.6 million for repairs to Davis Rd at Patho and Two Tree Rd at Carag Carag, and Victorian Government funding for the long-awaited Rochester aquatic facility. She also advocated for fair compensation for communities affected by water purchasing.
Cr Mackrell said Ms Gordon had successfully guided the organisation through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 as well as the major flood events of 2022 and 2024. He said her leadership had strengthened the organisation while initiatives such as citizen panels had helped improve community engagement and satisfaction.
During her tenure, Ms Gordon also led an executive restructure that created four director positions across sustainability, infrastructure, communities and corporate services, helping establish what she described as a more agile and accountable organisation.
Reflecting on her time with Campaspe Ms Gordon, who previously held executive roles at Mornington Peninsula Shire and the City of Greater Bendigo, said she is proud of what has been achieved during her time at Campaspe. She particularly noted the positive workplace culture that had been built and the strong foundations now in place for the future.
“I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together,” Ms Gordon said.
She will remain with Campaspe Shire until August 26, after which council will begin the formal process of appointing a new chief executive.
