The three administrators taking over from Geelong’s sacked council have been announced.
Former Committee for Geelong head Peter Dorling will be joined by former Melbourne City CEO Kathy Alexander and consultant Laurinda Gardner.
The State Government dismissed Geelong’s council after a report said it was dysfunctional, unable to provide long-term vision for the city, riddled with internal conflict and a culture of bullying.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said Dr Alexander would act as chair, fulfilling the role of mayor.
Dr Alexander was CEO of Women’s and Children’s Health, which governed the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH).
She is a former South Australian Telstra Businesswoman of the Year and chair of not-for-profit organisations.
Mr Dorling is business manager at Avalon Airport, a director of the Victorian Regional Channels Authority and a member of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre Trust.
Ms Hutchins said he would cease to be the chair of the Geelong Authority.
Ms Gardner is a former senior government executive and experienced member of not-for-profit, state and local government boards.
She is the deputy chair of the Metropolitan Planning Authority and also works as a leadership and change management consultant.
The panel will take over from interim administrator Yehudi Blacher, who has been working with the CEO and staff since the council was dismissed.
Ms Hutchins said the administrators would implement the full range of recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry into the council.
She said they would remain in place until the next council elections in October 2017.
“The appointment of the administrators is about returning good governance to the people of Geelong and a safe working environment to council staff.
“Geelong deserves to have a competent and productive elected council, but first the administrators must get in and fix the serious problems the Commission of Inquiry uncovered.”
