Councillors this week approved the recruitment of Gary Arnold for a period of up to 12 months.
Mr Arnold will lead the council through to the September councillor elections, after which the council elected will be tasked with appointing a permanent CEO.
The timing of that recruitment and appointment will also be set by the new council.
Mr Arnold’s appointment will allow current acting CEO Mark Dalzell to return to his role of director infrastructure with ERC.
Mr Dalzell stepped into the acting CEO role after the dismissal of former CEO Phil Stone on March 19.
Mr Stone’s contract was terminated, effective immediately, after a motion was tabled in confidential committee of that day’s council meeting.
A specific reason for the dismissal has never been given.
Mr Arnold is currently based in Tasmania.
He has previously held positions as general manager at Kingborough Council and CEO at Moira Shire Council.
Mr Arnold has also worked as general manager development at Moira Shire and director of city development at City of Wodonga, giving him significant experience in and knowledge of key issues in nearby regional communities similar to Edward River.
Mr Arnold will be relied upon throughout the coming months to lead and support both the councillors and the organisation with the finalisation of the 2024-25 Operational Plan and Budget, the introduction of the three-bin system, upcoming local government election and new council onboarding, along with guiding the next council through the permanent CEO recruitment process.
Mayor Peta Betts said she looks forward to Mr Arnold being able to provide stability to the council workforce and community in the wake of significant change.
“We look forward to welcoming Gary Arnold as interim CEO,” she said.
“His abundant experience and knowledge will be vital in overseeing an efficient election process and smooth transition for the incoming new council, as well as ensuring the 2024-25 Operational Plan and Budget is finalised in a timely and effective fashion.”
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