Hans Paas, Castlemaine
I note from the Mayor’s most recent ‘newsy’ message that our CEO Darren Fuzzard is moving on after around ten years at the helm of our amazing shire. From the outset this man showed how a skill set that did not fit so neatly into this kind of executive role was going to lead to a very significant change of pace for this local government.
Some of us felt battered by the experience with his predecessor and prayed that this community might get a different kind of leadership. Prayers were answered. Instead of a leadership that emphasised power and authority we saw leadership which enabled. The relationship between the elected leadership and the appointed people began to shift with a focus on building community co-operation rather than confrontation.
We are all very fortunate to live in such a caring community. Apparently the 3450 postcode is the most charitable in the nation. We are also fortunate that it is this council made up of committed and focussed people who have the example of the last ten years and will be able to search for someone who will continue to build teamwork and initiative in an atmosphere of encouragement and respect.