Hobsons Bay City Council has appointed Phu Nguyen as its new chief executive officer, effective January 19, 2026.
Mr Nguyen, currently CEO of South Australia’s City of Onkaparinga, grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs and brings extensive local government experience from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
He moved to Onkaparinga in mid-2023 from Campbelltown City Council in NSW where he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of City Governance.
Phu has been tasked with rebuilding governance and culture at Hobsons Bay after a period of turmoil, which saw the CEO and some senior executives suspended while an investigation was conducted into concerns about safety in the workplace.
Mayor Cr Daria Kellander says Mr Nguyen stood out for his expertise in governance and culture, and his understanding of issues facing Melbourne’s west.
He takes over from interim CEO Kerry Thompson who has led the council organisation since March.
At Onkaparinga, Mayor Moira Were said she is incredibly sad to see Phu leave.
“I will miss Phu and I’m sure I will not be alone. We had an effective working relationship, but I understand and respect that Phu is putting his family first,” Mayor Were said.
“Phu has navigated us out of financial sustainability concerns and supported organisational culture change so the organisation can deliver the best outcomes for our community. He will be missed.”
Recruitment for a new CEO will commence immediately to ensure a smooth transition.
Mr Nguyen’s appointment reduces the number of Victorian councils currently seeking a chief executive to two, the lowest number in quite some time. See the full list here.