Mid Murray Council appoints Andrew Johnson as new CEO

Date: 15 July 2026 Mid Murray Council has appointed Dr Andrew Johnson as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Ben Scales. Dr Johnson will start with the council on 10 August following what the council described as a comprehensive recruitment process, according to Murray Bridge News. He brings experience as CEO of the Walkerville and […]

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“Purposeful manipulation” – a council crippled – #616

Today on the Local Government News Roundup: All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast. Listen to this episode now: Victoria Hepburn Shire Council‘s governance crisis has escalated sharply, with three more councillors stood down after being served with criminal charges by the same private individual behind earlier action […]

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“Purposeful Manipulation” – Hepburn Shire Council crippled by private legal action

Date: 14 July 2026 Hepburn Shire Council‘s governance crisis has escalated sharply, with three more councillors stood down after being served with criminal charges by the same private individual behind earlier action against the council. Council has confirmed that Cr Shirley Cornish, Cr Lesley Hewitt and Cr Pat Hockey have been served with charges and […]

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Coorong Announces new CEO appointment

Coorong District Council has announced the appointment of Scott Reardon as its new Chief Executive Officer, following what council described as a robust recruitment process. Mr Reardon brings extensive local government management experience to the region, having previously served as the CEO of the neighbouring District Council of Karoonda East Murray. With a career spanning […]

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Rural Councils Victoria cautiously welcomes Opposition’s $5 billion roads pledge

Date:13 July 2026 Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has given a qualified welcome to Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson’s pledge to spend $5 billion on road repairs and maintenance over the next term of parliament, while pressing for detail on how much would reach country roads. The pledge falls short of RCV’s own call for an […]

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Hepburn crisis deepens, green wedge alarm, and demeaning conduct warning – #615

Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Listen to this episode now: Victoria Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, has been automatically stood down after being served with alleged criminal charges in a private prosecution. The Council says the matter has not involved an investigation by Victoria Police or any public prosecutorial authority – […]

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Hepburn Shire Mayor stood down as third council figure hit by private prosecution

Date: 11 July 2026 Hepburn Shire Council‘s Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, has been automatically stood down after being served with alleged criminal charges initiated by a private individual, council confirmed on Friday. The matter is proceeding as a private prosecution and has not involved an investigation, fact-finding process, or assessment by Victoria Police or any […]

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Hume council spends $5 million a year on illegal dumping, receives just $6,000 in state support

Illegal dumping is costing Hume City Council millions of dollars annually, with the outer-growth council among the hardest hit in Victoria. Hume has spent $4.2 million responding to dumping incidents in the past financial year, and infringement notices have risen by more than 70 per cent over four years. “We don’t have all the answers, […]

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Councillor passes, corruption probe set, and a CEO contract terminated – #614

Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Listen to this episode now: Victoria Sad news from the City of Greater Bendigo, where Councillor Donna Nicholas has died. Cr Nicholas was elected to represent the Lockwood Ward at a by-election in April, and attended her first Council meeting in May. Mayor Cr Thomas Prince and CEO […]

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