After steering Campaspe Shire Council through consecutive flood crises, the shockwaves from COVID-19, and an executive restructure, chief executive Pauline Gordon has announced her resignation.

Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell announced Ms Gordon’s resignation on Wednesday, July 1, acknowledging her significant contribution to the region over her near four-year tenure.

“On behalf of my fellow councillors, our staff, and the entire Campaspe community, I thank Pauline for her leadership and dedication,” he said.

“Her work has placed both the organisation and the shire in a strong position for the future. While we are saddened to see her go, we wish her every success in her new role.”

Ms Gordon was chosen to fill the role of chief executive at a critical and sensitive time in Campaspe’s history.

Her first day in office was scheduled for October 24, 2022, but when parts of the region experienced the worst floods in recent history, she stepped in a week ahead of schedule as a volunteer to assist with emergency management efforts on the ground.

This was her seventh role in local government, with her career in different councils spanning more than 30 years.

But it was her first time as chief executive.

Speaking with the Riv in March 2023, Ms Gordon said even though she had never lived in Campaspe before her appointment, applying for the role she felt like she was “coming home”.

In her first year, she led the region through its flood recovery, represented Campaspe at a parliamentary inquiry into the handling of the flood crisis, and restructured the executive team by appointing four directors across sustainability, infrastructure, communities and corporate services.

Cr Mackrell praised Ms Gordon’s leadership through some of the region’s most testing periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant flood events of 2022 and 2024.

“Pauline has guided the organisation through some of the most difficult years in recent memory,” he said.

“Her leadership has strengthened the organisation’s financial sustainability, emergency management capability, improved community engagement through initiatives such as citizen panels, and contributed to steadily improving community satisfaction results.”

Ms Gordon said she was proud of what had been achieved in her time at council.

“I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together,” Ms Gordon said.

She said it was “rewarding” being able to help deliver long envisioned projects, such as the Victoria Park facility, Wilf Cox Reserve upgrade, repairs to Davis Rd, Patho, and Two Tree Rd, Carag Carag, and (Victorian Government) funding for the long‑awaited Rochester aquatic facility.

“I have also valued the opportunity to advocate strongly for fair and timely compensation for communities impacted by water purchasing,” she said.

She said leading such a committed and talented workforce had been one of the greatest privileges.

“I leave an organisation that is well equipped to deliver on the council and wellbeing plan and deeply connected to community priorities,” she said.

“I am proud of the positive culture we have built and the strong foundations now in place for the future.”

With her resignation now confirmed, council will begin the formal recruitment process to appoint a new chief executive.

Ms Gordon will remain in the role until August 26 before taking up a senior position with Boroondara City Council.

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