Bhalla takes on city’s top job

Experienced local government leader Sunil Bhalla is Horsham Rural City Council’s new chief executive after beating more than 40 applicants for the municipality’s top job.

Horsham mayor Pam Clarke announced Mr Bhalla’s appointment at a council meeting on Monday night.

Mr Bhalla will start his new role on April 3 and will replace Peter Brown, who retired in December following seven years in the role.

Cr Clarke said the councillors unanimously voted to appoint Mr Bhalla, who has signed a five-year contract.

She said Mr Bhalla had 24 years’ experience in local government, with the past 12 in senior management roles.

“Sunil brings a wealth of experience and skills to the role,” she said.

“He has a proven track record in leading change, facilitating major commercial and industrial enterprises, development and delivery of new services, infrastructure and facilities, good governance and prudent financial management.

“Recruiting the chief executive is one of the most important things we will do as a council and I’m confident that we’ve made an excellent decision.

“Sunil will help us to keep moving forwards and manage the organisation in a positive, respectful and sensitive way.”

Mr Bhalla will leave his infrastructure services director role at the City of Maribyrnong to take the next step in his career.

At City of Maribyrnong, he has finance and operational responsibility for more than 120 permanent staff and delivering services and programs totalling $60-million.

“Prior to this, Sunil worked at Surf Coast Shire Council for more than 14 years in a range of management positions including governance and infrastructure general manager, corporate services director, infrastructure director and infrastructure manager,” Cr Clarke said.

“He was also with Hume City Council for six years and Shire of Bulla for more than two years.”

A recruitment company managing the appointment of a new chief executive received more than 40 applications for the position.

Cr Clarke said six candidates were shortlisted from a strong field of applicants.

Mr Bhalla said he looked forward to working with councillors, staff and the community to provide high quality services and enhance community health and wellbeing.

“I am also very keen to work with neighbouring councils, government agencies and other service partners to build on the economic strengths of the region,” he said.

Council’s corporate services director Graeme Harrison will continue as acting chief executive until Mr Bhalla takes over on April 3.