Possible wait for CEO replacement

A permanent replacement for Baw Baw shire’s chief executive officer Helen Anstis, who will leave next week, could be up to six months away.

And mayor Joe Gauci assured ratepayers that Ms Anstis would not be receiving any additional payments when she leaves.

Cr Gauci said last week the council did not need to rush into making an appointment, rather its priority would be to ensure it got the best person available.

He said council would meet tomorrow to decide how to progress with filling the position.

Cr Gauci said there definitely would be someone standing in from February 9 be it an acting capacity or as an interim CEO. “The organisation is in a pretty good position. He said that while it was possible there were people already at the shire with the capabilities to fill the position permanently he believed council needed to “throw the net far and wide to see what was available”.

Expressions of interest are already being sought from recruitment consultants to assist with the selection process.

Cr Gauci said Ms Anstis’ resignation to take up an appointment with State Government agency Service Victoria was not a surprise although is probably came “a bit earlier than we thought”.

Ms Anstis was only 18 months into her second five-year term as CEO having being reappointed in 2015 without council opening her position to competition.

Cr Gauci, who was on a four-councillor panel that recommended her reappointment, said it was understood at the time that Ms Anstis would “move along” at some stage during her current term.

He stressed there’d be no additional payments to Ms Anstis when she leaves other than any accrued entitlements such as leave.

Detectives interviewed a male yesterday but the man was released.

Investigations continuing.

Detectives also are investigating a burglary at the same service station at about 4.20am on Friday morning.

Two males smashed a window to gain entry to the service station.

The two men searched through the office area before stealing a cash drawer with a small amount of cash.

Anyone with information that may assist investigations are asked to contact Baw Baw CIU or Crimestoppers 1800 333000.