Council chief reappointed

Sunil Bhalla will continue as Horsham Rural City Council’s chief executive.

The council confirmed a four-year extension to Mr Bhalla’s contract, until April 2027, at a meeting on Monday night.

Mr Bhalla took the council’s top job in April 2018, with 30 years of local government experience including leadership roles at the City of Maribyrnong and Surf Coast Shire.

Under Mr Bhalla’s leadership, Horsham council has secured more than $15-million in state and federal government funding for infrastructure projects, such as the Horsham City Oval and Sawyer Park redevelopment and sporting facility upgrades at Quantong and Horsham’s Dudley Cornell Park, Wimmera Riverfront activation project and nature play park, Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange roof installation, Wimmera Agricultural and Logistics HUB, Hamilton Street pedestrian bridge, Dooen Landfill expansion, Horsham silo art project and upgrades to Horsham Aquatic Centre.

The council has also secured more than $5-million in roads funding.

“I am honoured and grateful for the opportunity to continue in this position,” Mr Bhalla said.

“The Horsham municipality is a very special place that has its natural environment and communities at its heart. It’s a privilege to lead a passionate and talented group of people, and I look forward to being able to continue to grow and develop our organisation’s capacity and to collectively provide even greater outcomes for our community.”

The councillor group employs the chief executive.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said Mr Bhalla had overseen the council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, established the council’s involvement in a ‘rural councils corporate collaboration project’, developed and adopted the 2021-25 council plan and a 20-year community vision and implemented a staffing restructure.

“As a council, we felt it was important to retain Sunil’s guidance and genuine passion for the community to lead the organisation in delivering the best outcomes for Horsham Rural City Council and its residents,” she said.

“Sunil has steered the organisation and community through the COVID19 pandemic by developing strong partnerships with all levels of government, industry, community leaders and organisations.

“We greatly appreciate the expertise and knowledge that Sunil has brought to this organisation during his time at council and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively and supportively as we prepare for the future ahead.”