Senior management team in place

East Gippsland Shire Council has its new senior management team in place.

The executive team, led by Chief Executive Officer Anthony Basford, includes Fiona Weigall, Peter Cannizzaro and Stuart McConnell. The appointments follow an organisational restructure.

Mr Basford said having the new executive team on board will allow the organisation to rebuild and refocus its efforts on the issues the community, councillors and staff have said are important.

“The new executive team brings a wealth of local government, state agency and private sector experience to East Gippsland,” Mr Basford said.

“It is this depth of experience we are looking for to ensure that organisation delivers on the priorities of the Council.”

Mr Basford said the realignment of the organisation this year saw the bringing together of teams that need to work together closely.

“We have made a commitment to customer service, delivering on what we say and focussing on outcomes. That is where I want the organisation to go,” Mr Basford said.

Introducing the general managers

Fiona Weigall is the General Manager Assets and Environment. This portfolio includes community facilities and open space, works, assets and projects, sustainability and waste.

Fiona has extensive experience in a range of land development, private sector, local and state government roles across two states. She has worked for council in a range of management roles in economic development; strategic planning; capital works and most recently as the Acting Director Operations.

“I’m delighted to have been appointed to the role and my focus is ensuring that council delivers, manages and maintains infrastructure and services to meet the needs of our widespread and diverse community,” Fiona said.

“I am very focused on working with the executive team and our staff to make East Gippsland a great place for our community. Our staff and councillors are focused on ensuring our region grows and propers, while enhancing our amazing natural assets.”

Peter Cannizzaro is the General Manager Business Excellence. The portfolio includes finance, governance, customer experience and communications, human resources and organisational development, and information services.

Prior to joining Council, Peter led the directorate of Corporate and Community Services at Snowy Monaro Regional Council (NSW) and prior to that role he was responsible for Corporate Business Operations at Gosford City (Central Coast) Council (NSW).

“I’m passionate about driving and embedding excellence in everything we do, on an end-to-end scale, that creates true value to our customers and the community we serve,” Peter said.

“It’s truly exciting to be part of this team and of course to live in such an amazing setting and iconic region.”

Apart from his time in local government, Peter has spent many years in the banking sector in both Australia and abroad. 

“These stints have included roles such as a Chief Operating Officer in the United Arab Emirates, Chief Operations Officer in Qatar, and Head of Operations (wholesale banking) Asia Pacific for a bank in Australia, which encompassed offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul,” Peter said.

Stuart McConnell is the General Manager Place and Community. The portfolio includes community, strategic and land use planning, regulatory and compliance services, community programs, engagement, emergency management, libraries and Council enterprises including the recreation centres, livestock exchange, marinas, caravan parks and Forge Theatre.

Stuart was most recently Director Assets and Development at Murrindindi Shire Council for two-and-a-half year and has previous executive experience with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the Environment Protection Authority.

“My focus is on putting the customer and community in the centre of what we do and working to ensure an integrated approach from council,” Stuart said.

“I love the opportunity working in local government provides to connect with local communities and make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.

“I’m excited by the opportunities and the challenges from a large and diverse municipality.” 

PICTURED: Peter Cannizzaro (General Manager Business Excellence), Fiona Weigall (General Manager Assets and Environment), Anthony Basford (Chief Executive Officer) and Stuart McConnell (General Manager Place and Community).