YARRIAMBIACK Shire Council chief executive Ray Campling has resigned after 15 years in the top job.
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Mr Campling announced his resignation to councillors and staff on Thursday.
He said for health reasons, it was time for him to step back and slow down.
“There is nothing more important than family and friends, so I’ve decided I need to step back because I can’t do things in half measures,” he said.
Mr Campling was appointed as the shire’s chief executive in 2003.
Prior to that, he was community services director at Mildura Rural City Council for six years, and community services and recreation services manager at Parramatta City Council for five years.
He started his local government career in 1985 with Portland City Council as the municipal recreation officer.
Mr Campling said it had been a privilege and pleasure to serve Yarriambiack Shire for the past 15 years.
“There have been many highlights during the time,” he said.
“One highlight was seeing the work of emergency services, council staff and the community during the 2011 floods.”
“Our community engagement program has also been well supported over the years and that will continue to grow.
“I’m very proud of the efforts of all the staff and councillors over the years.”
Mr Campling said he loved living in Yarriambiack Shire.
“It’s much more than a place where people just pay their rates or call up council only when there is a barking dog,” he said.
“It’s great to be involved in an amazing region and be part of the fabric at the community.”
Mr Campling said he would stay living in Warracknabeal with his wife Helen and his family.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people over my career,” he said.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be involved in the shire.”
Mr Campling said his decision to resign wasn’t an easy one to make.
“It was a very difficult decision, but I have to start listening to the people around me and concentrate on my health and family,” he said.
“It’s time to step back and slow down.”
Council had re-appointed Mr Campling for a five-year term in August.
Mr Campling’s final day will be on April 5.
Council will now start the process to find a replacement chief executive.
Mr Campling previously resigned from his position in 2011, but after overwhelming support from the community, he withdrew his resignation and continued on in the job.