Former Horsham Aquatic Centre manager Michael Bailey to join Northern Grampians Shire Council

Mr Bailey left the centre in 2011 to work as chief executive at Bendigo Regional YMCA.

He has been appointed the Northern Grampians community and economic development director and will return to his hometown of Stawell.

Mr Bailey said he would take on the role at an exciting time for the shire.

‘‘The shire is in a great position at the moment, with so many initiatives that are leading the country,’’ he said.

‘‘Projects like Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory and the Grampians Peaks Trail will put the shire at the forefront of the nation’s developments.’’

The role will involve overseeing the shire’s economic and community development teams.

‘‘It is a vast role and includes everything from youth development to economic business and marketing,’’ he said.

Mr Bailey started working for Northern Grampians Shire as a casual lifeguard at the Stawell Leisure Complex when he was 16.

‘‘When I left the organisation in 2009, I was in the role of team leader of community development,’’ he said.

‘‘It was a role I always wanted to come back to as it is a role that positively effects the community.’’

Mr Bailey starts work on Tuesday.

‘‘I finished at Bendigo on Friday, so thankfully we have family in Stawell who we can live with while we get set up,’’ he said.

Joining Mr Bailey in Stawell is his wife Tess and children Mia, 2, and Lexie, three months.

‘‘My wife and I grew up in Stawell and we wanted our children to grow up there because it is a fantastic place,’’ he said.

‘‘We are rapt to have the opportunity to move home.

‘‘The Wimmera has so much to offer. It’s an incredible place with great landscapes and business opportunities.

‘‘Life in the country is where people care about each other and support each other to grow into whatever we want to be.’’