Mr Leahy started this month, replacing former chief executive Mark Crouch.

“It is a great pleasure to be joining West Wimmera at the start of a new year,” said Mr Leahy.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all staff, and learning what makes West Wimmera tick”.

Mr Leahy moved to the shire from Swan Hill, where he was the infrastructure director with Swan Hill Rural City for the past seven years.

During that time he was acting chief executive on a number of occasions, including for seven months from late 2012 until mid 2013.

Prior to that, Mr Leahy worked at Naracoorte-Lucindale Council in infrastructure roles, including two years as operations and technical services director.

Mr Leahy said he would like to work with the various community groups to gain a clear understanding of their desires. 

“This will enable the shire to advocate on their behalf to other tiers of government,” he said.

Mr Leahy will live in Edenhope with his wife and family, and he will be based at the shire’s Edenhope office.