Horsham Rural City Council appoints chief executive

Published on 19 February 2018

Horsham Rural City Council has appointed a new chief executive.  Sunil Bhalla has been appointed to the position.

Mayor Cr Pam Clarke announced the appointment at tonight’s Council meeting.  She said that councillors made a unanimous decision to offer the role to Mr Bhalla.  He has signed a five-year contract and will take up the role on 3 April 2018.

 “Sunil has worked in local government for 24 years, including the past 12 in senior management roles.  In his current role as Director Infrastructure Services at the City of Maribyrnong, he has finance and operational responsibility for over 120 permanent staff and the delivery of services and programs totalling $60 million.  Prior to this, Sunil worked at the Surf Coast Shire Council for more than 14 years in a range of management positions including General Manager Governance and Infrastructure, Director Corporate Services, Director Infrastructure and Infrastructure Manager.  He was also with the Hume City Council for six years and the Shire of Bulla for over two years,” she said.    

A recruitment company hired to manage the appointment of a new chief executive received over 40 applications for the position.  There was a strong field of applicants and six candidates were shortlisted.

Cr Clarke said that council is delighted to welcome Mr Bhalla to the position.  “Sunil brings a wealth of experience and skills to the role.  He has a proven track record in leading change, facilitating major commercial and industrial enterprises, development and delivery of new services, infrastructure and facilities, good governance and prudent financial management.  Recruiting the chief executive is one of the most important things we will do as a council and I’m confident that we’ve made an excellent decision.  Sunil will help us to keep moving forwards and manage the organisation in a positive, respectful and sensitive way,” she said. 

Mr Bhalla said that he was looking forward to working with councillors, staff and the community to provide high quality service and enhance community health and wellbeing.  “I am also very keen to work with neighbouring councils, government agencies and other service partners to build on the economic strengths of the region,” he said.

Graeme Harrison, director corporate services, will continue as acting chief executive until Mr Bhalla’s commencement on 3 April 2018.