A municipal monitor has been appointed to the Strathbogie Shire Council to help guide good governance.

Acting Minister for Local Government Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the appointment of Janet Dore as monitor for Strathbogie Shire Council for a term of six months. The appointment was made at the request of the council’s Mayor and Chief Executive Officer to help guide the council as they serve their community.

Ms Dore will work closely with the council to improve governance practices and help councillors understand their roles and responsibilities under the Local Government Act.

Ms Dore has senior executive experience dealing with changing environments at local and state government organisations, as well as on boards in government and the not-for-profit sector.

Most recently she served as interim Chief Executive Officer of Ballarat City Council, she was a municipal monitor at Ararat City Council from 2017 to 2019 and is a previous interim Chief Executive at the Victorian Responsible Gambling Authority.

Ms Dore will work closely with the council’s Chief Executive Officer and Mayor to assist them in implementing good governance processes and will report back to the Minister on the council’s progress at the end of her term.

The Government is supporting and improving council culture throughout the state, recently announcing a wide-ranging review into what influences council culture as part of the Local Government Culture Project.

The project is being delivered by PwC in partnership with eminent academics Professor Graham Sansom, Adjunct Professor at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and Professor Anona Armstrong AM, Emeritus Professor at the Victoria University College of Law and Justice.

The review will provide a platform for the sector to identify and take ownership of a positive and inclusive culture that will improve governance and build public trust.

The Local Government Culture Project will include broader engagement with local government early next year, with key themes and advice to be provided to the Minister for consideration.

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Local Government Mary-Anne Thomas

“I wish Janet Dore all the best as she works closely with Strathbogie Council and helps guide them to best serve the local community.”

“I expect the council to act as role models and maintain a standard of good governance that the people of Strathbogie rightfully expect from their elected representatives.”

“I look forward to Ms Dore assisting the council to promote best practices and behaviours, for the benefit of all.”

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