Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO John Baker has resigned today to take up the role of CEO of Sunshine Coast Council.
A letter, seen by The News, states the following:
A short while ago I wrote to Mayor Brooks to tender my resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Mornington Peninsula Shire. My effective end date will be 6th December 2024. This decision has not been an easy one, as the Shire has become a huge part of my life over the past six years.
I have accepted an exciting opportunity to join the Sunshine Coast Council as their CEO and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey in the local government sector with this new challenge.
It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of the Shire and I want to thank you all for your trust, your guidance, and the opportunity to lead this exceptional organisation. I am committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition, and I look forward to working with the new Council on the logistics of departure and supporting them in any way I can.
I will miss this beautiful part of the world, our stunning landscapes, our vibrant communities, and most of all, I will miss the people who make Mornington Peninsula Shire what it is. I’m leaving with mixed emotions but also a great sense of pride for all that we have achieved together.
When I joined back in September 2018, I could not have imagined the experiences we would share together. We’ve weathered some of the most challenging times (none more difficult than the COVID lockdowns) especially the intense four-month stretch in 2020. But what stands out in my memory is not the hardship, but the unwavering strength, resilience, and camaraderie that every single person in this organisation displayed. I was deeply moved by how we coped, and I am endlessly proud of the team and Council for pulling together to ensure we continued serving our community with dedication and heart.
There have been so many other cherished moments. I am particularly proud of the way our organisation worked with community and our emergency services colleagues to support the 2019 Black Saturday Mallacoota evacuation exercise and more recently our community focused response to what seems like ever increasing major weather events.
The establishment of our standing Citizens Panels, the completion of the YAWA Aquatic Centre, the introduction of new ways of working also stand out as projects that were not just successes but a symbol of our commitment to enhancing the lives of the community. The overhaul of our IT systems and new financial management approaches have ensured the Shire remains not only cost-effective but one of the best managed in the state – achieving the 8th lowest rating in Victoria.
But for me, the greatest accomplishment has been the shift in our organisational culture. Watching us grow from a reactive to a proactive, success-driven workplace has been one of the proudest achievements of my career. Knowing that 81% of our people now love coming to work each day fills me with joy and hope for the Shire’s future. You are all, Councillors and Officers the reason why this place thrives and will continue to improve.
With my deepest appreciation,
John