wdrc Guest

Chief Executive Officer - Phil Berting

During his 20 year career in local government Phil Berting has worked with four of the amalgamated councils including his most recent position as CEO of Tara Shire Council, eight years as CEO of Murilla Shire Council and twelve years experience gained at Wambo Shire and Dalby Town Councils. 

His vision for the new council is to oversee a cohesive and proactive organisation that balances the demands of economic development and the delivery of essential services with the need for community, cultural development and lifestyle.

Phil holds a business degree in accounting and local government management, is an associate of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants and a member of  the Local Government Managers Australia (Qld).

Director Corporate Services - Stephen Hegedus

Stephen Hegedus has 17 years experience in local government, primarily within the fields of engineering services and corporate governance. Stephen was formerly the CEO of Dalby Town Council. 

The corporate services directorate provides professional services such as human resource management, communication and marketing, corporate governance, workplace health and safety and customer service across the organisation.

In his role as director Stephen hopes to build a strong foundation for Western Downs Regional Council to become an efficient and community-minded organisation that leads an economically and socially prosperous community.

Director Finance and Information and Communication Technology - Lee Vohland

Formerly the CEO of Wambo Shire Council, Lee Vohland has 35 years experience in local government.

The finance and information and communication technology directorate services the entire organisation and provides guidance to council in regard to its financial performance and accountability. 

In his role as director Lee's aims are to help the new regional council maintain current service delivery under coordinated regional arrangements.  Integration and the use of technology will achieve a high standard of service to meet the needs of local communities. 

 Director Engineering Services - Graham Cook

Graham Cook has spent his entire career with the Western Downs Regional Council after commencing with the former Wambo Shire Council in 1983. 

Graham has worked in most operational areas of the Engineering Directorate and was formerly the Director of Engineering Services at the Wambo Shire Council.

The engineering services directorate provides construction, maintenance and design services to develop roads, drainage, streetscapes, parks and recreation reserves.  Essential services include water supply and sewerage treatment as well as quarry operation. Internal services include plant and fleet management.

In his role as director Graham aims to facilitate the smooth transition of six engineering departments into a coordinated regional service provider.

Director Planning and Environment - Ian O'Donnell

With 17 years experience in senior management roles within local government, Ian O'Donnell is the former CEO of Murilla Shire Council.

The planning and environment directorate manages town planning, development assessment, building certification, public health, waste and animal management as well as natural resource management within the new electorate.

In his role as director Ian hopes to instil confidence in the regional community by working with the interim management team to protect the lifestyle and service levels currently enjoyed by residents. 

Director Economic and Community Development - Ed Hoffmann

With 20 years experience in senior management roles within local government, Ed Hoffmann was formerly the CEO of Chinchilla Shire Council.

The economic and community development directorate provides the future direction of council as new industry develops and community services require advancement across the region.

In his role as director Ed hopes to create vibrant and expanding communities that are able to facilitate and attract new business and industry, while at the same time meeting the challenges of a growing regional community and respecting the existing culture of local communities.