Our loss is Geelong’s gain as Ali Wastie is headhunted to sort out troubled council. Ms Wastie is pictured with the two Bass Coast mayors with whom she worked during her tenure, Brett Tessari and Michel Whelan By Catherine Watson
CEO Ali Wastie will leave Bass Coast Shire Council on July 28 to lead Greater Geelong City Council.
The council will appoint an interim leader and begin a formal recruitment process to find a permanent replacement.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan thanked Ms Wastie for her passion and inspiring leadership, particularly helping lead the region through the challenging pandemic and into strong recovery.
CEO Ali Wastie will leave Bass Coast Shire Council on July 28 to lead Greater Geelong City Council.
The council will appoint an interim leader and begin a formal recruitment process to find a permanent replacement.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan thanked Ms Wastie for her passion and inspiring leadership, particularly helping lead the region through the challenging pandemic and into strong recovery.
"Ali’s strong leadership has helped transform Bass Coast into a fairer, more dynamic and exciting region and positioned the community for continued strong growth in the future,’’ Cr Whelan said.
“It has been a privilege to work closely with Ali and I wish her well in her new role."
Ms Wastie started at the council in February 2019. Last August her contract was extended for another five years, taking her appointment through to 2028, but it was always optimistic to think that a small regional council would be able to retain her for that long.
She has long been regarded as a high flier, with the Environment Minister appointing her as chair of the Alpine Resorts Victoria Board last year. In 2019 she was named one of IPAA Victoria’s top 50 Public Sector Women.
The Post understands Ms Wastie was head hunted for her new position after an impressive performance at our council over the past four and a half years.
Our loss is Geelong’s gain as Wastie was headhunted to sort out a troubled council. She moves to a council with a population of almost 300,000, a budget more than four times that of Bass Coast but also one with a troubled history and workplace culture.
Greater Geelong City Council was sacked in 2016 after a Commission of Inquiry found it was substantially dysfunctional, governance and performance were well below standard and there had been a failure to provide good government to Geelong.
Municipal monitors were appointed this year to scrutinise the council and the CEO appointment process.
During Ms Watie’s time at Bass Coast, the council has led local government in achieving a progressive workplace culture promoting gender equality, gender and cultural diversity and a family-friendly workplace with flexible working arrangements.
While she gained most attention for these “soft achievements”, she was also able to keep control of the hard issues with a balanced budget and substantial capital works projects.
Ms Wastie said significant council achievements during her tenure included managing the population and economic growth of the region, critical infrastructure investment to meet community needs and aspiration, as well as managing the challenges of COVID.
Other highlights:
“But most of all, I am proud to lead our people who live our EPIIC (Excellence; Passion; Integrity; Imagination; Courage.) values, who genuinely care for one another and practise shared leadership.
“It has been an absolute privilege and honour to work with you all to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“I will always be grateful to have had this incredible opportunity. Bass Coast is a very special place and we are here but for a short time to make sure we can make a positive difference to all who choose to call Bass Coast home - and for future generations.’’
Ms Wastie said she was proud of the achievements Council has delivered for the community during her tenure and thanked the people of Bass Coast, council staff and councillors for their strong support in helping lead one of Victoria's most progressive and dynamic councils.
“In particular I would like to acknowledge the Mayors I have been honoured to work with: Councillors Brett Tessari and Michael Whelan; plus Deputy Mayors Bruce Kent, Geoff Ellis, Leticia Laing and Rochelle Halstead.”
“It has been a privilege to work closely with Ali and I wish her well in her new role."
Ms Wastie started at the council in February 2019. Last August her contract was extended for another five years, taking her appointment through to 2028, but it was always optimistic to think that a small regional council would be able to retain her for that long.
She has long been regarded as a high flier, with the Environment Minister appointing her as chair of the Alpine Resorts Victoria Board last year. In 2019 she was named one of IPAA Victoria’s top 50 Public Sector Women.
The Post understands Ms Wastie was head hunted for her new position after an impressive performance at our council over the past four and a half years.
Our loss is Geelong’s gain as Wastie was headhunted to sort out a troubled council. She moves to a council with a population of almost 300,000, a budget more than four times that of Bass Coast but also one with a troubled history and workplace culture.
Greater Geelong City Council was sacked in 2016 after a Commission of Inquiry found it was substantially dysfunctional, governance and performance were well below standard and there had been a failure to provide good government to Geelong.
Municipal monitors were appointed this year to scrutinise the council and the CEO appointment process.
During Ms Watie’s time at Bass Coast, the council has led local government in achieving a progressive workplace culture promoting gender equality, gender and cultural diversity and a family-friendly workplace with flexible working arrangements.
While she gained most attention for these “soft achievements”, she was also able to keep control of the hard issues with a balanced budget and substantial capital works projects.
Ms Wastie said significant council achievements during her tenure included managing the population and economic growth of the region, critical infrastructure investment to meet community needs and aspiration, as well as managing the challenges of COVID.
Other highlights:
- Council’s landmark gender equality work that has included many firsts for local government, notably 12-months paid superannuation following the birth or adoption to reduce the super pay gap requirement.
- 16 weeks paid parental leave regardless of gender to minimise what is a financial decision for women to stay at home following the birth of a child.
- The partnership agreement with Hawthorn Football Club to promote women’s and girls' participation in sport.
- Equal prize money to be offered for men and women by sporting organisations wishing to use council grounds.
- The development of Bass Coast’s Climate Change Action Plan including a waste strategy that will see the council and community achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
- The soon to be opened new cultural centre in Cowes.
- Positioning Wonthaggi as a destination in its own right, through Wonthaggi Opportunity Unlocked.
“But most of all, I am proud to lead our people who live our EPIIC (Excellence; Passion; Integrity; Imagination; Courage.) values, who genuinely care for one another and practise shared leadership.
“It has been an absolute privilege and honour to work with you all to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“I will always be grateful to have had this incredible opportunity. Bass Coast is a very special place and we are here but for a short time to make sure we can make a positive difference to all who choose to call Bass Coast home - and for future generations.’’
Ms Wastie said she was proud of the achievements Council has delivered for the community during her tenure and thanked the people of Bass Coast, council staff and councillors for their strong support in helping lead one of Victoria's most progressive and dynamic councils.
“In particular I would like to acknowledge the Mayors I have been honoured to work with: Councillors Brett Tessari and Michael Whelan; plus Deputy Mayors Bruce Kent, Geoff Ellis, Leticia Laing and Rochelle Halstead.”