The Chair of Moira Shire’s panel of administrators John Tanner AM will be leaving the position on Sunday, June 9.
Mr Tanner’s departure marks the end of his more than 18-month tenure, during which time he has reshaped the local government administration.
He began his journey in early 2023 as one of two investigators working as part of the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of bad governance and toxic work culture.
Moira Shire Council was dismissed on Thursday, March 7 by Local Government Minister Melissa Horne, and Mr Tanner was appointed as interim administrator.
During his tenure as sole administrator, he dealt with the horrific April 2023 Strathmerton crash that claimed five lives.
The crash marked the beginning of what is arguably Mr Tanner’s biggest legacy to the area, his passionate pursuit of improving road safety.
In mid-2023, he was tasked with heading a panel of administrators and though the role was cited to end in December 2023 it was extended by a further six months.
At that point Mr Tanner and his administrators appointed Matthew Morgan as the shire’s chief executive officer.
“Mr Morgan’s appointment was a fundamental step in ensuring long-term stability within the organisation,” said Mr Tanner.
“Stability within local government organisations is crucial for fostering sustainable and prosperous communities.
“It builds trust and confidence among residents, ensuring good governance and best practice procedures are adhered to.”
Mr Tanner also played a vital role in creating a memorandum of understanding between Council, the education and health sectors which allows for a more strategic approach to dealing with the needs of the municipality.
“'I’m very satisfied,” he said.
“It's been an interesting role at different stages. I think we have achieved a significant amount, but the work is ongoing.”
In his final council meeting, on Wednesday, May 22, fellow administrator Dr Graeme Emonson praised Mr Tanner’s work, noting that the chair of administrators put council back on a positive trajectory.
“On behalf of the council and the broader Moira community, I take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and extend our sincerest appreciation to you for the leadership you've given to Moira Shire and the broader community,” Dr Emonson said.
“Administrator Tanner took over in some very challenging and disruptive time, and it really did call for very solid and sound leadership, for guidance and wisdom.... I think by every measure administrator Tanner has carried that out.”
Moira Shire administrator Suzanna Sheed said that she has witnessed Mr Tanner’s hard work first-hand.
“Your focus on good governance has been a real lesson and I think throughout the whole shire that should be recognised,” she said in the recent council meeting.
In a parting message, Mr Tanner said Moira Shire residents should have confidence with the current situation in council.
“Do not be too concerned about being under administration... until 2028,” he said.
“There is still a lot of work to be done here. But you will not be inhibited in any way by being under administration.
“There is no reason why this local council cannot be seen as a shining star in regards to local government in Victoria.”