Today's largely uneventful South Gippsland Shire Council meeting, free from debate and procedural in nature, took on a different complexion when attention turned to outgoing CEO Kerryn Ellis.
When it came her turn to speak after glowing tributes from councillors and a hug from mayor John Schelling, it was clear how much her time with South Gippsland Shire Council has meant to her.
She described her resignation letter to the mayor as “probably the hardest letter I have written”.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to do this job and I’ve loved it and I’ve given it everything I had; but it’s such an important job and this is such an amazing place that I think you need someone that’s got the energy that I’ve had, and I’m ready for something new and I think South Gippsland’s ready for something new,” Kerryn said.
Emotion came to the fore as she spoke.
Kerryn noted she’ll still be a Gippsland resident and will be working closely with local government through her new role with the Office of the Victorian Ombudsman, Marlo Baragwanath.
“It’s been 27 years for me in local government and it’s been an amazing journey and a real privilege to work with the communities that I’ve had the chance to work with,” she said.
Mayor Schelling said Kerryn’s resignation brought him to tears, but acknowledged she needs another challenge after having done a great job, praising her work with staff and councillors.
“I’m sure everyone in the community appreciates what she’s given to South Gippsland to make our council stable,” he declared, suggesting that stability has ensured the Sentinel-Times hasn’t had too much to report.
“I wish you all the best with your new job and you leave huge shoes to fill,” he told the outgoing CEO, inviting people to stand and applaud.
Deputy mayor Sarah Gilligan said Kerryn leaves “a legacy of strength” that includes a strong shire, noting the CEO’s emphasis on developing leaders who can then mentor others.
“As much as it is devastating to see you go, I’m very happy as to where you’re going and that you are still going to have impact in the (local government) sector and that our relationship can still be strong,” Sarah said.
Having reflected on the legacy Kerryn will leave, she looked to the future.
“Now the job for all of us is to find the next CEO for this council to ensure that strength is ongoing,” Sarah said.
While Kerryn is sticking around until early February before starting her new position, this was her last public council meeting.