This morning, a representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) attended the hearing of private criminal matters against five Councillors and Council’s CEO. The DPP took over all matters, and the charges have been dismissed.
Published on 13 August 2026
At a Special Council Meeting last night, Janet Dore was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Hepburn Shire Council. This appointment commences immediately and transitions Ms Dore from the role of Acting CEO to Interim CEO until a permanent CEO is appointed.
Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that he was delighted that the appointing of an Interim CEO was the first decision made by the reinstated Councillor group.
“Appointing Janet to the Interim CEO role provides the organisation with stability while we carry out the recruitment for the permanent CEO. Janet has been in the role of Acting CEO and comes with extensive experience steering large organisations, in the private and local government sectors. She has already gained the confidence of our staff and is keen to work with our community to start a new chapter for Hepburn Shire,” he said.
Ms Dore said that the appointment would give her the opportunity to continue her work with Councillors, community and staff to deliver Council’s program of projects and services.
“I’m pleased to have been appointed to the role of Interim CEO. Hepburn Shire has been through difficult times, dealing with private criminal prosecutions leading to the standing down of five Councillors. With Councillors reinstated and our decision-making ability restored, we can get on with important Council business,” said Ms Dore.
It is anticipated that the recruitment process for a permanent CEO will commence in the next few weeks.