July 14th, 2026Hepburn Shire Council CEO calls it quits

Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Bradley Thomas served his notice on Monday, June 29.

Mr Thomas started with the council in 2019 and has held the role of CEO since 2021.
Mayor Cr Tony Clark thanked Mr Thomas for his leadership and contribution to the council and the Hepburn Shire community.
“I want to sincerely thank Bradley for his many years of contribution to our community. Joining council in 2019, he has led a dedicated team and provided informative and clear advice to councillors over his tenure.
“Bradley has been instrumental in commencing the major change program to shift the organisation towards financial sustainability.
“On behalf of all councillors, I would like to say thank you to Bradley for his dedication and work.”
Mr Thomas said it had been a privilege to serve the organisation and the community.
“I want to sincerely thank councillors, past and present, for the opportunity to serve as chief executive officer of Hepburn Shire Council.
“I am incredibly proud of the way our staff have worked together to deliver outcomes for our community. Local government allows for meaningful and deeply important work, and I have seen first-hand the dedication, care and professionalism our people bring to the Hepburn Shire each and every day.
“My hope is that the community can work together to support each other and council, and recognise the great work that is carried out across our shire.”
Mr Thomas’ resignation takes effect on Friday, August 21.
The Bendigo resident started at Hepburn Shire Council as the director of Community and Corporate Services in May 2019 and two years later became the interim CEO and then CEO.
Prior to that, Mr Thomas worked at Mt Alexander Shire Council for four years, from 2014 to 2018 as Business Performance executive manager and Corporate Support acting director.
From 2008 to 2014, he worked for the City of Greater Bendigo as a senior management accountant and a senior financial accountant.
Mr Thomas was president of FinPro, Victorian Local Government Finance Professionals, for six years from 2018 to 2024.
Earlier this year Mr Thomas was involved in an incident where a coffee being thrown on him by a member of the community.
The case was heard in the Ballarat Magistrates Court and the offender pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful assault and was issued a fine and placed on a good behaviour bond.
Mr Thomas had called for members of the community to respect council workers and stop ongoing harassment at the time.
Meanwhile, the council confirmed, on March 11, that Mr Thomas and Cr Don Henderson had each been served with alleged criminal charges initiated by a private individual.
“This matter is proceeding as a private prosecution. It has not involved an investigation, fact finding process, or assessment by Victoria Police or any public prosecutorial authority,” a council media release said.
“Council is taking the matter very seriously and is acting in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Integrity Policy.
“As required by the Local Government Act 2020, Cr Henderson is automatically stood down while this matter is managed through the appropriate processes.
“The chief executive officer is not legally required to stand down and will continue to act in his role.
“Council is incredibly disappointed with the allegations and fully supports Mr Thomas and Cr Henderson as they work to resolve these matters.
“Council supports a fair process and will uphold any recommendations handed down by the courts.”
In November last year Mr Thomas was reappointed for a further four-year term.
After questions from The Local, a council spokesperson said the position had not been advertised which was “fully compliant with legislation”.
Mr Thomas said at the time it was a privilege to continue leading the organisation and serving the Hepburn Shire community.
“I’m pleased by the council’s confidence in the leadership of the organisation and excited about what we can achieve together in the next four years. While we are a small council, we do great things.”
At the time, under 2025/2026 final budget documents on the council website, a male employed under executive services will see his wage rise from $305,000 in 25/26 to $316,000 in 26/27 to $327,000 in 27/28 and then $339,000 in 28/29.
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed