Eurobodalla Council general manager Mark Ferguson (right) with Mayor Mathew Hatcher. Photos: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Eurobodalla Shire Council is remaining tight-lipped about a restructure that has already seen several senior employees leave the organisation.
Asked about the departures, council issued a short statement:
“Eurobodalla Council general manager Mark Ferguson is undertaking a review of the organisation structure. Council will not provide any further comment on staffing, current or proposed, until the review is complete.”
However, the restructure has already started, with one insider saying it would reduce the number of directorates from four to three.
By late February council’s director of finance and corporate services Stephanie Speedy had already left, as had council’s former chief operating officer Kellee Pisanos. Prior to holding that position, Ms Pisanos had been executive manager of public affairs, which included media, tourism, events, economic development, grants and customer service.
The three other directors are community, arts and recreation services director Cathy Arthur, infrastructure services director Graham Attenborough and planning and environment director Gary Bruce.
Council’s website says that chief financial officer Jacqueline Sullivan is acting director of finance and corporate services.
Another person in an acting role is Adam Callahan who is acting executive manager of public affairs, reporting to Mr Ferguson.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s former general manager Warwick Winn and former finance director Stephanie Speedy.
Mr Ferguson was appointed interim general manager in March 2025. He was appointed general manager in October 2025.
Mr Ferguson’s appointment came after the resignation of former general manager Warwick Winn in March 2025, who left after less than three years in the role.
In a statement, council said the proposed restructure was intended to align functions with council’s strategic priorities, ensuring long-term sustainability, strengthening organisational capacity, and reducing costs.
“The proposed restructure is necessary for council to continue meeting community expectations.
“The general manager is leading the review in accordance with the local government act and best governance guidance, with consultation undertaken as required.
“Council does not discuss individual employment matters. Council is committed to maintaining continuity of services, improving the way our teams work, and ensuring minimal impact on our community throughout the proposed transition period. We understand the community values reliable services, and this organisational review is designed to strengthen our ability to meet those expectations.”
Another council insider said good people had been lost with the restructure.
Indira Carmichael, Eurobodalla Shire Council’s manager of creative arts services.
Council is also preparing to take over management of the Bay Pavilions’ theatre and meeting rooms in July.
It was one of the key recommendations of a review that was conducted to identify ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and financial performance of Bay Pavilions. The review was published in December 2025.
As part of that change council’s former coordinator creative arts development Indira Carmichael has been appointed its new manager of creative arts services.
On 23 March, council announced that the arts leader and long-time creative is stepping in to guide the next phase for the Bay Pavilions’ Yuin Theatre. She will support the transition of the Yuin Theatre and community rooms to council’s in-house management from 1 July.
A visual artist and graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Ms Carmichael has spent the past 11 years helping shape Eurobodalla’s creative spaces, including the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre and Art Prize and programming at the Mechanics Institute.
Ms Carmichael said her mission was to grow local theatre culture and activate the centre’s community spaces, all while keeping a close eye on finances.
“The Clyde Gallery is a great hireable space, as well as the wet and dry workshop rooms and beautiful sprung floor in the dance rehearsal room. We need to see local drama groups and artists fill up these spaces with vibrant activity.”
Ms Carmichael said it could become a place where people gathered, enjoyed workshops, saw performances and connected with creativity.
She also wants to see kids involved from a young age.
“Whether it’s drama clubs, workshops, dance or movement classes, these spaces give young people a chance to explore creativity and see career opportunities the arts can offer,” Ms Carmichael said.
Council’s manager of community development and participation Kim Bush said moving to an in-house model was important to grow the region’s arts offering and reduce the facility’s operating costs over time.
“Indi and the team will keep costs down, making the most of facilities through programming, partnerships and community use,” Ms Bush said.
She said council was exploring regional partnerships with other venues to support touring productions. That would facilitate promoters to include Eurobodalla on touring schedules, allow venues to share costs and bring high-quality performances to regional audiences.
