Goulburn Mulwaree’s new GM, Scott Gallacher, said he was excited to move with his wife to the Southern Tablelands and get to know the community. Photo: Supplied.
After an eight-month search Goulburn Mulwaree Council has announced the appointment of Scott Gallacher as its new general manager.
Mr Gallacher is coming from a position in the United Kingdom and said he is looking forward to becoming part of the Goulburn community.
“Having grown up in rural communities in New Zealand, working on farms, my career has, at various stages, focused on supporting and enabling rural communities,” he said.
Mr Gallacher replaces former CEO Aaron Johansson, who stepped down last November two years into his five-year contract. The position of CEO has now been retitled to general manager.
Mr Gallacher has worked in the private and public sectors and will come to Goulburn from the Isle of Man where he was the Chief Officer of the Department of Environment, Food, and Agriculture.
“My primary focus is always on serving communities and people, and I look forward to starting this role within the council, meeting council staff, working with the mayor and councillors to deliver for the people of Goulburn Mulwaree, and engaging with people across the region,” he said.
The council highlighted Mr Gallacher has local government experience after working as the GM of the Wellington regional council in New Zealand.
Mayor Nina Dillon praised Mr Gallacher’s experience and background.
“We are very pleased to appoint Scott Gallacher as our new general manager. He brings a fresh perspective and strong leadership experience that will benefit our organisation and the community,” she said.
Over the past eight months two council staff stepped in as interim CEO as council advertised the job.
Director of Planning and Environment Scott Martin served as acting CEO until January 2025 and was followed by Director of Utilities Marina Hollands.
The mayor praised the work of the pair in her announcement.
“On behalf of the council, I would like to sincerely thank both Scott Martin and Marina Hollands for acting in the general manager position over the past several months,” she said.
“Marina has taken the reins since January and has done an outstanding job leading the organisation during this transitional period. We are very grateful for their dedication and professionalism.”
Ms Hollands will remain as interim CEO until Mr Gallacher takes over the role in September.
This is not the first time the council has been left without a CEO/GM for an extended period. By the time Mr Gallacher starts his role, the position will have been vacant for 15 months of the past three years.
Mr Gallacher’s predecessor Mr Johansson came on board after a five-month search following the sudden departure of Warwick Bennet in 2022.
