Executive team
The Executive Leadership Team operates under the direction of Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnston. The team members bring enthusiasm, expertise and experience to their roles which oversee every aspect of Council's operation across the Bundaberg Region.
Steve Johnston
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Steve has extensive senior management experience in Local government having been the CEO of three Councils in NSW and Queensland. In 2009/10 he was the National CEO of the Planning Institute of Australia based in Canberra. He had seven years working for the Queensland State Government in senior roles including four years as Deputy Director-General of the Queensland Department of Local Government and over 12 months as Acting Director General. He has tertiary qualifications in Local Government, Environmental Law and an MBA. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He was appointed to the position of CEO for Bundaberg Regional Council in April 2017.
Gavin Steele
Position: General Manager - Community and Environment
Gavin has over 25 years’ experience as a senior manager and executive in Queensland Local and State Government having worked for Brisbane City Council, Rockhampton City Council, Rockhampton Regional Council and Goprint.
Gavin has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health), Graduate Diploma (Local Government Management), Diploma (Australian Institute of Company Directors) and is presently undertaking an MBA through the local Central Queensland University.
Michael Ellery
Position: Group Manager - Development
Michael is an urban and regional planner with a drive for representing the regions. Having started as an administration trainee in 1992, Michael has had an extensive local government career with roles at Ipswich City and Fraser Coast Councils before commencing in his current role with the Bundaberg Regional Council. Michael is also a Registered Planner and has served for a number of years as the Planning Institute of Australia’s Branch Convenor for the Wide Bay Burnett region.
Michael heads up Council’s Development Group, which is responsible for land use planning and building matters. Apart from processing planning and building applications, the team also undertakes land use planning, policy development and regulatory enforcement. The team works with all parts of Council is to ensure that land use planning integrates with other planning including infrastructure, open space and finance.
Simon Muggeridge
Position: Chief Financial Officer
With over 20 years experience in Local Government, Simon is responsible for providing financial leadership in managing assets of more than $2.7 billion and an annual $300 million budget as well as managing frontline customer service. Simon oversees the Accounting, Payroll, Revenue and Customer Service functions within Council. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Graduate Diploma of Management and is a Certified Practising Accountant.
Stuart Randle
Position: General Manager - Infrastructure
As General Manager Infrastructure Services, Stuart is responsible for the Water Services, Civil Works, Engineering Services, Major Projects and Fleet and Trades Services functions within Council. With more than 25 years in executive leadership roles in Local Government, Stuart brings a wealth of experience in the design, construction and management of public infrastructure. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering, an MBA in Technology Management and is a qualified company director.
Anthony Keleher
Position: Manager Corporate Services
Anthony has extensive senior management experience in Local Government having served as an executive in three Councils in Queensland. Previously Council’s Chief Financial Officer, Anthony was appointed to the Manager Corporate Services role in 2022 with responsibilities for Governance and Legal, Information Services, Strategic Procurement and Audit. He is a past President of the Local Government Finance Professionals of Queensland after serving on the committee for several years.
Ben Artup
Position: Director - Strategic Projects and Economic Development
Ben is an economist with over 20 years’ experience in roles spanning economic development and corporate advisory. Prior to starting at Bundaberg Regional Council in October 2012, Ben was a Director at Deloitte Access Economics in Parramatta NSW. Ben’s role at Council oversees the development of Council’s pipeline of strategic projects and delivery of its local economic initiatives and advocacy program.
Kate McLean
Position: Director People and Performance
With diverse experience in Human Resources, general and executive management spanning over 20 years, Kate commenced her career in Local Government working with Burnett Shire then Roma Town Council. She then spent time raising a family while working in private business consultancy and healthcare before joining the Bundaberg Regional Council executive leadership team in 2022. As Director People and Performance, Kate oversees Human Resources, Learning and Organisational Development, Work Health and Safety, Business Systems Improvements and Cultural Development. Kate has a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), Graduate Diploma of Management and a Graduate Certificate in Hospital and Healthcare Management.
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