Published on 22 April 2021
West Wimmera Shire Council has appointed Mr. David Bezuidenhout to the role of Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term in a confidential Council Meeting held on Wednesday 22 April.
David was born in South Africa and did his National Service directly after school, where he was commissioned as Officer and involved in active warfare in Angola. He remained in the Defence Force Reserves and eventually had a career of nearly 20 years. After his two years of National Service, David qualified as a lawyer and worked in private practice for 16 years in South Africa and later in Queensland after migrating to Australia in 2006. Over the next 12 years, David worked in both the legal space and senior project and general management roles. David made the transition into the public sector in 2015 as head of Capital Projects for the Gladstone Area Water Board and, in 2018, joined Cloncurry Shire Council in North West Queensland as their CEO.
David and his wife Carine both grew up in rural areas. Their families were involved in agriculture. David understands the challenges that rural communities face but also appreciates and sees it as a privilege to live in and be part of a rural community. David is excited by the prospect of settling into the West Wimmera region for the long term.
West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Cr. Bruce Meyer welcomes David to the West Wimmera and looks forward to working with him. Cr Meyer also thanked outgoing interim CEO Mr Paul Brumby for his service while Council conducted its executive search.
David will commence as CEO on 10 May 2021.