Appointment of new CEO Peter Smith

Published on 29 July 2022

Darebin City Council has appointed Mr Peter Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a five-year term.

Mr Smith will depart his role as CEO of the City of Port Phillip to join Darebin and brings more than 25 years’ experience across all three levels of government in Australia, including 15 years in CEO roles. Prior to the City of Port Phillip Mr Smith was the CEO of Adelaide City Council.

Darebin Mayor, Cr Lina Messina said Mr Smith was appointed by a unanimous decision of Council.

“We warmly welcome Mr Smith to Darebin who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering for local communities throughout his career,” Ms Messina said.

“Mr Smith shares Darebin’s deep commitment to the issues that we know matter to our community – Climate Change, social justice issues and achieving reconciliation and self-determination for First Nations peoples.

“We are excited to work with Mr Smith towards the ongoing delivery of the Council Plan 2021-2025 whose wealth of experience delivering similar strategies will be an asset for the Darebin community.

Mr Smith said he was excited to join the Darebin team.

“Darebin is known as being one of Victoria’s most progressive councils, setting the agenda for issues which will make a real and positive difference” Mr Smith said.

“I look forward to working together with the community, the Council and an organisation full of talented people to realise the community’s vision for a better Darebin by delivering a challenging and exciting Council Plan and agenda.”

Mayor Messina thanked outgoing CEO Sue Wilkinson who joined the City of Yarra in June for her incredible work and leadership in her four years as CEO. Mayor Messina also thanked Interim CEO Rachel Ollivier who has supported the organisation through this time of change.

Mr Smith will start at Darebin on Monday 10 October 2022.

Media enquiries

Email: media@darebin.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 8470 8888