Jude Holt announced as HRCC monitor

Published on 22 July 2022

Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed the appointment of Municipal Monitor Jude Holt to help guide the Councillor team in coming months.

Ms Holt will start immediately for a period of six months, ending on 31 January 2023.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the appointment was made at the request of Council and all Councillors were looking forward to the learning opportunity.

“We are a team of seven Councillors and all but one are first-time Councillors,” Cr Gulline said.

“As a team we share a very common goal and that is to do the best we can for our community.

“I want to make it really clear this is about education, learning, and an unwavering commitment to good governance,” she said.

Ms Holt is a finance and governance professional with 30 years of experience, holding senior management and executive positions for 20 years at the Loddon Shire Council, three years at Mount Alexander Shire Council, and two years at Coliban Water.

HRCC Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said municipal monitors were appointed to Councils that have experienced governance issues.

“Monitors observe governance processes, report back on issues, provide advice to Councils and make recommendations to the Minister for Local Government,” Mr Bhalla said.

“While this process is being worked through, the operations of Council will continue as usual.  

“The community should be reassured that bins will still be collected, maternal and child health appointments will still take place, lost pets will still be rescued and depot crews will still be out and about undertaking their works programs. 

“Likewise, projects and budget initiatives currently being undertaken by Council staff will not be impacted by this process, and Council’s day to day operational activities will not change,” he said.