Vale David Turnbull

Mitchell Shire Council CEO David Turnbull has passed away following a battle with cancer.

Mr Turnbull joined Mitchell Shire Council as its CEO in May 2016 and laid the foundations for a financially viable and professional organisation that is responsible and oversees the State’s fastest growing Local Government area.

His professional life was dedicated to helping and assisting communities. Melbourne’s northern growth corridor was heavily influenced by Mr Turnbull.

Sensible planning, jobs and economic growth, with a one job per household philosophy and a family-focus influenced his decision-making. Community values and interaction were at the forefront of his life in Local Government.

Mr Turnbull served nine years as CEO at City of Whittlesea and 12 years as Director Planning and Development. He spent more than 40 years in Local Government.

His entire career was with interface Councils and he embraced the challenges associated with that growth while maintaining township, rural and green wedge qualities.

David was regarded as an expert in his field in supporting interface councils and creating a sense of community in an ever-changing landscape. He has been responsible for overseeing significant growth across Bulla Shire (now Hume), Whittlesea City Council and Mitchell Shire as well as creating a fiscally stable and professional workforce to serve the ratepayers and community.

He had the ability to effectively build strong partnerships across all levels of government, the private development industry and community organisations - building strong relationships and achieving exceptional outcomes in the planning of communities.

He led policy change at a State and Federal Government level, including annual commitment of funds to specifically support growth interface councils.

* Thank you to Mitchell Shire Council for providing the information included above.

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