Bunbury City Councillor Joel McGuinness has tendered his resignation from Bunbury City Council to take up a position as the new chief executive officer at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre in Geelong, Victoria.
The resignation takes effect from early March 2018.
Cr McGuinness joined council in 2014 and has been a well-known face in Bunbury from his time at the helm of the Bunbury Entertainment Centre as General Manager.
He is also the owner of local arts management company JAM Creative best known for the Bunbury Fringe Fest.
Cr McGuinness was also recognised as the 2014 South West Business Person of the Year.
Cr McGuinness said he was sad to be leaving Bunbury however welcomed the opportunity at Geelong’s performing arts hub.
“I am incredibly excited about this opportunity to work at CEO level as part of another awesome community in Geelong, yet of course, I will miss Bunbury and the great friendships and connections made here over the past seven years,” he said.
“I love Bunbury and the community here and am incredibly proud of our achievements in arts and culture, as well as my contribution as part of the City Council.”
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said Cr McGuinness will be missed and wished him well with his new role.
“Joel has been a very passionate advocate for the arts and the community prior to and during his time on Council,” he said.
City of Bunbury chief executive officer Mal Osborne will be preparing a report for Council detailing options with the vacancy.
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