New CEO for Greater Shepparton

Greater Shepparton City Council announced Gavin Cator as the new Chief Executive Officer at this afternoon’s Council meeting (15 November).

Mr Cator is the current Chief Executive Officer at City of Wodonga, a position he has held for three years since leaving Moira Shire Council after 10 years at the helm.

Throughout this time, he has also been heavily involved in regional issues and advocacy, rural leadership development and the Goulburn Valley Football League throughout this time.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Dobson congratulated Mr Cator on the appointment which he said he was certain would ensure Greater Shepparton continued to build upon its reputation as a leading regional city.

“Selecting a CEO is one of the most important roles in the Local Government Act and we wanted a strong leader that could help position the community, the organisation and the wider region as an innovative, diverse and leading regional city,” he said.

“In short, we wanted the best of the best and we had a high calibre of candidates to draw from. Mr Cator brings an in-depth understanding of our region and a great passion for our people and our future.

“I am confident that Mr Cator has strong skills to help us deliver on our vision with a great understanding of the complexities of balancing social, environmental and economic outcomes with good governance and responsible financial and asset management.”

Cr Dobson also thanked Acting CEO Julie Salomon for her significant contribution as caretaker CEO since July. She will return to her role as General Manager Community Development once the new CEO starts.

Mr Cator said he was looking forward to the challenge and to returning to the Goulburn Valley.

“I believe Greater Shepparton as a region and an organisation is well positioned to capitalise on the challenges of the short and longer term future and I am looking forward to being a part of that,” Mr Cator said.

Mr Cator will finish up with Wodonga Council on 19 December begin with Greater Shepparton City Council on 16 January. 

Profile: Gavin Cator
BE, FAIMM, FLGPro, Grad Dip ME, MAICD

Gavin Cator took up the position of Wodonga Council’s chief executive officer on August 25, 2008 following 10 years as CEO of Moira Shire Council.

Gavin has spent his entire working life in local government. Gavin holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Municipal Engineering.

He has also served in sector leadership roles including as president of LGPro in Victoria and as a national director of LGMA. Gavin is also a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and the Fairley Leadership Program and has a passion for leadership development.

He has been heavily involved in the Ovens and Murray Football League, was President of the Murray Football League for three years and is a keen golfer.