Martin Hawson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Martin has well over 20 years’ experience at senior executive level in Local Government, establishing a proven record for innovative leadership and creating close,outcome-driven partnerships with the community. Born and raised in Red Cliffs and a Sunraysia resident his entire life, key themes throughout his extensive local government career have been improving community well-being, particularly for disadvantaged groups, and creating strategies for the region to grow and prosper.
Council's Mildura Future Ready advocacy and funding strategy is a shining example of Martin's ground-breaking approach to improving outcomes for the Sunraysia region. Since it was launched in 2017, it has attracted $42 million in government funding for the region, making projects including the Mildura Sporting Precinct and continued development of Mildura's iconic riverfront a reality.
Throughout his career, Martin has demonstrated an ability to develop successful relationships at all levels of government and with key stakeholders, which is critical to achieving outcomes that make a real difference to the community.
Martin has also played pivotal leadership roles supporting the community through some of the region’s biggest crisis events over more than a decade as Municipal Recovery Manager. Most recently, through several COVID-19 outbreaks, he was a key member of the Northern Mallee Incident Management Committee, which successfully navigated the Sunraysia community through some of the most difficult stages of the pandemic.
Martin is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate and also has qualifications in the health and education sectors, including a Masters in Health Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Health Science.