REPLACEMENTS have been announced for two former Wyndham Council directors following their controversial departures.
Brimbank Council’s acting chief executive Kelly Grigsby has replaced Bernie Cronin as community development director, while Shepparton Council’s Dean Rochfort will replace Greg Aplin as sustainable development director.
A secret investigation into Mr Aplin’s behaviour at a council event led to his shock resignation in July.
The Weekly understands that while Mr Aplin was cleared of allegations made against him, he resigned on June 28 and signed a confidentiality agreement with the council.
Wyndham chief executive Kerry Thompson has repeatedly refused to discuss the resignations but has confirmed Mr Cronin won’t officially depart council until July next year.
Ms Thompson declined to say whether the resignations were a sign of a possible rift between herself and senior directors.
The Weekly was denied access to documents relating to the resignations and the investigation of Mr Aplin.
Council’s freedom of information officer Steven Lambert said “personal privacy” prevented the documents being released.
While Mr Cronin won’t officially leave the council until July, Ms Thompson said he would take long service leave until his departure date once a handover with Ms Grigsby was finalised.
Ms Thompson said arrangements would be made to recognise Mr Cronin’s time at Wyndham. There was no formal recognition of Mr Aplin’s 30 years with the council.
Ms Thompson said the two appointments would bring a “wealth of experience and enthusiasm” to Wyndham’s leadership team.
Ms Grigsby will start on December 3 and Mr Rochford will begin on December 10.
