WYNDHAM Council has kept secret the resignations of two of its most senior directors who stood down after one was accused of drunken behaviour.
Sustainable development director Greg Aplin departed in June after an investigation into his behaviour at a council event.
The Weekly believes the accusations against Mr Aplin were made following the Legends on the Lawn concert in March.
Mr Aplin, who has worked for the council for 30 years, was immediately suspended while an investigation took place.
Other sources told the Weekly the investigation had cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Mr Aplin has signed a confidentiality agreement with the council.
Community development director Bernie Cronin resigned from the council shortly after Mr Aplin, but does not officially leave until the start of next year. Mr Cronin, who has been with the council 16 years, is believed to be on leave.
Wyndham Council kept quiet about the resignations for weeks, although Mr Aplin’s job is listed as vacant on its website.
Lawyer John Cicero made a statement to the council investigation, saying he was with Mr Aplin at the concert and that the accusations were baseless. ‘‘It is unfortunate Wyndham Council has now lost one of its best employees,’’ he said.
Council chief executive Kerry Thompson confirmed Mr Aplin resigned on June 28, but refused to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his departure. ‘‘Questions relating to an individual’s decision to resign should be directed to that staff member, as it would be inappropriate for the organisation to comment on what is essentially a personal decision,’’ she said.
Ms Thompson refused to answer if the resignations were a sign of a possible rift between herself and senior directors. ‘‘Community development director Bernie Cronin remains a valued staff member at Wyndham City.
‘‘Mr Cronin has informed the organisation of his intention to depart the organisation next year. This provides an opportunity to recruit for the position, and then for a handover to take place.’’