Council
21 December, 2023
Brooke Love says farewell to Corangamite
AFTER 18 years, Corangamite Shire Council director works and services Brooke Love is moving on to new challenges at Warrnambool City Council.
Mrs Love started at Corangamite Shire as recreation officer in May 2005 and progressed to manager facilities and recreation and director works and services.
On her first day at Corangamite, after being manager of AquaZone in Warrnambool, she was excited to be working on more than the aquatic area.
“The position was so broad – at that stage I was responsible for recreation, projects, leases, licenses and the Cobden Aerodrome,” Mrs Love said.
“I recall a slower pace than now. The people were (and still are) so welcoming.”
Mrs Love said she was honoured to provide services, programs and community and civil infrastructure, with and for the community in every one of the shire’s towns.
“I am really proud of my relationships with many community members and the way we work collegiately with community,” she said.
“I am proud of the team’s commitment to the work we do and how we get on and get things done for the community.”
Mrs Love said she was looking forward to new challenges and opportunities in Warrnambool.
“There are some major strategic projects under consideration including future options for AquaZone, the work at Brierly Reserve and improving kindergarten and childcare facilities. And there are the early years and aged care reforms too. These will be a lot to get my teeth into.
“While returning to Warrnambool feels a little surreal, I have had so much experience and reward from working at Corangamite that it really is a reflection of where I am now in my career.”
Mrs Love said Corangamite Shire Council had been a “wonderful organisation and place” to work over the past 18 years.
“It has offered me work experience, career development and progression and family friendly support whilst I grew my family,” she said.
“In return I gave my absolute dedication, passion, care and commitment to the Corangamite Shire community and I will miss working with a wonderful bunch of people both internally, councillors and community.”
Mrs Love had a few words of advice for her successor.
“I am sure they will be well attuned to the working environment of delivery for community,” she said.
“My view is we are very privileged to be public servants being able to provide services, programs and infrastructure to support people to go about their business and lives. Don’t take it for granted.
“Remember the people—every individual is an important piece of the collective team.
“There are too many people to thank and so many people who I have such respect for and have loved working with. My thanks goes to everyone. I’d say they know who they are.”
Shire chief executive officer David Rae wished Mrs Love the best and thanked her for her longtime commitment to the Corangamite Shire community.
“Brooke has accepted the position of director community development at Warrnambool City Council commencing early February 2024,” he said.
“I have greatly appreciated her tremendous work ethic, advice, expertise and friendship.
“It’s also exciting to see Brooke progress her career and I look forward to seeing her succeed in her new role from afar.
“Council will recruit a new director early in the new year.”