City Appoints New Director of Healthy Communities
Following a competitive recruitment process, the City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to announce Jessica Howard has been appointed the new Director Healthy Communities and Environments.
Ms Howard is a familiar face to many at the City, as she is the current Director Corporate Performance since joining the City in March 2023.
Most recently, Ms Howard has been at the forefront of the Councillor induction process and development of the 2025-2029 Council Plan, had an integral role in the recent organisation restructure and led the development of successive budgets.
She has also contributed critical thinking relating to organisation policy, systems and processes, and is a valued member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney congratulated Ms Howard on her new role and said he was pleased she would be continuing her career at the City.
“Prior to joining the City, Jess was a Director at Mount Alexander Shire Council and had a similar portfolio of responsibilities as the Healthy Communities and Environments directorate, including sport and recreation, community safety, local laws, climate resilience and project delivery,” Mr Cooney said.
“Jess is also a former Councillor at Mount Alexander Shire, where she stood on a platform of strong community participation, and she has a personal interest in sport through her extensive involvement in playing and coaching soccer locally.
“Her considerable experience in State Government and skills developed in various policy and advisory roles are also valuable.
“I look forward to Jess continuing to make a great contribution to our organisation and community in her new role.”
Ms Howard’s new responsibilities include Maternal and Child Health, immunisation, early learning centres, environmental health, local laws, climate change resilience and emergency management, parking, animal management, provision of recreation facilities, celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion, and community capacity building.
Ms Howard said she was excited to take on this new challenge.
“I am really looking forward to meeting the many organisations, clubs, groups and volunteers that the Healthy Communities and Environments directorate works with and who have such a critical role in making our community such a great place to live,” she said.
Ms Howard will transition to the Director Healthy Communities and Environments role in the coming months, following recruitment to appoint a new Director Corporate Performance.
The Director Corporate Performance role will be advertised by mid-May.
https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/city-announces-new-director-healthy-communities-and-environments