By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
BACK in 1976, there were no grand designs for then-graduate engineer John Bennie to spend the next 38 years in local government.
“I didn’t know local government from any other job,” said Mr Bennie – now Greater Dandenong’s chief executive who was last Australia Day announced as a Public Service Medal recipient for “outstanding public service”.
“But civil engineering and local government go very well together.”
He has considered moving to other fields but invariably stuck with local government and its underestimated complexity.
Greater Dandenong delivers 145 “discrete products”, he said.
He sits atop of community services, building and planning, marketing, corporate and finance teams – all needing strategic decisions and management.
He can’t do everyone’s job.
He believes in getting the right people in the right job, getting out of their way and entrusting them to put their skills and knowledge to use.
Having worked at Manningham – a monoculture but a great council to work for, he said – Greater Dandenong’s multiculturalism “adds a great challenge and a great degree of excitement”.
It is what attracted him to his present role and still “keeps us on our toes”.
Mr Bennie said that since arriving, the council has achieved financial sustainability and a high level of capital works, including the 20-year revitalising of central Dandenong and the soon-to-be-opened municipal building, library and civic square.
The council has also advocated for the removal of Springvale’s notorious level crossing, which is expected to be finished this year.
He sees further development in Dandenong, Noble Park and Springvale activity centres, including high-density residential projects, as essential for the local economy.
Mr Bennie lauds the council’s parks and gardens as the “best maintained that I know of”. Greater Dandenong’s reputation has also bloomed, he is proud to say.
“I can sense a greater amount of community pride.
“The image and reputation of Greater Dandenong is changing for the better.”
In Mr Bennie’s mind’s eye, he sees thriving residential and economic development in central Springvale and Dandenong in the next 20 years. More people will be clustered there, centring their work, recreation and homes in these areas.
He wants the municipality’s image and standing to be “second-to-none”.
“I can see that progress happening. We have to be patient, though.
“It’s a 20 year plan and we’re only five years into the central Dandenong project.
“I have little doubt it will occur.”
