Fraser Coast CEO Ken Diehm to retire after contract finishes

The chief executive of the Fraser Coast Regional Council, who has fallen in love with the community, has placed a full stop on his career after his next contract finishes.

Fraser Coast Regional Council resolved to extend the employment contract for Chief Executive Officer Ken Diehm to June 30, 2026, at which point he will retire.

Fraser Coast chief executive officer Ken Diehm has announced he will retire in two years’ time after his contract was extended in Wednesday’s council meeting.

Mayor George Seymour said Mr Diehm had almost 40 years’ experience in local government and had done a great job as the Fraser Coast Regional Council chief executive over the past seven years.

“Ken is a highly skilled CEO who brings professionalism, enthusiasm, commitment and experience to the work he undertakes for our community,” Mr Seymour said.

“He has dedicated his career to public service and the Fraser Coast Regional Council has been very fortunate to have him in this leadership role.

“He has helped to bring stability to the council so that we can focus on serving the community.

“As mayor, I see the commitment he brings to the role every day and the way he leads by example.

“I admire his professionalism; we work well together and I am very pleased that he will continue in the role.”

Mr Diehm’s contract was extended until June 30, 2026.

Mr Diehm thanked the councillors for their support and vowed to continue to work hard to ensure the council was delivering the services and infrastructure the people of the Fraser Coast needed and deserved.

“I am humbled and honoured by the council’s decision to provide a 12-month extension to my employment contract,” he said.

“I have lived and worked on the Fraser Coast for seven years, during which time my wife and I fell in love with the community.

“We purchased our family home in Hervey Bay and relocated some of our family, including four grandchildren, to the Fraser Coast.

“Council’s decision will enable me to stay involved and finalise some important community projects such as the new planning scheme and the Hervey Bay Civic Centre, before retiring in Hervey Bay in 2026.

“After 40 years in local government, I am looking forward to rewarding my wife and my family for the sacrifices they have made to support my career.

“I am also excited about the opportunities to actively participate in the Fraser Coast community during my retirement.”

The council also resolved to appoint strategy, community and development director Gerard Carlyon as deputy CEO.

Tourist aged in 30s flown after island towing incident

$450m battery storage project to create 115+ jobs, power 53k homes