Redland council new CEO caught in ‘Sh*t Show’ T-shirt photos

A council’s new CEO has been forced to issue an apology a day into her new job after photos of her at a staff farewell party caused a ‘Sh*t Show’.

Redland City Council staff at a private function for a departing staff member who received a T-shirt with the slogan ‘Sh*t Show Supervisor’. Pictures: Contributed

Redland City Council’s new CEO, Louise Rusan, has kicked off her tenure with an unexpected apology after finding herself at the centre of a silly “Sh*t Show” scandal.

Photos surfaced from a farewell party attended by Ms Rusan and the council’s former CEO Andrew Chesterman, showing them alongside a staff member proudly holding up a T-shirt reading “Sh*t Show Supervisor”.

Ms Rusan said the photo and T-shirt were a bit of lighthearted fun at a private, after-hours gathering but doubled down on claims it was a reflection of Redland City Council.

One photo features the departing staff member holding up the shirt I front of a smiling crowd, while another image is a group shot including Mr Chesterman and council senior executive Chris Isles taken outside a phone booth in Brisbane.

The photos have raised eyebrows and questions about the appropriateness of the T-shirt message at the farewell event, after this week’s council leadership transition.

Redland City Council ex-CEO Andrew Chesterman, far left, with the council’s new CEO Louise Rusan, second right.

In response to the images, Ms Rusan issued a statement apologising and acknowledging the photos but stressing that the event was an informal, after-hours gathering with a former colleague who had moved on to a new role.

She also clarified that all attendees covered their own costs and personally contributed to a farewell gift for the departing staff member.

The controversial T-shirt, she said, was a joke gift presented by a colleague and not intended as a reflection of Redland City Council.

“The photographs were taken at an after-hours, private and informal catch-up outside of the city with a former colleague who had left the organisation for a new opportunity,” she said.

“The laughter in the photo is a sign that this was a joke and in no way a reflection of the wonderful organisation.

“I apologise for any offence the photographs may cause. However, I hold Redland City Council in high esteem and look forward to leading this outstanding organisation as, together, we continue to serve the Redlands Coast community,” she said.

Redland council’s new CEO Louise Rusan was appointed on Wednesday at a behind-closed doors meeting.

Despite her explanation, the images have sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning whether it was appropriate for senior council figures to be involved in a gathering where such a shirt was displayed.

Ms Rusan, who has been with the council for more than a decade, was appointed this week at a behind-closed doors meeting of councillors while mayor Jos Mitchell was on leave in Europe.

She has been acting CEO since the previous CEO, Mr Chesterman, resigned in September.

Originally published as Redland council new CEO caught in ‘Sh*t Show’ T-shirt photos