The head of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale announced his resignation last week but not before the news of his new role was shared online and via social media.
Chief executive Kenn Donohoe advised shire president Michelle Rich about his resignation on the evening of April 10 announcing he had accepted a job with the Whitsunday Regional Council, which would start on July 15.
Upon hearing the news, Ms Rich phoned deputy president Dave Atwell and advised the other seven councillors via email later that evening.
However news about Mr Donohoe’s new job in the Whitsundays had already been shared some 10 hours prior on the Whitsunday Regional Facebook page at 9.04am WA time and shortly after on the Whitsunday Times website.
The Examiner understands all councillors, except for Sam Piipponen, heard about the news via the president’s email about 7.40pm Wednesday.
Mr Piipponen confirmed he received the president’s email but prior to that he received a link to the online article.
At this week’s ordinary council meeting councillor Rob Coales said Mr Donohoe apologised for the article saying he did not realise the newspaper would publish it straight away.
Mr Donohoe has served as the shire’s chief executive for the past two years and said while it was an emotional decision for him to leave, the opportunities and new challenges in the Whitsundays would be a significant career opportunity not to be missed.
“It has been a wonderful experience and the community have been very supportive of the changes and have engaged with me and made my family feel welcome in the district when I first took on the role,” he said.
“I believe the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s natural beauty will be retained moving forward but it will also be a hub for employment as the business sector invests in commercial and agricultural opportunities.
“Our kids will have job opportunities and the future City of Serpentine Jarrahdale will be recognised as a place of innovation and technological advancement.”
Mr Donohoe’s last day with the shire will be July 10.
Council will now start a formal recruitment process for a new chief executive.
