Council
6 September, 2024
His parting shot: 'I believe it’s time for change'
Notice of Mr Bhalla's resignation dropped in an email delivered at 9.21am on Tuesday.
“Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla and Horsham Rural City Council have mutually agreed to part ways,” the statement read, saying he was leaving “to spend more time with family members and pursue other interests”.
“I believe it’s time for change,” Mr Bhalla said.
However, he said he was "saddened" that the staff vote of no confidence in him had not been dealt with internally.
"I'm saddened that it's actually played out in the public domain," he told ABC Radio, noting there was a system in place through which grievances could be addressed.
"People need to provide the evidence so that it can be looked at and appropriately responded to," he said.
"We haven't been afforded that opportunity."
He denied the issue had influenced his decision to quit.
"I can say that the ASU claims have nothing to do with my decision," Mr Bhalla said.
In his parting statement, he said he was “very proud” of the work he and his team had done, and he thanked the mayors under whom he had worked - Pam Clarke, Mark Radford and Robyn Gulline - for their leadership, “at times under very challenging circumstances”.
“I admire their passion, commitment, and pursuit to get the best results for our community,” he said.
Mr Bhalla said he had already planned to take leave prior to the council election.
“I might now make it a longer break before embarking on the next chapter,” he said.
“My wife and I have been working on a plan to set up a small charity to help girls from disadvantaged families in rural and remote communities in India with their education."
Cr Gulline thanked Mr Bhalla for his service and acknowledged his contribution.
“We greatly appreciate the expertise and knowledge that Sunil has brought to this organisation during his time at council and wish him well in the future,” Cr Gulline said.
“Under Sunil’s leadership, we have seen remarkable progress in our infrastructure projects and community services.”
Mr Bhalla joined council in March 2018. Early last year his contract was extended until 2027.
Details of his resignation package have not been revealed.
An open process is now underway to appoint an interim CEO.