Council CEO’s contract extended until 2026

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

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 CEO 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,” Cr 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 thanked 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.”

Council also resolved to appoint Director Strategy, Community and Development Gerard Carlyon as Deputy CEO.

Additional background

Ken Diehm has been the CEO of Fraser Coast Regional Council since June 2017.

Ken has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution, a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Certificate IV in Real Estate Agency Practice, and is a Prince2 Certified Project Management Practitioner.

Prior to becoming Fraser Coast Regional Council CEO, Ken worked as CEO of the City of Greater Geraldton in Western Australia for four years, was the Director of Water and Waste at Townsville City Council for five years and served as CEO of NQ Water for six and a half years.