Peter Benazic appointed to lead Cardinia Shire as interim CEO

Peter Benazic will step into the role from 5 June 2025, bringing 27 years of experience in senior roles across a number of Council service areas, and 39 years in the local government sector.

Cardinia Mayor Jack Kowarzik said Peter Benazic was appointed through a formal recruitment process, in recognition of the strong leadership capability that existed within the organisation.

“We are excited to announce Peter’s appointment to the interim CEO role here at Cardinia Shire Council,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“Peter brings a wealth of experience to the role, including six years as Cardinia’s General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, exceptional relationship building and critical thinking skills, and a proven track record in leading people and delivering against adopted budgets, plans and polices.”

“Peter is a dedicated leader who is recognised for his relentless pursuit of excellence, people leadership skills and customer focus. He has extensive leadership experience in local government in operations, maintenance, parks, waste and project management, as well as experience in the private, community and not-for-profit sectors.”

In his role as Cardinia Shire’s General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Peter’s focus has included the delivery of new infrastructure and major capital works programs, the shire’s heritage, natural environment, energy and climate change and the continued maintenance of the shire’s roads, drainage, parks and gardens. 

Peter’s qualifications include Senior Executives In State and Local Government Harvard Kennedy School, XLP Executive Leadership Program LGpro, Graduate Certificate of Business Project Management Swinburne University, and Master of Business Administrative Management Victoria University.

Peter said he looked forward to stepping into the interim CEO role, working and partnering with Council, staff and the community on finalising and implementing some of Council’s key strategic documents, including the Cardinia Shire Council Plan, Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Plan.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead and continue the work of this great organisation, particularly at a time where we are planning our key initiatives and priorities over the next four years,” Peter said.

“I look forward to working and partnering with councillors and Council staff over the next six months as we continue to serve the Cardinia community.”

Mayor Kowarzik thanked outgoing CEO Carol Jeffs for her leadership, strategic foresight and commitment to community while leading the Shire of Cardinia over the past six and a half years.

“Carol has been an outstanding CEO, who has displayed exemplary leadership and commitment to this organisation and the Cardinia community,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“Thanks to Carol and her passion for developing people, we are lucky to have a great depth of leadership across our organisation, and I am confident in our ability to continue to deliver great outcomes for this Shire.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Carol for leading us, through both good times and bad, and wish her every success in her new role as CEO of Uniting Vic Tas.”

Peter will take on the CEO role from 5 June 2025, with a permanent recruitment process to commence later this year.