The peak body representing Queensland councils has bid farewell to its long-serving chief executive officer after 29 years in the role.
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam - who worked with six Queensland premiers and 13 local government ministers as well as countless MPs, mayors, councillors and council CEOs throughout his long tenure - was given a fitting send off by the Association and its members at the LGAQ’s 125th Annual Conference in Mackay this week.
Described by his peers as a fierce, passionate, visionary and innovative champion of local government, Greg leaves the role having changed the sector for the better.
LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said Greg was rightly regarded as one of Australia’s most influential and authoritative local government leaders.
“He has led local government administrations, served natural disaster recovery efforts and supported the community in a number of capacities throughout Queensland,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“A relentless and tireless advocate and ambassador for local government, he has personally travelled to every corner - and visited every council - in our great State.
“Greg has ensured that even in Queensland’s darkest days, the voice of local government is strongly and effectively represented.
“For his extensive years and areas of service, Greg has justifiably received significant national recognition.
“In 2000, he was awarded the Public Service Medal for his contribution to local government and then the Centenary Medal in 2001.
“In 2005, Greg received the Olympic Council’s Merit Award which was personally presented to him by the then IOC President, Jacques Rogge.
“In the same year, he was awarded Road Australia’s John Shaw Medal – the only local government employee to receive the honour in its 40-plus year history.
“In 2012, Greg followed this up with the National Emergency Medal for his round-the-clock work in Queensland’s natural disaster response the year before.
“In 2018, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to local government administration, natural disaster recovery efforts and to people with disabilities for his coaching work with wheelchair athletes.”
Mayor Jamieson said Greg had selflessly served as a mentor and confidant to elected members, council CEOs and LGAQ staff alike, through the good times and the bad, and was always on the other end of the phone when needed.
“He truly lives by the adage that when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Greg embodies what local government is all about.
“On behalf of the LGAQ’s 77 member councils and the Association’s staff, I want to thank Greg for his service and wish him well in retirement.”
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Vogler, External Relations Director
Local Government Association of Queensland