January 18, 2012
Long-term council employee Kerry Mercer was thanked at Wednesday’s South Burnett Council meeting this week for work he has done over the past 30 years.
Kerry is retiring after a career at Nanango Shire Council and then post-amalgamation at the South Burnett Regional Council.
He started work at Nanango in 1982 as a building inspector and progressed to being the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and then Acting CEO just prior to the council amalgamation in 2008.
With the formation of the South Burnett Regional Council, Kerry became the Manager for Community Services and continued to work with the community on many projects including the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the Nanango Energy Centre and the restoration of Taromeo Cemetery.
“Aside from Kerry’s extensive building knowledge it is his personal characteristics that made him such a valuable asset to our organisation,” Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said.
“He is a respected member of the community, honest, hardworking and a genuine all-round great guy.
“Even now he continues to help the community through his volunteer work with the Nanango Race Club and his involvement as a Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Ambassador.”
Kerry and his wife Colleen are now planning to enjoy more quality time together.
“From what I have been told, there is an extended holiday in the pipeline but only if Kerry gets all of the odd jobs around home done first!” Cr Kratzmann said.
Kerry was honoured at the 2011 Local Government Managers Australia Excellence Awards as runner-up in the “Above and Beyond” category.
This award recognises an individual in local government who has gone above and beyond their stated duties to provide added service to their council or community.
Kerry was nominated for his passion, dedication and strong leadership in the establishment, development and promotion of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and in particular the Linville to Blackbutt leg of the trail.
The award acknowledged his commitment to the local community and his passion for one of the region’s iconic attractions.
