GVW baton is handed on

24 April 2008 

After more than 27 years at the helm of Goulburn Valley Water Laurie Gleeson is retiring as Managing Director and handing over the baton to the capable hands of Peter Quinn effective 1 May 2008

Goulburn Valley Water’s Chairman, Mr Don Cummins complimented Laurie on his contribution to the Corporation and the Victorian Water Industry.  “Laurie has dedicated most of his working life to building a first rate water corporation in the Goulburn Valley.  He has overseen and co-ordinated the merger of over 20 separate water trust and sewerage trusts that have come together to create Goulburn Valley Water and he leaves a strong and efficient institution.”

“Laurie first came to the region in 1980 as the Secretary of the Shepparton Water Trust which comprised around one dozen employees and looked solely after the water supply for Shepparton, said Mr Cummins. “Today Goulburn Valley Water employs around 180 people and is responsible for the water supply and sewerage services to 54 towns from the outskirts of Melbourne to the Murray River in the north.”

“Laurie and the management team he has put together over nearly thirty years, is acknowledged as a leader in the water and sewerage business,” said Mr Cummins.   “The recent Corporate Licence – the first given in Victoria by the EPA shows how highly Goulburn Valley Water is held by the regulator.”

Mr Cummins said that he has really enjoyed working with Laurie albeit for a short period of time. “The Board and I wish Laurie and his wife Lois all the best in their retirement.  It would be hard to find a Managing Director who leaves his business in such a strong position and who so deserves a break from this responsibility.  However, I’m sure his passion for the water industry and the Goulburn Valley region will see him pop up on committees in the future.”

Laurie Gleeson said that it is with twinge of sadness that he is leaving.  “I’m going to miss leading this great organisation and working with some fantastic and competent people.  However, what I’m not going to miss is the cut and thrust of the busy corporate life.”

“I’m now going to be able to stop and smell the roses and work on the balance sheet of life,” said Mr Gleeson.  “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my beautiful wife Lois and enjoy seeing my grandchildren grow up.”

Authorised By L.J. Gleeson, 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton