Council
2 June, 2025
West Wimmera welcomes new director
West Wimmera Shire Council has appointed Dalton Burns as the new director of corporate and community services.
Due to start the role on June 2, Mr Burns will bring a wealth of experience in financial and business management across the education, training, and public health sectors.
Having worked extensively in rural and remote parts of the Wimmera, he brings a strong
understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing regional communities.
Council CEO David Bezuidenhout welcomed the appointment.
“Dalton’s professional experience, combined with his local knowledge and strong community values, makes him a good fit for this role,” he said.
“We’re delighted to welcome him to the executive team and look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring to Council’s corporate and community services portfolio.”
Born and raised in Horsham, Mr Burns spent much of his time on the family farm at Douglas with his parents having deep roots in the region.
He completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University, later becoming a CPA and more recently achieving a Master of Business Administration.
Mr Bezuidenhout said Mr Burns understood what mattered to people in rural areas and has demonstrated a strong commitment to regional Victoria throughout his career.
This appointment also honours a proud family legacy for Mr Burns, with his grandfather serving as President of the former Shire in the mid-1970s.
Outside of work, Mr Burns is a devoted father and an active member of the local sporting community.
He plays football for the Harrow Balmoral Football Netball Club and values the connection that sport brings to rural life.
Mr Burns’ leadership and experience will play a key role in delivering council’s strategic priorities and strengthening engagement across the West Wimmera community.