Organisation Structure and Executive Team

The implementation of Council policies, services and operations is managed through three directorates.

The three directorates are:

Community & Planning Services
Infrastructure & Environment Services
Customer & Corporate Services

Executive Team

Members of the Executive Team work closely with Council, attend all Council meetings, and present reports and recommendations to the Council.

Tilla Buden - Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer is the only staff member who is appointed by the Council. The CEO is responsible for the management of the directorates and business units within the organisation and the implementation of Council Policies, services and day-to-day operations. Tilla has held executive roles at Bayside City Council, the City of Greater Dandenong and Yarra Ranges Council, with expertise spanning organisational leadership, sustainable service design, major project delivery and community-centred innovation. Tilla holds postgraduate qualifications in Urban Planning and Environment (RMIT), Management (Deakin University), and Cultural Strategy (Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania). Tilla is recognised for her collaborative style and strong partnerships across councils, communities and government. Tilla brings extensive leadership experience in the Local Government sector and a strong track record in community development and social policy, making her well placed to guide Baw Baw Shire through its next exciting chapter of growth and development. Contact Details: Click here to email the Chief Executive Officer

Tilla Buden - Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer is the only staff member who is appointed by the Council.

The CEO is responsible for the management of the directorates and business units within the organisation and the implementation of Council Policies, services and day-to-day operations.

Tilla has held executive roles at Bayside City Council, the City of Greater Dandenong and Yarra Ranges Council, with expertise spanning organisational leadership, sustainable service design, major project delivery and community-centred innovation. Tilla holds postgraduate qualifications in Urban Planning and Environment (RMIT), Management (Deakin University), and Cultural Strategy (Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania).

Tilla is recognised for her collaborative style and strong partnerships across councils, communities and government. Tilla brings extensive leadership experience in the Local Government sector and a strong track record in community development and social policy, making her well placed to guide Baw Baw Shire through its next exciting chapter of growth and development.

Contact Details:

Click here to email the Chief Executive Officer

James Robinson - Acting Director Infrastructure and Environment Services Assets, Open Space and Maintenance, Environment and Sustainability, Community Safety and Compliance, Infrastructure Delivery.
James Robinson is the Acting Director Infrastructure & Environment Services at Baw Baw Shire Council, bringing more than 15 years of executive and senior leadership experience in local government infrastructure, asset management and major project delivery. James leads a diverse portfolio encompassing infrastructure delivery, asset management, environmental sustainability and resource recovery, community safety and infrastructure maintenance. He is passionate about building high-performing teams, fostering a positive organisational culture and delivering practical, community-focused outcomes that enhance the liveability of the Baw Baw Shire. Throughout his career, James has successfully led the delivery of major capital works programs and complex infrastructure projects while navigating the governance, financial and community considerations that accompany local government decision-making. He is recognised for his collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking and ability to build trusted relationships with Councillors, colleagues, government agencies and the wider community. Holding a Bachelor of Park Management and a Diploma of Project Management, James is committed to continuous learning and developing future leaders within the local government sector. His leadership is driven by a strong belief in continuous improvement and creating lasting value for both the organisation and the communities it serves. Contact Details: Email James Robinson

James Robinson - Acting Director Infrastructure and Environment Services

Assets, Open Space and Maintenance, Environment and Sustainability, Community Safety and Compliance, Infrastructure Delivery.

James Robinson is the Acting Director Infrastructure & Environment Services at Baw Baw Shire Council, bringing more than 15 years of executive and senior leadership experience in local government infrastructure, asset management and major project delivery.

James leads a diverse portfolio encompassing infrastructure delivery, asset management, environmental sustainability and resource recovery, community safety and infrastructure maintenance. He is passionate about building high-performing teams, fostering a positive organisational culture and delivering practical, community-focused outcomes that enhance the liveability of the Baw Baw Shire.

Throughout his career, James has successfully led the delivery of major capital works programs and complex infrastructure projects while navigating the governance, financial and community considerations that accompany local government decision-making. He is recognised for his collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking and ability to build trusted relationships with Councillors, colleagues, government agencies and the wider community.

Holding a Bachelor of Park Management and a Diploma of Project Management, James is committed to continuous learning and developing future leaders within the local government sector. His leadership is driven by a strong belief in continuous improvement and creating lasting value for both the organisation and the communities it serves.

Contact Details:

Email James Robinson

Mick Cummins - Acting Director Customer and Corporate Services Customer and Strategy, Finance, Information Technology, Communications, Advocacy and Engagement, People and Culture, Governance and Property.
Bio coming soon. Contact Details: Email Mick Cummins

Mick Cummins - Acting Director Customer and Corporate Services

Customer and Strategy, Finance, Information Technology, Communications, Advocacy and Engagement, People and Culture, Governance and Property.

Bio coming soon.

Contact Details:

Email Mick Cummins

Geoff Oulton - Acting Director Community and Planning Services Planning, Building Services, Arts and Culture, Family and Children Services, Active and Connected Communities, Economic Development and Visitor Economy.
Geoff has qualifications in engineering, transport, management and governance. He is an experienced senior leader of people, projects and change with a passion for creating high performing teams, resilient cities and strong communities. With more than 25 years as a senior executive at State and Local Government, he has led significant outcomes in stakeholder engagement, policy and strategy development, service delivery and major projects. Contact Details: Email Geoff Oulton

Geoff Oulton - Acting Director Community and Planning Services

Planning, Building Services, Arts and Culture, Family and Children Services, Active and Connected Communities, Economic Development and Visitor Economy.

Geoff has qualifications in engineering, transport, management and governance. He is an experienced senior leader of people, projects and change with a passion for creating high performing teams, resilient cities and strong communities.

With more than 25 years as a senior executive at State and Local Government, he has led significant outcomes in stakeholder engagement, policy and strategy development, service delivery and major projects.

Contact Details:

Email Geoff Oulton