Council & Politics
11 July, 2026
Gentleman Jim exits the building
AFTER eleven years at the helm of Pyrenees Shire Council, Jim Nolan signed off yesterday for the very last time.
Mr Nolan decided back in May to retire from a job he admits he has “thoroughly enjoyed”.
He came to Pyrenees Shire in 2014 to replace Stephen Cornish who also enjoyed a long tenure with council.
Mr Nolan has spent the best part of his life working for local councils including Northern Grampians, Glenelg and Southern Grampians Shires.
He told the Advocate this week it is a funny feeling leaving a workplace you love.
“It has been coming for a while and I suppose I’m prepared now for it a bit more than I was when I made the decision.
“It’s going to be quite a change, a new chapter for me and it comes with a little bit of sadness because it has been a great place to work,” he said.
Mr Nolan was full of praise for the staff at council, describing them as an exceptional group of people.
“It has been an important thing to have a good team of people around and that has been one of the privileges for me, having a capable group of people around me.”
Mr Nolan said leaving the council in a good financial position is very gratifying.
“One of the things I’m quite proud of its being able to maintain financial responsibility. It has been tricky navigating some of the changing regulatory and legislative changes over the years but keeping a focus on living and working within our means has been very important. It has been the responsible thing to do.
Mr Nolan said while there had been many achievements, he said the floods and bushfires faced by residents across the shire were challenging for himself and council staff.
“There are a few moments that really stand out.
“The 2016 and the 2022 floods were quite devastating and really quite widespread. We had damage from the top to the bottom of the Shire and it takes a long time to get back to where you were. They are disruptive because they have an impact on business as usual.
“The 2024 Bayindeen fire and those catastrophic days when most of our community was evacuated and half the Shire was covered in smoke and embers was a really dark day, a very challenging day,” he said.
“But ultimately, people’s lives were saved and that’s a credit to all of the services working together.”
Mayor Damian Ferrari said Mr Nolan had established himself as a highly respected leader in the local government sector.
“Mr Nolan has worked closely with various Councils to position
Pyrenees Shire as a responsible municipality that punches above its weight, which is a credit to Jim, the organisation and the quality of the staff,” Cr Ferrari said.
“Mr Nolan’s attention to financial management has seen Council become debt-free before deciding to invest in land development and residential housing, including the Burke Street Housing Project which will provide increased housing opportunities for Beaufort,” Cr Ferrari said.
Mr Nolan said the next chapter of his life will be done at a slower pace.
“I’m looking forward to this next chapter. I don’t have any grand plans but I’m looking forward to a break,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to doing things I like, I’d like to travel, I’d like to explore Australia a bit as well and spending time with my family and looking after my health,” he said.
“I would like to thank the Councillors for their confidence in
appointing me to the role and their support over the time.”
Council has has announced Sally Jones as its Interim Chief Executive Officer starting in early August.