Innovation Case Study: Simon McMillan, Whitehorse City Council
Whitehorse City Council
Simon McMillan, Chief Executive Officer
Empathetic, values-driven leader fostering innovation and delivering positive community outcomes.
Since joining Whitehorse City Council as CEO in 2019, Simon McMillan has led the organisation through COVID-19 recovery and major transformation. Navigating rapid growth and state-led infrastructure projects, he champions integrity, collaboration, and strong partnerships. Simon fosters a culture of staff engagement, ensuring employees feel valued and empowered as the organisation evolves to meet future challenges.
2025 MAVlab Innovation Awards Finalist:
Innovatio Pro Bono Publico Award: Leader, supported by Swinburne University of Technology.
Leadership and excellence:
At Whitehorse, Simon McMillan has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and resilience, guiding the organisation through complex and transformative challenges.
Taking the helm prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Simon ensured the continuity of essential services while supporting both staff and the community through unprecedented uncertainty. His leadership combines empathy with strategic foresight, enabling the organisation to emerge stronger, more adaptable, and resilient.
During a period of rapid change for the municipality, Simon has embraced opportunities for innovation. Major Victorian Government developments, including the Suburban Rail Loop, North East Link, and housing targets, are set to reshape Whitehorse. Simon has championed data-driven decision-making to inform council strategies and future service planning, positioning the organisation to respond effectively to these changes.
Under his leadership, Whitehorse has implemented several large-scale initiatives, including:
- Modernising systems, such as a new Enterprise Resource Planning system and a multi-channel telephone system
- Delivering generational infrastructure projects, including the state-of-the-art performing arts centre, The Round, in Nunawading
- And overseeing ongoing projects, such as the Box Hill City Oval redevelopment and multicultural community programs.
Simon also prioritises a culture of continuous improvement, establishing working groups that include staff from all levels to drive a positive organisational culture. He leads by example — with transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for the Whitehorse community.
Collaboration and staff engagement are central to his approach. Simon recognises that strong outcomes are achieved through shared purpose and teamwork, ensuring employees are supported and heard during periods of transition. His ability to motivate and unify teams has been key to delivering complex projects and maintaining high organisational performance.
Simon’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for both staff and the community positions him as a transformative leader in the local government sector.
He leads by example — with transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for the Whitehorse community.
Impact and legacy:
Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer at Whitehorse City Council, Simon McMillan served as CEO for Banyule City Council for over 12 years and held the role of Director of City Development. He is co-chair of the Municipal Association Victoria Planning Reform Working Group and a member of the MAV Connected Places Advisory Committee. Simon holds a Master of Business Administration.
Simon has made a significant and measurable impact on Whitehorse City Council and the community through his commitment to positive outcomes and well-governed decision-making. As a passionate advocate for good planning and a qualified urban planner, he has championed initiatives that promote transparency and community engagement. Under his leadership, council has delivered successful activities, including a planning forum attended by over 250 residents to inform the community about proposed Victorian Government planning changes, with participants praising the informative and interactive format.
Simon has played a key role in supporting council and the community through the complexities of major infrastructure projects, including the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL). Recognising the scale and impact of the SRL, he led weekend pop-up sessions to engage directly with residents and address concerns. Council officers distributed over 25,000 flyers to keep the community informed, demonstrating Simon’s commitment to communication, engagement, and transparency during periods of significant change. As CEO of the Eastern Region Councils, he also collaborates across council borders to maximise the benefits of infrastructure projects and collective advocacy efforts.
Simon has driven substantial organisational transformation, including the implementation of major technology and software upgrades, creating more efficient, responsive, and accessible systems for residents and businesses.
To foster a positive and high-performing workplace culture, Simon has refreshed the reward and recognition program to celebrate staff contributions and strengthened workplace behaviours through mandatory training, reinforcing expectations and building a respectful, inclusive workforce.
His leadership has resulted in stronger community relationships, a more informed public, a modernised council, and a workplace culture that values excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
Collaboration:
Simon McMillan has been instrumental in fostering a more collaborative and empowered workforce at Whitehorse City Council. His leadership is defined by openness, clarity, and a strong sense of shared purpose. He is committed to breaking down organisational silos and building a culture where staff are connected to council’s vision and direction.
A key initiative under Simon’s leadership has been enhancing communication across the organisation. Following the council’s internal employee survey on culture, he led a series of roadshows to present the survey results, acknowledge staff feedback, celebrate strengths, and provide a transparent platform for discussing areas for improvement. By engaging directly with staff, Simon reinforced a culture of listening and continuous improvement. He has also clearly communicated the vision outlined in Council’s Integrated Plan 2025–2029 at all-staff seminars, ensuring employees understand how their work contributes to long-term objectives.
In 2025, Simon guided a comprehensive consultation process with his executive team and all staff during Enterprise Agreement negotiations. His genuine commitment to hearing staff views and incorporating feedback helped build trust, engagement, and unity across the workforce.
To maintain momentum around organisational transformation, Simon writes a monthly column highlighting council’s five strategic transformation objectives. This regular communication reinforces key priorities and links everyday work to long-term goals.
Through his inclusive and transparent leadership style, Simon empowers individuals, strengthens workplace cohesion, and ensures staff are active participants in shaping the future of Whitehorse City Council.