Executive Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer
Scott Barber

Scott is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience driving regional transformation across Victoria and New South Wales.

As the current CEO of Swan Hill Rural City Council, Scott has spearheaded innovative housing initiatives including the “Housing Action: Greater Swan Hill”, the Development Advisory Service and supported the development 170 affordable and private housing lots in recent years. His leadership has enabled record capital investment, significant operational efficiencies, and securing of significant external grant funding.

A passionate advocate for rural resilience and community growth, Scott brings expertise in infrastructure planning, stakeholder engagement and sustainable development. His strategic approach has delivered enduring impact in some of regional Australia's fastest-growing communities. With a strong background in local government, rural water management and change management, Scott continues to influence policy and practice through high-level submissions to federal and state inquiries, and his work in regional advocacy and partnership forums.

Areas of responsibility: The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day management of operations, in accordance with the strategic directions of the Council Plan. Four Directors and the CEO form the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and lead the organisation.

Director Community and Cultural Services
Bruce Myers

Bruce is a qualified librarian who started his career at the Swan Hill Regional Library, managing the mobile library, in 1994. From 1998 until 2007 Bruce was Manager of the Library. Bruce became the Director Community and Cultural Services in 2007. He now heads a team of about 90 people involved with a wide range of community services, including children’s and youth services and cultural experiences.

Areas of responsibility: Family youth and children's services, Libraries, Art Gallery, Performing Arts and Venues.

Director Corporate Services
Bhan Pratap

Bhan has 21 years of dedicated service to Local Government in Queensland, Northern Territory and Victoria, working within several regional and outback councils in a variety of positions. Bhan has worked in senior Executive positions, as CEO, Deputy CEO, Director of Corporate and Financial Services, and Chief Financial Officer. In addition to this, he is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA) and has following qualifications: Bachelor of Arts with majors in Accounting & Financial Management and Management & Public Administration, Graduate Diploma in Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with majors in Local Government, Human Resources & Associations Management.

Areas of responsibility: Organisational Development, Finance, Information Technology, Project Management Office.

Director Development and Planning
Michelle Grainger 

A qualified town planner, Michelle has worked for a number of rural Councils in Victoria, managing statutory and strategic planning, economic development, regulatory services and environment teams. Balancing sustainable land use outcomes with growing rural and regional economies has led to Michelle to having a variety of experience in agriculture, renewable energy, industry and business development proposals. She enjoys working in local government as it provides a range of opportunities to work with and for the community.

Areas of responsibility: Development, Pioneer Settlement, Economic and Community Development.

Director Infrastructure
Leah Johnston

Leah commenced her role as Director of Infrastructure with Council in April 2023. Leah is a qualified engineer, and recognised on the National Engineering Register. She also has an Advanced Diploma in Project Management, and Diploma in Emergency Management. She has had a long career in local government, having worked within the engineering and works departments from a range of Councils in South West Victoria over the last 25 years, before relocating to Swan Hill.

Areas of responsibility: Asset management, Engineering, Operations, Waste and the Airport.