MORE than 40 years of outstanding public service to local government and planning in South Australia by Frank Brennan was officially recognised last Saturday.
The Millicent resident was awarded the Public Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours List.
The citation for the coveted honour outlines his long and varied service to the community.
“During his career his unwavering support of staff and his consistent willingness to provide professional advice to council, has led to significant benefits for the South East region,” the citation stated.
“In this work, Mr Brennan has exhibited excellence in his advocacy and management which has in turn improved the delivery of services for the community of South Australia”.
Mr Brennan started his public service career in 1979, initially serving with Millicent District Council as a town planner and technical officer.
He was appointed as its chief executive in 1988, a position he held until 1997 when the council amalgamated with Penola and Beachport.
In 1997 Mr Brennan was appointed the inaugural chief executive of the newly amalgamated Wattle Range Council, a position he held until 2013.
In addition to undertaking his normal duties with the two councils, Mr Brennan also contributed to the greater region and the state through membership of various boards and committees.
Since 2013 Mr Brennan has held the position of South East Natural Resource Management Board presiding member, as a member and presiding member of the Millicent-based South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board and the Naracoorte Lucindale Council development assessment panel presiding member.
Mr Brennan told The South Eastern Times that after a 34-year career in local government and 25 years as a chief executive, he wanted to keep involved in community affairs and to be challenged.
“When approached I saw the opportunity to chair the NRM Board and be a member and subsequently chair of the Drainage Board as fulfilling this while also being able to contribute towards addressing regional issues and challenges,” Mr Brennan said.
“These roles have certainly done that.
“Together with my wife Maureen, we have operated a small farm at Rocky Camp for 20 years now where we are running sheep and cattle.
“For me having the farm has offered me a great break from my professional career and still does.
“In the medium term we plan to continue with our farm before a move to Beachport.”
Throughout his long life, Mr Brennan has had an interest in Aussie Rules football as a player, spectator and administrator.
“I chair the SANFL Regional Football Council which has been established by SANFL to be a resource for the three South East leagues and their clubs across the region and we are charged with making our football competitions remain accessible, vibrant and most of all, enduring.”
Mr Brennan has established a successful planning consultancy since 2013.
“It sounds like a cliché, but the satisfaction comes from being able to assist people achieve good outcomes and in this case gaining approval for their developments.
“In the course of establishing my consultancy I have been able to manage many challenging developments through the approval process and when gaining approval, the client’s appreciation provides a sense of personal satisfaction.
“Away from work, Maureen and I have been lucky enough to enjoy travelling overseas with both family and friends in recent years and my favourite destination is Ireland closely followed by Scotland.
“Every overseas country we have visited has its own unique culture and scenery or iconic features that are appealing, but it is still Ireland for me.
“I do like watching sport so would take the opportunity to attend good sporting events where possible.
“Both of our sons have trade qualifications.
“Frank is based in Adelaide and is a builder, while Sean returned home late 2018 after two years overseas and is working as an electrician currently doing fly in, fly out work.
“I do love cooking and take every opportunity to test my culinary skills – not always with success as I like to put my own spin on a recipe which often delivers some interesting results.
“I also have a bit of a Dean Martin collection”
After spending many family summer holidays in a Beachport caravan park, the Brennans now have a second home there.
“It is a friendly and welcoming community and together with the scenery and laid-back atmosphere they all make Beachport the region’s premier holiday destination – just do not tell everyone.
“It is certainly where we are looking to retire to in coming years.”
