UPDATE: Dorset Council Announces Leadership Transition

As previously advised, Mr Marik had planned to finish with Council in November 2026, after more than nine years of dedicated service to the organisation and the Dorset community.

Mr Marik has now concluded his tenure with Dorset Council earlier than anticipated.

Mayor Rhys Beattie acknowledged Mr Marik’s significant contribution to Council and the broader Dorset community during his time with the organisation.

“John has made a lasting contribution to Dorset Council over many years. On behalf of Council, I sincerely thank him for his service, leadership and commitment to our organisation and community."

Council has arrangements in place to support a smooth transition and to ensure services, projects and programs continue to be delivered for the community.

“Our focus is on providing stability for our community and supporting our staff through this period of change,” Mayor Beattie said.

“Council remains committed to delivering its strategic priorities and continuing to provide the high standard of service our community expects and deserves.”

Acting General Manager Jayne Miller, together with the Executive Leadership Team, will continue to guide Council operations while Council considers the next steps in recruiting a permanent General Manager.

Mayor Beattie said Council has confidence in the organisation’s leadership team and its continued direction.

“As outlined in our previous announcement, Council’s priority is to ensure a smooth and orderly transition while continuing to serve the Dorset community well. We thank our staff and community for their understanding and ongoing support.”

____________________________________________________________

Media Release - 18 August 2026

Dorset Council advises that General Manager John Marik will conclude his tenure with Council in mid-November 2026, following his decision to step down from the role after more than nine years of service to the organisation and community.

Mr Marik commenced with Dorset Council in 2017 as Director - Corporate Services and was appointed General Manager in late 2022. During his time with Council, he has played a significant role in advancing a range of initiatives and projects across the municipality while helping to strengthen Council's relationships throughout the region and with all levels of government.

Mayor Rhys Beattie said Council was grateful for Mr Marik's service and leadership.

"John has provided dedicated service to Dorset Council and the broader community over many years, first as Director Corporate Services and more recently as General Manager," Mayor Beattie said.

"On behalf of Council, I thank John for his commitment, professionalism and leadership during his time with Dorset Council."

"John has always had Dorset's best interests at heart. He is deeply committed to our community and has consistently demonstrated a strong community spirit in everything he has done."

"Throughout his time with Council, John has made decisions based on what was best for the whole Dorset community. His focus has always been on delivering positive outcomes for residents and ensuring Dorset continues to be a great place to live, work and visit."

"John has worked tirelessly for our municipality and leaves behind a strong legacy of service. While we are saddened to see him go, we respect his decision and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future."

Mr Marik said the decision to leave Council had not been an easy one.

"This is a decision I have made for myself and my family, and to put my health and wellbeing first."

"I have loved being the General Manager of Dorset Council. It has been an enormous privilege, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together."

"My proudest achievement, though, is not a project or strategy. It is the relationships I have built with people within Council, throughout our community, with surrounding councils and across State and Federal Government."

"Those relationships have allowed Dorset to punch well above its weight and will be what I value most from my time here."

"Earlier this year, Council officers and Councillors undertook an infrastructure tour, and I can still remember how proud I felt looking at the sheer amount of work Council does across such a massive municipality."

"I have equally loved stopping on the side of the road or in one of our many parks and recreation facilities for a chat with locals, employees and Councillors. Those are the things I will remember."

Mayor Beattie said Council would commence the process of recruiting a new General Manager to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued delivery of services and projects for the Dorset community.