From Local Government Roots to CEO

Growing up in a household steeped in local government — his father a building inspector and his mother a home-care worker with flexible hours — Cooney’s journey to becoming Chief Executive Officer of the City of Greater Bendigo almost seems predestined. “Possibly no one goes out wanting to become involved in local government, but I kind of grew up around it,” he laughs. Childhood memories of accompanying his father to work in Ballarat instilled in Cooney a deep appreciation for community service. “I remember walking along the roof of the art gallery and Her Majesty's Theatre after storms. Those experiences shaped my understanding of how councils help communities.” After high school in Boort and university in Bendigo, Cooney began a career spanning state government and local councils, ultimately returning to Bendigo. Along the way, he cultivated a vision for leadership rooted in people, place, and performance — a philosophy that now guides his tenure.

Balancing Leadership and Life

A father to four daughters with his wife Chantal, Cooney’s life in Maiden Gully is busy and family-centered. Outside work, sport has remained a constant thread. “I’ve always been active, from footy and cricket to skiing growing up,” he recalls. Today, his family rallies around their daughters’ netball games, spending evenings at Red Energy Arena or caravanning on rare weekends away.

Bendigo: A Welcoming City of Opportunity and Warmth

Cooney’s pride in Bendigo is palpable. “I love the climate, the history, and the balance we’ve struck between honouring our First Nations heritage and welcoming new residents. Bendigo’s close to everything but retains its distinct identity — we’re not a satellite city of Melbourne, and that’s important.” He points to the city’s inclusive nature as its hallmark. “People come to Bendigo and quickly find their feet. They’re welcomed into the community and given opportunities to contribute, whether through work, schools, or social groups.”

A Vision for Growth and Balance

Since stepping into the CEO role in December 2023, Cooney has emphasized a balanced approach to growth. Bendigo is set to grow to 200,000 residents within the next 30 years, presenting both opportunities and challenges. “My focus is on ensuring that as we develop, we don’t lose what makes Bendigo special,” he says. “It’s about economic development, job creation, and welcoming new businesses while preserving our unique culture and livability.” Cooney’s strategic framework centres on four pillars: people, performance, place, and projects. These guide everything from internal operations to long-term city planning. A key priority is delivering major infrastructure projects to support the city’s future. “We’re entering a period where we have a pipeline of significant projects year after year. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to shape Bendigo for generations.”

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Cooney’s first year wasn’t without hurdles. Severe flooding in January and February tested both his team and the wider community. “I take immense pride in how our staff and residents came together. Watching people in action during those floods — helping one another and rebuilding afterwards — reinforced how resilient and caring this community is.” Andrew with his family. 

A Legacy of High Performance and Inclusivity

Cooney’s leadership philosophy extends to fostering a high-performance organization that values inclusivity. Inspired by his mother’s flexible work arrangements decades ago, he champions workplace policies that enable staff to balance careers and family life.