Over the past couple of years, together, we have been on the journey of Reshaping Greater Dandenong. And in that time we have shown ourselves to be strategic, agile and collaborative and continually maturing as an organisation.
However, we work in a constantly changing environment. The pace of technological change will not slow down and with it, customer expectations continue to increase. We also have rate capping challenges, while the cost-of-service delivery grows.
Council has just adopted our new Council Plan and the suite of strategic plans that sit under it. The next step is to make sure our organisation is in the best possible position to get there. We’re moving into our next chapter.
One Greater Dandenong
We are moving from the foundational Reshaping Greater Dandenong to providing a more integrated, customer centric service as One Greater Dandenong. The proposed high-level functional changes are designed to achieve four key outcomes:
- Strengthening collaboration across teams
- Clarifying roles and accountability
- Better connecting strategy, service delivery and digital innovation
- Sustainable use of resources.
We are proposing a change to our organisational structure which will embrace what is working well and further strengthen our ability to learn and adapt.
What does the proposed structure look like?
Proposed Organisational Realignment - July 2025 - 1.7MB
What are the key changes being proposed?
The key changes being proposed include:
- The creation of a Strategy and Corporate Services Directorate;
- The establishment of an Integrated Planning Department;
- The realignment of the City Futures Directorate; and
- Realignment of Customer and Digital Technology.
Proposed Change Impact Statement
Following the announcement of a proposed change in relation to an organisational alignment program, it is natural to have some questions about the proposed change and what will occur next.
The ‘Proposed Change Impact Statement’ is a general summary of the proposed changes, the consultation process and timeframe, and how to provide feedback. It also sets out all the impacted positions.
Proposed Change Impact Statement - 243.2KB
Next steps?
We have commenced a formal consultation process until 8 August.
All feedback will be considered with the final structure provided to staff in late August with the intention of moving to a new structure in early October.
There will be three drop in sessions:
- Thursday 24 July, 7.30am - 8.30am, Operations Centre
- Tuesday 29 July, 1pm - 2pm, Council Chambers
- Wednesday 30 July, 3.30pm - 4.30pm, Formal Meeting Room
How can I provide my feedback?
There are several ways in which you can provide feedback into this process:
- Send an email to: onegreaterdandenongreview@cgd.vic.gov.au
- Attend one of our drop in sessions
- Speak with your leaders
- Drop it into one of the feedback boxes at:
- Operations Centre - 22 Bennet Street, Dandenong
- Level 5 lunch room, Dandenong Civic Centre - 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
- Community Strengthening and Wellbeing - 39 Clow Street, Dandenong
- Springvale Community Hub - 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale
- Community Care - Rear 383-385 Springvale Road, Springvale
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this realignment happening?
To make sure we are in the best possible position to deliver on our Council Plan and all the other plans that sit under it.
What are we trying to achieve?
This is the next step in our journey to build an organisational structure which will embrace what is working well and further strengthen us as a contemporary, adaptive organisation. It’s part of our next One Greater Dandenong chapter.
What is the timing on going live with the proposed new structure?
After a period of consultation, during which time you can provide your feedback, we hope to go live with the proposed new structure in early October. We won’t make any changes until all feedback has been received and considered, and until there’s a comprehensive change plan in place.
What support is available to staff during this process?
We understand there may be uncertainty over the next few weeks and recognise what looks like a simple change to one person can be significant to someone else. We encourage you to access Council’s confidential and free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to discuss any concerns you have about the proposed changes. An appointment can be made by contacting Converge International on 1300 687 327.
Will there be more structure changes after this?
As an organisation we need to remain adaptive, flexible and responsive to an environment of constant and rapid change, and it will be the norm for organisational structures to have tweaks and realignments, perhaps more often than in the past.
We want to get this set of changes right – but that doesn’t rule out more changes within departments over time, if we think it will set them up for better delivery.
Is this costing more?
This is a financially sustainable proposal and will be cost-neutral. There is some existing funding (including from a vacant position) that is being used to fund new roles. The re-focus and re-alignment should also create efficiencies by making it easier to collaborate across teams.
Is this a more equitable distribution of portfolios between Executives?
The proposed structure is more balanced and aligned. Portfolios vary by a combination of budget, number of teams, number of staff and span of responsibilities. The number of departments alone doesn’t reflect all these elements.
I have questions – who can I ask?
There are several ways in which you can provide feedback and ask questions in this process:
- Send an email to: onegreaterdandenongreview@cgd.vic.gov.au
- Attend a drop-in session.
- Speak with your leaders.
We are allowing until the 8th of August for consultation but will allow more time if needed.
What feedback is the Executive Team looking for?
We’re hoping for sincere and constructive feedback. We’re open to hearing alternative options and suggestions for implementation. We also want to hear your questions. We hope you will provide feedback that:
- Tells us what you like about the proposed changes
- Make suggestions for how it could be even better
- Ask questions
- Tell us what we should include in the planning for implementation, to make sure it goes smoothly.
When will this change be implemented?
First, we’ll listen to all the feedback and possibly make adjustments to the plan. Then we’ll announce the confirmed structure, and work with managers and staff on an implementation plan.
We’ll be implementing change in a measured and responsible way and are working towards an early October start. This will be confirmed after the consultation.
Which jobs will be advertised?
All new roles will be advertised.
We are moving from the foundational Reshaping Greater Dandenong to providing a more integrated, customer centric service as One
Project Delivery and Project Management Office (PMO) and Infrastructure Strategy Department Update.