New Council Manager Financial Services focusses on efficiency
Published on 11 April 2025
Corangamite Shire Council has a new asset on the ledger with highly experienced finance professional Prabath Jayawardana joining the team as Manager of Financial Services.
Director Corporate and Community Services David Harrington said Mr Jayawardana started on March 3.
“Prabath brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in Local Government in New Zealand, where he served as a senior finance professional and has also valuable experience as an auditor in public practice accounting.
“He is joining at an opportune time and will be involved in the final stages of the Budget preparation.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation and thanks to Jacqui Thomas for her dedication over the past two and a half years in this role.
“We are grateful that she will continue to support the team as the Finance Coordinator.”
Mr Jayawardana has a background in finance and local government, with several years of experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
“Prior to joining Corangamite Shire Council, I worked in local government sector in New Zealand, where I was involved in managing corporate finance functions and supporting long-term planning initiatives,” he said.
“Earlier in my career, I worked as an auditor with KPMG, BDO, and Audit New Zealand, which gave me a strong foundation in financial reporting, risk management, and internal controls across a wide range of sectors.
“I’m also a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and trying to bring a collaborative, solution-focused approach to everything I do.”
Mr Jayawardana oversees Council’s financial management and planning activities including preparing budgets, supporting long-term financial strategies, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and reporting requirements.
“I also work closely with different teams across the organisation to support informed decision-making and help deliver value to our community. It’s a great mix of strategy, analysis, and collaboration.
“My previous experience in the regional local government sector, combined with my passion for supporting rural communities, aligns well with Corangamite’s profile and values.
“The role offered a great opportunity to apply my skills in a meaningful way—working with a dedicated team to deliver positive outcomes for the community, while also enjoying the unique benefits of a regional lifestyle.”
Mr Jayawardana said maintaining fiscal sustainability was a significant challenge amid rising operational costs, increasing demand for services and limited revenue streams.
“Factors such as high inflation, rating cap and decreased grant funding have put pressure on the Council's budget, making it essential to find efficiencies without compromising service delivery.
“By focusing on regional service delivery and collaborative procurement, the Council can achieve economies of scale and enhance service efficiency.
“A prime example of such collaboration is the Coastal Connect project—a joint initiative between Corangamite Shire, Moyne Shire, and Warrnambool City Council. This project aims to implement a shared Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, streamlining processes across councils and delivering cost savings through shared resources and joint procurement.
“Every day brings something different—whether it’s analysing financial performance, supporting strategic projects, or working with colleagues across the organisation to find solutions. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do behind the scenes helps support the delivery of essential services and long-term outcomes for the region”.