Mayor Darren McCubbin surprised Mr Webb by arranging for a bagpipe player, in full uniform, to play Scotland the Brave in reference to Mr Webb's Scottish heritage.

"I know how much you love pomp and circumstance, and I hope it truly reflects our time with you and we thank you for your years of dedication,'' Cr McCubbin said.

Mr Webb retires next Friday after 43 years' involvement in local government, the past eight as Wellington Shire Council chief executive.

In his final report to council, Mr Webb said he came to Wellington for the challenge of getting council's house in order as well as putting the shire on the radar of state and Federal governments.

"You've got a large centre in the Latrobe Valley and you've got people in the remote areas of East Gippsland, and Wellington still has to fight for attention,'' he said.

"I think we're well and truly getting on the map.

"I think both of those governments acknowledge that when we say we will do something, we do deliver.''

Mr Webb said there were many challenges for council to face, such as resolving coastal subdivision issues, securing expansion of RAAF Base East Sale, the effects of climate change and asset management.

"This is an enormous shire,'' Mr Webb said.

"This council is recognised as having a challenge in its financial area in being able to look after community assets, because of this vast range of assets, the roads, the number of buildings, bridges, the whole extent of this shire which is a huge area and I think we just need to keep up the effort there,'' he said.

"We've made a lot of progress in recent years, and I say to council now don't take your foot off the pedal.''

Mr Webb acknowledged the work of councillors, officers and staff.

"The team is so professional, so skilled and committed to this community ... the community of Wellington is so lucky to have the people of this council, the staff here,'' he said.