Dubbo Regional Council’s interim general manager Michael McMahon says it’s business as usual as the organisation tries to rebound from the removal of Mark Riley.
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Mr McMahon officially started in the job on Friday, and spent Monday getting to know his new staff.
And while he admits its a slightly challenging time, he’s banking on his experience in similar roles at other councils to help him during his tenure in Dubbo.
“I’ve been involved in previous roles as general manager where I’ve come in when there’s been an issue regarding the leaving of a general manager for a number of reasons and they’ve asked me to come in and take on the role as the acting general manager,” he said.
“It’s always a bit difficult coming in after something like that happening when there’s some angst among the staff.
“But I think at this point in time they seem to be much more comfortable. I had a chance to meet most of them today and they seem much more relaxed than they probably were last week.
“I normally just say what has happened in the past has happened in the past and it’s the future. We will have to maintain the same services for our community and continue to undertake the implementation of the merger that was started in 2016.”
Mr McMahon joins Dubbo Regional Council after a seven-year stint at Burwood Council, and he said the timing of the role comes at a good time.
He also hasn’t placed a timeline on his tenure.
“I was finishing up at Burwood on Wednesday night and I got a phone call on the Monday about the opportunity,” he said.
“I took up the opportunity pretty quickly because I was looking for some transition work.
“I’ve been a GM since 1993 so I’ve been involved in that role, and it’s time for me to transition to more of a part time role, that was the purpose of leaving Burwood, and now starting with Dubbo it’s a great opportunity for me to do so.
“I worked for six months in Wagga as acting general manager as well so I know about regional councils and government and I was comfortable with that.
“I have no timeline. I said to the mayor when I met him last Friday I’m here until he needs me to go.
“I assume they will probably commence the process of recruiting a GM as soon as they can and then I’ll be here until that new person is appointed.”