The Dubbo Regional Council says it will not engage in a public slanging match with former Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre manager Nick Wilson over its decision to not renew his contract.
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The council ceased its contract with Mr Wilson's company in March 2019 and opted to manage the pool internally under the Recreation and Open Space portfolio.
Mr Wilson posted a lengthy diatribe on Facebook where he said he was heartbroken with the way the aquatic centre was being run since his departure.
"I get messages every week about the state of the facility," his Facebook post said.
"They say it is filthy, the lawn is looking dreadful, and kids are not allowed to kick a footy around behind the slide.
"Council is that against me, I have said on numerous occasions I wish that I had blown up a pump or made a massive error and that way the council could justify their decision and I might have some understanding too. But all I can put it down to is not being a puppet, I said what I thought, and they didn't like it."
A Dubbo Regional Council Spokesperson said the council was aware of Mr Wilson's opinion as the former contractor engaged in operating the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre (DALC).
"It's not appropriate for the council to engage with Mr Wilson or address Mr Wilson's various claims and accusations against the council or its staff in public forums such as social or local media," the spokesperson said.
"The focus of Dubbo Regional Council is to provide safe, professional, enjoyable and cost-efficient aquatic leisure centre operations for members of our communities across our region.
"The operational model for the region's ALCs has changed to meet with modern safety, commercial, and workplace standards. Council encourages the community to continue visiting these centres so they can see for themselves how the facilities are continuously being modernised and improved for the safety and enjoyment of communities across the region."
Mr Wilson said he applied for all positions at the pool and interviewed three times, but his comments were not "sour grapes."
"No one was given the job of Coordinator, but the council just made sure it wasn't me," he said.
"I was paid well, there is no denying that, but I also invested a lot of money back into the community. I spent approx $20,000 per year on sponsoring different groups and activities in Dubbo.
"I spent 13 years of my life where my sole dedication was the DALC, and my family was sacrificed for this.
"I am passionate about the facility but I think the council's concept for it won't work."
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
