Support for GM as recruiting process begins

Published on 10 November 2020

James Roncon will continue as General Manager of Council for the remainder of the year after receiving overwhelming support from Councillors at last night’s Extraordinary Meeting of Council.

Mr Roncon recently announced he would step down as General Manager on January 1, 2021, after accepting the vacant General Manager's role in Armidale.

However at last night's meeting to begin the recruitment process for a new General Manager, Councillor Tom Kennedy moved an amendment that Mr Roncon's resignation take effect immediately, and he be paid out for the period ending January 1.

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Bob Algate, but was voted down by all other Councillors.

Mayor Darriea Turley AM said she was disappointed by the amendment.

"Mr Roncon has given almost five years to the Council and is staying on until the end of the year to offer his support to his staff and assist in the transition process to the Acting General Manager," she said.

"To try and push him out the door before the end of his tenure is extremely disrespectful and would needlessly destabilise the organisation.

"I am pleased the motion was rightfully voted down by the Council and look forward to James continuing to serve Broken Hill until the end of the year."

Council resolved to appoint Chief Financial Officer, Jay Nankivell, to the role of Acting General Manager. Mr Nankivell will serve in the position from January 2 until a new General Manager is appointed.

Council will now seek expressions of interest from recruiting agencies to find a new General Manager, with Council to endorse any preferred candidate before an appointment is made.