A North-West council has a new general manager as it waits for the dice to land in Tasmania's local government landscape. The Central Coast Council held a special meeting last week to appoint a new general manager. And on Wednesday the council announced Barry Omundson ould move into the role after a nationwide search for the right person to lead it into an "exciting future." Mr Omundson, who was a director at the council in 2019, has been appointed on a four-year performance-based contract and has moved into the municipality from NSW ready to start his new job in July. Mayor Cheryl Fuller said Mr Omundson was interviewed by the Recruitment Panel on two occasions. "Despite tough opposition from many quality candidates, he impressed on both occasions with his mature approach along with his obvious energy and drive based on his past achievements," Cr Fuller said. "Barry has very impressive local government sector experience having worked for a number of councils around Australia and overseas and has built his career in this sector." That career includes time as CEO and General Manager at the Whitsunday Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, and more recently at Walcha Council in regional NSW. He has also worked overseas as the CEO at the Water Authority of Fiji from 2019 to 2021. "What a wonderful opportunity the council has given me to be part of the exciting future I see ahead for our region," Mr Omundson said. "I am particularly looking forward to picking up and building on my previous relationships with our incredible staff cohort and community members alike! I am a good listener. I will visit and be among the staff teams to start with as a priority. "I want to ensure that our staff have the resources to do their job effectively and to support their professional goals, aspirations and growth, whilst working towards providing the best service to our community. "I love being part of the Central Coast community and will get out and about and continue to meet as many community organisations and members as I can as well as advocating strongly for our municipality during the next stages of the State Government's Local Government Reform / Review programme." Read more: Changes ahead for state's lobbying oversight system The council announced in February its long-term GM Sandra Ayton would step down after more than four decades at the council and 15 in the top job. Ms Ayton rose through the ranks at the council, which was the Ulverstone council before the 1993 amalgamation with Penguin, after starting as a typist in the health department. "Sandra has provided the council with stable, sound leadership and as a result our community has benefited through our strong financial position and confidence from our funding partners in the state and commonwealth government. We wish her all the best in her retirement," Cr Fuller said. " Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on The Advocate website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions.
