After 15 years in the job, Nambucca Valley Council's general manager, Michael Coulter, has tendered his resignation with a view to leaving the position vacant from January 15, 2021.
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"It has not been an easy decision but I have served three terms here and I truly believe it is not conducive to good management to remain in a position interminably," Mr Coulter said.
"I have never been someone to stay on in a position, usually I leave after 10 years but I have enjoyed it here, so I extended it for another term."
The 61-year-old said he was not sure what he would do but was sure he would be able to keep himself busy.
"We are planning to stay in the area ... I can do some volunteering or part-time work, maybe there is a short-term stint somewhere on secondment.
"I have an elderly mother in Albury and our two daughters, in Newcastle and Canberra, will possibly be starting families ... it will be nice to see more of them."
He said being General Manager was a seven-day a week job: "You are always thinking, always worrying, especially now."
A change of pace will be welcome.
He had intended to take annual leave prior to his official departure date, however the possibility of NSW Local Government elections (scheduled for September 12) being postponed due to the coronavirus could well change that.
"I would prefer not to leave before the election ... I think it is good for a new council to appoint their own new general manager."