Gerard has accepted an offer as chief executive officer with Mildura Rural City Council in Victoria and will commence in October.

“It is with a great deal of personal sadness that I tendered my resignation,” Gerard said.

“My family and I have enjoyed participating in the many aspects of community life of the Manning Valley. We will miss this beautiful region and will with us take treasured friendships and memories of the area.”

Gerard went on to say how proud he is of the organisation: “I believe that we have developed a contemporary organisation that is becoming community and customer focused.  The strengthened capacity of the leadership team at council is shaping an organisation that is truly responsive to community needs, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

“Regional councils face extraordinary challenges and Greater Taree City Council has great staff who reflect well in their capacity to be innovative and to deliver the vision, services and community plan in a highly constrained environment.

“I fully appreciate the unfailing support, advice and professional working relationship provided by mayor Paul Hogan and previously mayor Eddie Loftus.

"I have worked with 18 councillors over the seven years and acknowledge their collaborative efforts. We now have a Manning Valley Community Plan which the community were involved in developing their hopes and aspirations for the valley for the next 15 years. This guides the organisation’s four-year and annual planning processes and we have refined and focused the allocation of our limited resources.

“It is a challenging time for local government, and we have worked together well as a team to respond to the challenge of financial sustainability in a regional area.

“Importantly, I wish to acknowledge the wonderful members of so many community, business and media organisations that have continued to work so tirelessly on behalf of the Manning Valley and region. Their leadership and friendship will always be treasured and remembered.”

Mayor Paul Hogan added: “We thank Gerard for what he has achieved for our community and wish him all the best for the future. We are fortunate to have had a strong leader who has enjoyed a supportive team during what has been a period of immense change for our council, and Local Government in NSW.

“We look forward to recruiting a new general manager who can continue the great work we have begun."