James Bolton to replace Robert Knight as General Manager until recruitment finalised

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, has today announced that Robert Knight will conclude his role as General Manager on Friday 1 September to return to his substantive position as Executive Director of the Riverina Regional Library (RRL).

Council resolved at tonight’s ordinary meeting to appoint James Bolton to the role of General Manager for the period of 2 September until the newly appointed General Manager commences duties once recruitment is finalised.

“I would like to thank Robert for taking time away from his substantive duty at the RRL to fill the role of General Manager at Wagga Wagga City Council,” Mayor Conkey said.

“Robert has done an exceptional job in leading the organisation for the past six months.”

Mr Knight said that he enjoyed the challenges and opportunities that the role of interim General Manager has provided, and very much appreciated the support of Councillors and staff throughout his time in the role.

“I was initially appointed to the position of Acting General Manager for a period of five weeks, and now after six months in the role I am compelled to fulfil my obligation to the 10 member Councils and 19 libraries that comprise RRL by returning to lead the organisation,” he said.

“During my time in the General Manager position I was consistently amazed by the commitment and capability of Council staff right across the organisation to deliver exceptional programs, services, facilities, spaces and infrastructure to residents of the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.

James Bolton has previous experience as a Director at Wagga Wagga City Council and is currently heading up the Bomen Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub project.

“I look forward to continuing on with the great work that Robert has done in ensuring that the Council is serving the community during the General Manager recruitment period,” he Mr Bolton said.

My focus will be ensuring this continues, while providing a platform for the next General Manager to come in and lead the organisation into the future.”

Council also discussed the organisation structure at tonight’s meeting and resolved that pursuant to Section 333 of the Local Government Act to retain the existing organisation structure.

Section 333 of the Local Government Act states the Council must review, and may re-determine, the organisation structure within 12 months after any ordinary election of the Council.