David Aber is acting as General Manager at Uralla Council an interim role until a new appointment is finalised. Mr Aber has had over 40 years' experience working in the local government sector and was the former General Manager of Moree Plains Shire Council.
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"At this stage four months depending on the successful recruitment of a new GM. Then I return to retirement.Mr Aber will take on the role of General Manager until the Council recruits their new General Manager," Mr Aber said.
Every Council has to employee a General Manager and so this is an interim role until the position is finalised.
"I am employed to run the day to day affairs of the organisation on behalf of the Council," said Mr Aber.
"A key priority at the moment is to fill the high level of vacancies within the organisation. I work closely with the executive team to continue the programs and strategic plans that have already been put into place by the Council.
"The General Manager's role is seen as the pinnacle of the staff positions in local government. Some GM's will use the smaller Shires as a stepping stone to one of the larger councils.
"With experience, training and further education many people work their way up through the ranks over time." said Mr Aber.
"I think local government is an effective system of government, particularly over the long term. Our problem solving can be very effective and is locally applicable. That is the benefit of the services we provide. We run a diverse organisation that provides a diverse range of services to the community on a minimal budget.
"There are some local differences depending on the location depending on the problems a community is facing but essentially much of the smaller council's I have worked with are facing the same issues in terms of the Council's needs. Human resource management is a priority that will be a major issue," said Mr Aber.
"I need to progress Uralla Shire in my time here and employee issues we have already set as a priority. An organisation cannot function at its best without key staff. Training of key professional staff is an industry wide problem that needs to be addressed. The pressure to provide project management for key grant funded programs has drained the resources available within the industry," he said.
Two employees at Uralla council mentioned that Mr Aber releases a weekly email to every person employed at the council so that everyone knows what is happening. These regular updates are appreciated by Uralla council employees.
"Leadership is important. We are required to consider diversity as part of our recruitment and selection processes. Human resource management has its difficulties but with experience you can quickly start to build momentum," he said.
"At the heart of it all we are here for the community, to serve and manage the risks that the community face both now and into the long term future," concluded David Aber.