1 April 2025

Interim general manager joins South Coast council weeks after predecessor left

| Claire Sams
Join the conversation
1
Eurobodalla Shire Council

The search for a permanent general manager is expected to take at least six months, council says. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.

A replacement general manager has been appointed to Eurobodalla Shire Council as a search continues for a permanent fit.

Mark Ferguson has joined the council as interim general manager.

His appointment was made by councillors during a confidential session in their recent meeting, before the contract was signed on Monday (31 March).

Mr Ferguson starts on 7 April.

READ ALSO South Coast dentist pulls a ‘Big Tooth’ for April Fool’s Day

Mr Ferguson’s appointment comes after the resignation of former general manager Warwick Winn last month, who left after less than three years in the role.

At the time, it was announced Director of Finance and Corporate Services Stephanie Speedy would fill in as acting general manager until an interim general manager was found.

Mayor Mathew Hatcher said Mr Ferguson was a well-regarded general manager in the local government sector.

Mark Ferguson

Mr Ferguson has worked at several NSW councils. Photo: LinkedIn.

“Mark is well-known in the sector for leading high performing councils focused on robust governance and decision-making,” he said.

“Mark’s qualifications and expertise in psychology and behavioural science allow him to support trust building, empathy, and collaboration, as well as resilience and innovation.”

He has previously led Sydney councils Pittwater and Northern Beaches, and Coffs Harbour City Council.

READ ALSO Illawarra-South Coast SES volunteers help hundreds over wild and wet weekend

Mr Ferguson’s most recent role at Edward River Council was a ministerial appointment as a temporary advisor focused on effective governance.

Mayor Hatcher said the search for a permanent general manager would take at least six months.

“[We] look forward to a period of solid achievement under Mark’s leadership,” he said.

Join the conversation

1
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
patricia gardiner6:31 pm 01 Apr 25

All very hush hush! Much the same as the previous General Managers departure/resignation.
Why wasn’t the appointment announced when the meeting resumed after closed session?
And why wasn’t the matter to be discussed in closed session specified before the meeting went into closure, as it is a mandatory requirement of the Local Government Act, Section 10D?
Hopefully the interim GM is more knowledgeable on legislative requirements.

Daily Digest

Do you like to know what’s happening around your region? Every day the About Regional team packages up our most popular stories and sends them straight to your inbox for free. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.