Warwick Bennett: Goulburn Mulwaree Council general manager immediate resignation

The general manager of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Warwick Bennett, has quit the job with immediate effect leaving the community with more questions than answers.

The general manager of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Warwick Bennett, has quit the job with immediate effect leaving the community with more questions than answers.

In a statement, council revealed corporate services director Brendan Hollands had been appointed as acting GM during the council meeting on the same day while Sydney business consultant Blackadder Associates – also appointed in the meeting – quickly finds a replacement for the role.

The decision for Mr Bennett to resign on Tuesday came out of the blue, given that he was meant to perform his duties until July 8, as announced in a council meeting on February 15.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council's former general manager, Warwick Bennett, concluded his council duties on Tuesday.

Finishing in July would’ve allowed him to complete a number of key initiatives with the newly voted council, including going through the 2022/23 council budget.

However, Mayor Peter Walker says the resignation will allow council to “move on with the processes” and “go forward with a new direction”.

Despite discontinuing his duties as of Tuesday, Mr Bennett will remain a paid employee until July 8 as part of his contract.

Due to a confidentiality agreement between Mr Bennett and council, his reason for resigning is unknown.

When the resignation was first announced in February, Cr Walker said he accepted Mr Bennett’s decision “with regret”.

As of July, Ms Bennett would’ve marked 46 years of service with local government, beginning as an accountant/ rates clerk in New Zealand.

He had served 39 continuous years as general manager/ chief executive in six different councils throughout Australia and New Zealand, and was especially fond of his role at Goulburn Mulwaree.

“I am particularly proud of my eight years of service with Goulburn Mulwaree Council, and what we as an organisation have achieved,” Mr Bennett said.

“This organisation has performed exceptionally well during this time, changing the face of Goulburn Mulwaree forever by providing new and improved community infrastructure, as well as significantly improving our core services of roads, bridges, reserves, waste management, water and sewer.

Mr Bennett at a meeting with Wendy Tuckerman and the community of Tarago about a proposed waste to energy incinerator. Picture: Niki Iliagoueva

“The staff at Goulburn Mulwaree Council are some of the best I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career, with a strong team culture and a focus on working for the betterment of our region.”

At the meeting on Tuesday, the former general manager was thanked for his service.

Mr Bennett has told council he was looking forward to the future with other career opportunities and will continue to live within the region.