Ratepayer funded $8k farewell gift for North Sydney Council general manager ‘excessive’

THE price tag on a leaving gift for North Sydney Council’s top executive Warwick Winn has left councillors divided with some saying $5k is more appropriate than $8k and one suggesting $10k.

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NORTH Sydney ratepayers are splashing up to $8000 on the general manager’s farewell gift.

Warwick Winn recently quit the top job at council after landing a role in Melbourne.

The price of his gift was up for discussion at Monday night’s council meeting and it divided the chamber.

Mayor Jilly Gibson described it as “excessive” and said that Mr Winn would “feel embarrassed”.

“I just think it’s over generous with ratepayers’ money,” Cr Gibson said.

“I think our ratepayers will be angry.”

North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson felt $8000 was excessive. Photo: Adam Ward

Cr Gibson said everyone wanted to give him a present and called for a smaller gift to the value of $5000 in line with what the previous general manager received.

Councillor Stephen Barbour described the $8000 mark as “way out of order”.

But the price tag had the backing of the majority of councillors around the table.

Mr Winn was not present in the chamber for the discussion.

Councillor Jeff Morris told the chamber he would have been inclined to make the amount $10,000.

“If anything, I think $8000 really doesn’t do justice to the man and what he’s had to deal with,” Cr Morris said.

Councillor Zoe Baker felt that $8000 was a reasonable amount and pointed out that he had worked at the council during a “very difficult and challenging time”.

Zoe Baker supported the amount for the gift.

“If he was in the private sector, this would be but a fraction of what would be provided in recognition for such outstanding service,” she said.

Cr Gibson told the gallery that former general manager Penny Holloway received an artwork to the value of $5000 but that “it did not cost anywhere near that much”. She held the role for more than a decade.

“I think we should do exactly the same as we did for the last general manager,” Cr Gibson said.

A farewell function will also be arranged for Mr Winn. He is due to finish at the council on April 8.

He joined the council in 2004 and was appointed permanently to the role of general manager in April 2014.

The most recent council report, for 2013-14, showed the general manager’s salary was $322,181. Mr Winn was officially ­appointed towards the end of that financial year after several months acting in the role.

What could $8k buy?

Hamilton Island aerial view.

Enjoy five nights in your own pavilion at Hamilton Island with a private sundeck. Breakfast and dinner included for $7000.

Sydney artists Gillie and Marc have paintings on sale for $7500.

Luxury brand Louis Vuitton has its LV Fifty Five watch on offer for $7750.

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