Darwin council executive staff member Polly Banks resigns amid coronavirus impact

DARWIN council has lost the third of four executive managers hired on long term contracts in 2018

DARWIN council has lost the third of four executive managers hired on long-term contracts in 2018, despite ambitious plans for the team.

Community and Regulatory Services general manager Polly Banks resigned after two years on Friday October 16, to return to her extended family in Western Australia.

“Polly has been in the role for two years. However, with the onset of COVID-19, Polly has found it difficult being away from her extended family, who reside in Perth, and has made the decision to relocate,” a council spokeswoman said.

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“ (Ms Banks was) instrumental in developing an interagency task force to address security and amenity in Darwin city, a highly successful animal management strategy and campaign, and developing City of Darwin’s first library strategy.”

Former Darwin council executive manager Polly Banks. Picture: Darwin council.

Ms Banks follows Mr Brendan Smith, who lasted just 29 days as manager of engineering, and former chief financial officer Chris Potter who lasted a year before quietly departing in October 2019 — just a year into a five-year contract.

Innovation, Growth and Development Services general manager Joshua Sattler is the last one standing of the four executives, hired on a five-year contract in October 2018.

Acting chief executive Melissa Reiter denied calls Darwin council had a staff retention issue.

However, acting chief executive Melissa Reiter denied any suggestions of cultural or executive staff retention issues within council.

“The executive changes to City of Darwin’s leadership group over the last two years have been based on individual circumstances, but have been amicable and a result of individual decisions.

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“Council prides itself on its working conditions and strong culture and has been pleased that its most recent appointment of Simone Saunders has been sourced locally,” Ms Reiter said.

The executive team, headed by chief executive Scott Waters, now comprises Government Relations and External Affairs general manager Melissa Reiter, chief financial officer Simone Saunders, Engineering and City Services general manager Ron Grinsell, and Mr Sattler.

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