Albury City Council has resolved that long-serving Chief Executive Officer, Frank Zaknich, who has been on “unplanned leave” since early December last year, will not be returning to the role.
The decision followed a close to 90-minute closed session discussion at an extraordinary meeting of Council.
“Council thanks Mr Zaknich for his years of service and contribution to the organisation and the Albury community,” the Council said in a statement.
Mr Zaknich (pictured) joined the Council in March 2013 from Broken Hill City Council where he had been General Manager since 2006. His career spans senior leadership roles in rural and metropolitan councils across NSW and South Australia.
“During his tenure, Mr Zaknich oversaw a range of major strategic, infrastructure and service delivery initiatives to support Albury’s long-term growth and development,” Council stated.
These included the Two Cities One Community partnership with Wodonga City Council, the establishment of the NEXUS Regional Jobs Precinct, the introduction of HalveWaste and the three-bin system, delivery of the Albury Riverside Precinct, the Pumphouse Maker Space and Artist Workshop, extensions to the Wagirra Trail and associated park infrastructure, the Stage 1 upgrade of the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, airport infrastructure improvements, and a number of civic upgrades such as the WWII Memorial Bowl and The Avenue at Albury Botanic Gardens.
“A respected leader, Mr Zaknich also led long-term planning initiatives, including the Thurgoona–Wirlinga Precinct Growth Framework and the planning and delivery of essential water, sewer and services infrastructure programs. He guided the organisation through the COVID-19 period and contributed to the delivery of multiple significant city projects during that time,” the Council said.
“Councillors continue to have confidence in Council’s senior leadership team and in the organisation’s governance, financial oversight and budget development processes.
“Looking ahead, Council’s focus on financial sustainability and the community we serve will continue without interruption. Councillors determined that a renewed leadership focus is required to support organisational priorities and the delivery of key programs and projects.”
Council also resolved that Gael Evans-Barr will continue as Acting Chief Executive Officer, with an interim Chief Executive Officer to be appointed by mid-February.
In an online post following the Council’s decision, Albury MP, Justin Clancy said Mr Zaknich leaves a substantial legacy of infrastructure delivery, regional collaboration and long-term planning for the city.
“Frank Zaknich has given more than a decade of service to AlburyCity and made a significant contribution to the growth and development of our community,” he wrote.
“I also want to personally acknowledge how Frank guided the organisation through challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining a strong focus on service delivery and the long-term interests of Albury.
“Regardless of the circumstances of his departure, Frank’s commitment, professionalism and leadership over many years deserve recognition and thanks, and his contribution to Albury should be acknowledged respectfully.
“As AlburyCity moves into its next chapter, it is important to acknowledge the work that has brought us to this point and to thank those who have contributed to it.”
