Councillors unanimously voted to appoint Mr McCormack to the position until a permanent GM can be found to replace Aaron Jones.

He served as GM at Parkes for 21 years until he retired in late 2010 and has worked in predominately senior Local Government roles for 47 years.

While Mr McCormack will only serve in the role for 3-4 months, his appointment is seen as positive for the community.

“The ratepayers and residents of Blayney Shire are very fortunate to have a man of Alan’s calibre and experience step into this role…” Mayor Bruce Kingham said.

“I can only see Alan’s appointment as a benefit for this organisation.

“I’d like to thank Grant Baker who put his hand up in our hour of need to help us out while we found an interim GM; he’ll now go back to focusing on his role as Director of Engineering.

“He’s had a couple of very difficult weeks but he excelled in the position.”

Mr McCormack said he hoped to bring stability to council and work with councillors, staff and the community to positive outcomes are delivered.

“I intend to look at the programs running here and seeing if value can be added to them, we’re also working on moving forward with the integrated planning process and holding a workshop with the community to move that along,” he said.

“I’m impressed with Blayney Shire Council and the very loyal staff here; there is a great opportunity to push Blayney ahead.”

Cr Kingham said Mr McMormack would help facilitate the appointment of a new permanent GM.