Following a ‘‘thorough recruitment process’’, Andrew Staniland was selected by the council to fill the vacant manager’s role.

It comes after Mr Bortfeld  died in his sleep on June 19, aged 49.

Mr Staniland has worked in Great Lakes Council’s parks and recreation section for eight years.

He was a parks and natural assets officer before filling the role of acting manager of the section.

The council said the advertisement of the position attracted a variety of candidates from across NSW and interstate.

‘‘This is a very challenging role with responsibilities for many natural areas, beaches, parks, playgrounds and sporting fields as well as the co-ordination of over 600 community

 volunteers who work on these assets,’’ the council’s director of engineering services, Ron Hartley, said.

‘‘We were very pleased with the high calibre of candidates attracted to the position and have full confidence in the selection of Mr Staniland to undertake this important role.’’

Mr Staniland has tertiary qualifications in conservation and land management plus business management.

He has worked in private enterprise as well as local government.

‘‘We congratulate Mr Staniland on his appointment and look forward to working with him in his new role,’’ Mr Hartley said.