Port Stephens Council general manager Wayne Wallis journeys into retirement

Mr Wallis joined Port Stephens Council 13 years ago, and has spent the past eight as its general manager.

"I will have completed 43 years of service in the local government industry this month [May] and I'm especially proud of my past 13 years at Port Stephens Council and what we've achieved as an organisation," he said.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to lead Port Stephens Council.

"It's been a great pleasure to work with many of the best people in local government - a team with a strong work ethic, and culture of always striving for better outcomes for its community. It has truly been a great place to work."

Mr Wallis, whose father and father-in-law was also involved in local government, joined Port Stephens Council in 2009 as its corporate services group manager, coming from Roma Regional Council.

He replaced Peter Gesling as general manager in July 2014.

The Examiner reported at the time that Mr Wallis' contribution to strengthening the council's financial position had been a significant factor in the decision to appoint him the new general manager.

Then mayor, Bruce MacKenzie, said: "Wayne has been the driving force behind getting rid of this council's deficit and placing us back in the black."

Current mayor Ryan Palmer said that under Mr Wallis' leadership, Port Stephens had grown from strength to strength.

"Over the past decade we've seen our community grow and flourish - there's been an investment in new infrastructure, improved services and innovative investments which have made Port Stephens Council one of the leading local government organisations across the state," he said.

"More recently, we've seen investment in the development of new plans and strategies that will shape the future design and direction of Port Stephens for years to come."

Mr Wallis expressed his sincere appreciation to the elected representatives of Port Stephens.

"I'm very thankful to my elected colleagues for the opportunities and challenges they have afforded me during my tenure as general manager," he said.

"As expected in any political environment, there are the occasional disagreements about how matters could be progressed however, on all significant issues there was always agreement and support.

"I trust that my endeavours over the years have in some small way helped us to meet the many demands and expectations of our community.

"This is an opportunity to begin a new chapter and I'm excited about what this new chapter will bring."

Mr Wallis will finish at Port Stephens Council on Friday, August 26.

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