Wagga council acting general manager Robert Knight steps down, former director James Bolton appointed to the role

Mr Knight was appointed to the position for five weeks after Alan Eldridge was sacked in February, but six months later he was eager to return to his role with the Riverina library.

Mr Bolton had been leading the Bomen freight hub project and said he wanted stability for council until a permanent boss was found.

“I look forward to continuing on with the great work that Robert has done in ensuring that the council is serving the community during the general manager recruitment period,” Mr Bolton said.

“My focus will be ensuring this continues, while providing a platform for the next general manager to come in and lead the organisation into the future.”

Mr Knight said that he enjoyed the challenges and opportunities that the role of interim general manager had provided, and very much appreciated the support of councillors and staff throughout his time in the role.

“I was initially appointed to the position of acting general manager for a period of five weeks, and now after six months in the role I am compelled to fulfil my obligation to the 10 member councils and 19 libraries that comprise the Riverina Regional Library by returning to lead the organisation,” he said.

“During my time in the general manager position I was consistently amazed by the commitment and capability of council staff right across the organisation to deliver exceptional programs, services, facilities, spaces and infrastructure to residents of the Wagga local government area.”

Mayor Greg Conkey thanked Mr Knight for his service.

“I would like to thank Robert for taking time away from his substantive duty at the RRL to fill the role of general manager… he has done an exceptional job in leading the organisation for the past six months,” he said.