Lane Cove Council’s General Manager, Craig Wrightson, has announced his resignation from Council this week following more than 20 years of service.
Having begun his career at Lane Cove in Corporate Services before rising to the General Manager role for the last 12.5 years, Craig’s leadership has fostered innovation and teamwork, allowing Lane Cove to punch well above its relative size in the local government sector. He has led the organisation through an era of transformation, creating a remarkable legacy for the Lane Cove community.
Under his leadership, Council has delivered many outstanding projects and initiatives that have shaped the Lane Cove community, including the award winning ‘The Canopy’, overseeing the delivery of Wadanggari Park (above the St Leonards railway line), improving sports facilities at Blackman Park and initiating the construction of the new sport and recreation facility, due for completion later this year. Craig has also been critical in securing additional open space and bushland as well as enabling the creation of a Council Sustainability division that is working to embed sustainability throughout Council’s projects and services.
“During his time at Council, Mr Wrightson has worked with Councillors and the community to drive award-winning projects and to deliver a robust capital works program. His leadership and strategic direction have focused on the delivery of infrastructure to keep up with the pace of population growth including new active transport links, improved recreation and sporting facilities, new early childhood education centres and cultural facilities.
Craig has been a highly respected and popular leader among staff. This was particularly evident during challenging times such as the potential amalgamation of local councils and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, one of Craig’s legacies will be a dedicated team of purpose-driven staff who will continue to work to advance sustainability, foster community connection, and provide outstanding service in Lane Cove.” said Mayor of Lane Cove, Councillor Merri Southwood.
Mr Wrightson will leave Council on 4 April. Recruitment for a new General Manager will commence shortly, and in the interim, the Director of Corporate Services, Mr Steven Kludass, will act in the role to ensure continuity of leadership.
“On behalf of the entire organisation, I extend our sincere gratitude to Craig for his commitment to Lane Cove and wish him all the best for his next undertaking. He will leave a strong Council team that embraces an exciting vision for the future and the drive and expertise to implement it”.
Craig’s significant contribution to the local government sector extended beyond Lane Cove Council, through his role as Chair of the General Manager’s Advisory Committee for the Northern Sydney Region of Councils for 5 years, Deputy Chair of CivicRisk Mutual (Insurance), Chair of the Northern Suburbs Waste Alliance, and Board Member of State Cover Mutual Insurance, local government’s specialist workers compensation insurer, further cementing his reputation as an exceptional corporate leader.
