In other news:

• Kerryn Phelps launches bid to depose Clover Moore
• Lismore dumps general manager
• Sydney’s night time economy commissioner named

A state funeral will be held for former Cobar Shire Mayor Lilliane Brady, who died on February 7 at the age of 90.

Cr Brady, who had been planning to retire in September, was the longest serving female mayor in NSW.

Minister for Regional Affairs John Barilaro said Cr Brady was a vocal advocate for her community during her 40 years as a local councillor.

“After serving 20 years as Mayor of Cobar Shire Council, Lilliane leaves behind an enduring legacy, the likes of which we will never see again,” he said in a statement.

LGNSW president Linda Scott said Cr Brady was an irrepressible force of nature.

“It’s hard to imagine our sector without her drive, impish sense of humour and unwavering commitment not only to the people of Cobar, but also to local government as a whole,” she said.

Local government minister Shelley Hancock described Cr Brady as one of the most successful, inspiring and passionate local government figures in the history of NSW.

A state funeral will be held in Cobar on February 19.

Lismore dumps GM in ‘surprise’ decision

Lismore council has dumped its general manager Shelley Oldham.

Councillors voted on Tuesday to terminate Ms Oldham’s employment under a no-fault clause, effective immediately.

“The last 12 months have been particularly hard for Council staff and Councillors due to a series of natural disasters,” Lismore’s new Mayor Vanessa Ekins said in a statement on Wednesday, just a day after being elected at a council meeting.

“Councillors decided last night that it was time to move on from the past and focus on the upcoming budget and the continuation of Councils’ transformation program so that we can better meet the needs of our community.”

Cr Ekins did not elaborate on the reasons for Ms Oldham’s dismissal but acknowledged the decision “may surprise some in the community”.

She acknowledged Ms Oldham’s hard work and commitment to Council since her appointment in 2018.

Ms Oldham replaced former GM Gary Murphy, who served at Lismore for seven years before taking up a role at Central Coast Council in May 2018.

Mr Murphy was axed by Central Coast’s administrator Dick Persson last November after the council found itself $89 million in the red.

Michael Donnelly will act as Lismore’s caretaker general manager until after local government elections in September.

Kerryn Phelps tells Clover ‘it’s time’

Former federal MP Kerryn Phelps has announced her intention to run as Sydney Lord Mayor.

“Today I am announcing that I am running for Lord Mayor of Sydney, the City of Sydney counsellor and former Independent member for Wentworth said on Tuesday.

“We’ve had the same leadership for 16 years and that leadership has gone stale, that’s why I’m running for Lord Mayor of Sydney,” Dr Phelps said.

“it’s time for new leadership in Sydney.”

Dr Phelps was elected to City of Sydney in 2016 and was appointed Clover Moore’s deputy before resigning from that position in 2017.

Dr Phelps was also the first female president of the AMA and a leading advocate of marriage equality.

Time Out boss to lead Sydney’s night life strategy

Managing director of entertainment and lifestyle publisher Time Out, Michael Rodrigues, will quit the publishing business to take up a new role as the NSW government’s inaugural 24-hour economy commissioner.

Minister for jobs and tourism Stuart Ayres says Mr Rodrigues will lead the government’s program to revive Sydney’s nightlife and boost its flailing tourism, hospitality and arts sectors.

The Strategy includes a 24-hour economy acceleration program which will see the government work with councils and industry to create a ‘neon grid’ of  entertainment hubs across the city.

“This ‘Neon Grid’ will represent Sydney’s diverse and vibrant night economy and we will collaborate with industry and councils to bring it to life, connecting consumers, creatives and entrepreneurs,” Mr Ayers said.

Mr Rodrigues begins his new job in March.

Christopher Jessup confirmed as spy agency watchdog

Attorney-General has Christian Porter announced the appointment of Dr Christopher Jessup QC as the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.

Dr Jessup has been acting as the Inspector-General since January 18.

In his role he will oversee and review the activities of Australia’s intelligence agencies to ensure they act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directions, and respect human rights.

Dr Jessup holds qualifications in economics, law and applied science. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1987 and has over 30 years of experience at the bar.

 Dr Jessup’s five year appointment commences on 8 February 2021.

Tony De Fazio joins local government integrity body

Tony De Fazio has joined Victoria’s local government integrity body.

The Local Government Inspectorate says Mr De Fazio brings decades of local government experience and knowledge to the team, having worked in local government for 44 years across five different councils.

He finished his local government career as the Executive Manager of Governance and Customer Service at Whitehorse City Council.

Mr De Fazio says there’s an ongoing need for improvement, training, and awareness in local government.

 “After I retired, I realised that I still had something to give. I am passionate about local government and wanted to make an ongoing contribution to the sector,” he said.

“The opportunity came up to join the Inspectorate and it was a perfect match for my skills and experience.”

New anti-dumping chief

Former border force deputy comptroller general Bradley Armstrong has been appointed as Australia’s new anti-dumping commissioner.

Dr Armstrong’s extensive experience in the public service and in the private sector to the role also includes corporate management and commercial banking, and served as a senior diplomat in overseas posts. 

He takes up the role on February 19.

“Dr Armstrong has the regulatory skills and experience to oversee Australia’s anti-dumping regime, and to continue the Commission’s robust, evidence-based investigations into dumping allegations, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said.

He repIaces outgoing commissioner Dale Seymour.

New operational role for city of Darwin Alderman

City of Darwin Alderman Emma Young has been appointed executive manager environment climate and waste services.

The environmental scientist has tendered her resignation from council to take up the new role.

CEO Scott Waters says Dr Young will continue work to convert landfill biogas to energy at the Council’s Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility.

Most recently Dr Young has worked for the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority developing policy for the implementation of new NT environmental legislation.