SUTHERLAND Shire Council's director of corporate services Bob Honeyman will retire this Friday after more than 26 years with the council and 50 years in local government.
Mr Honeyman was praised by Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns in a mayoral minute at Monday's council meeting for his outstanding contribution to the council, the shire and to local govern-ment generally.
"Council and the community is deeply indebted to Bob for his outstanding service," councillor Johns said.
"He is reliable, knowledgeable, professional and operates with the highest ethical standards. He is a true leader with a set of values we should all aspire to."
On behalf of the community, the council formally acknowledged Mr Honeyman's positive contribution to Sutherland Shire and the maintenance of the shire's enviable lifestyle.
Before his appointment at Sutherland Shire, Mr Honeyman worked in administrative and financial roles at Manly, Mosman, Queanbeyan and Waverley councils. He joined Sutherland Shire Council in 1988.
As director of corporate services Mr Honeyman has overseen many initiatives and improvements in the council, including the Sutherland Leisure Centre upgrade, the council's legal services, work and safety, its approach to insurance, the introduction of the council's one-stop-shop and call centre.
"It was in the finance area that Bob excelled," Cr Johns said.
"Working with our finance manager and general manger, Bob ensured that our budgets were delivered on time and with sound financial strategies, our budget reviews were comprehensive and generally our finances were sound."
Mr Honeyman said it was not possible to maintain a high standard of support services for both elected representatives and the community generally without strong commitment from the staff working with management.
"I have been blessed to have staff both in my division and across the organisation who share my commitment to continually try to improve our service levels," he said.
