Brendan Simpkins

HENRY Inat will continue as Gawler Council’s chief executive officer (CEO) following a resolution at last Monday night’s special council meeting.

A casting vote from Mayor Karen Redman returned Mr Inat to the role with elected members split on the decision to extend his contract.

Carried out in confidence, the minutes of the meeting were made public following confirmation that Mr Inat would return as CEO.

Councillors Diane Fraser, Kelvin Goldstone, David Hughes, Paul Koch and Brian Sambell voted in favour of extending Mr Inat’s contract, while Crs Cody Davies, Paul Little, Nathan Shanks, Ian Tooley and Jim Vallelonga voted against.

With votes tied, Mayor Redman voted in favour meaning the motion was carried.

Perks Management Solutions conducted an independent performance review which gave Mr Inat a quantitative performance measure of 3.22 out of 4.

Mr Inat said he was pleased with the outcome of the review and was committed to the Gawler community.

“I’m pleased to accept the contract extension and will continue to work with administration and elected members to serve the best interests of the community and make Gawler a better place to live and work,” Mr Inat said.

Mr Inat’s contract was due to expire on June 30, 2021.

His contract was extended for a further three years to June 2024.

Ms Redman welcomed the results of the review and the return of Mr Inat for a further three years.

“I’m pleased that the annual performance review for our CEO has concluded and that council has recognised the CEO’s strategic leadership and his success in working with business and community leaders,” she said.

“A contract extension provides continuity of leadership alongside the elected members at a critical time in Gawler’s growth phase.