Council has not yet replaced former community and cultural services director Annabell Miller, who left her position late last year.

Ratepayers were given no reason for Ms Miller’s sudden departure, with general manager David Sherley only saying she was pursuing “other business opportunities”.

Ms Miller was the only woman on council’s senior leadership team which included Mr Sherley, corporate services and finance director Bob Roach, environmental planning and building services director David Shaw and director of engineering Doug Patterson.

Ms Miller left council with about six months remaining on her five-year contract and Janelle Middleton has filled the role as acting director for almost 12 months.

However, council has now started its search for a permanent replacement.

Advertisements in the Western Advocate and published on council’s website say the new cultural and community services director “will provide a creative link between council and the community and cultural service entrepreneurs and suppliers in our midst”.

“The ideal candidate will have managerial experience at a senior level, with an understanding of fi- nancial management and strong communication and interpersonal skills, a well-honed appreciation of the importance of cultural growth and the need for an effective delivery of community services to a thriving regional centre,” the advertisements state.

“Relevant tertiary qualifications are desirable. It is essential that the candidate fits in as part of a dynamic senior team.”

The new director will be employed on a five-year performance based contract with a total remuneration package of $185,000, negotiable. Applications close at 4pm on November 11.