Dickson tipped for sharp exit

COUNCIL CEO Dale Dickson is expected to leave City Hall soon with his successor likely to be announced by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate in the next 48 hours. In an email to staff on Wednesday, Councillor Tate told staff about the road map ahead for the city’s administration leadership. The Bulletin had earlier reported that Mr Dickson would not get a contract extension. Mr Dickson’s current contract extends until September. He was not reappointed after a nationwide advertising campaign saw more than 80 people apply for his job. In his email to staff Cr Tate said councillors conducted interviews for the five most outstanding candidates at a special meeting on Monday. “At the end of those interviews, council resolved to offer the position of CEO to a new applicant, rather than offering another contract of employment to the current CEO,” he wrote. “I will hopefully be able to tell you more about the next CEO within 48 hours and I am working hard to finalise documentation, contract execution etc. “I will also confirm that Dale will be finishing up in the near future and further announcements will be forthcoming. “Dale is on leave at the moment, but I phoned him yesterday to confirm the outcome of the recruitment process and to thank him for his great service. “Dale has been an excellent CEO for this city since July 2003 serving under three mayors and being at the helm as the city has grown so remarkably. “I would like to thank all staff for your continued hard work and service to the city. Changes in leadership can be unsettling for staff so I want to assure you that all councillors are very grateful for your efforts for the city.”