AFL job lure for council bossGeoff Chambers
January 5th, 2009
COUNCIL boss Dale Dickson could face a revolt this year if he does not commit his long-term future to the organisation.
City councillors are growing tired of speculation about whether Mr Dickson will take on the role of chief executive with the Gold Coast AFL team.
Mr Dickson recently spent two weeks in Melbourne for a local government forum, where he took time out to speak with AFL stakeholders about the highly coveted Gold Coast CEO role.
The growing speculation has spilled over, with some councillors pushing for an early call for job applications for the role.
City finance boss Cr Eddy Sarroff said the CEO job was up for review this year and that Mr Dickson could re-apply for the $300,000- plus a year role.
"I've had my differences with the CEO but council has to determine when his contract is due," said Cr Sarroff.
"That might mean a consideration of the position and a look at when it is the right time to advertise it. If council wants to pursue this avenue, that does not preclude the CEO from applying for the job."
Surfers Paradise councillor Susie Douglas said the city was abuzz with speculation that Mr Dickson was the frontrunner to lead the new Gold Coast AFL team.
"The CEO's job at the Gold Coast City Council is not an easy role," said Cr Douglas.
"There is so much politics involved and it makes it a difficult position. I'm sure whatever position Mr Dickson takes up he'd be successful at it.
"But I think it would be helpful if he makes his position clear to the current council to ensure that we have continuity."
Mayor Ron Clarke said he was unfazed by 'speculation' surrounding Mr Dickson's future.
Cr Clarke, 71, said he thought Mr Dickson would make a 'fantastic' chief executive for the new Gold Coast team.
"I think he is an excellent CEO and one of the best I've ever worked with, and I've seen a few in my time," he said.
"I've encouraged him to apply for the AFL job, which perfectly suits his background as a player and his overall knowledge about football."
He said he would love Mr Dickson, a former Melbourne Demons and Brisbane Bears player, to remain at the council.
"I'd be very content for him to stay here as long as he can, but that is his choice to make," he said.
Cr Clarke has rejected an early push to advertise the position before the annual review of the role.
Mr Dickson sat on the GC17 bid team and is believed to be on a shortlist of candidates to take on the CEO's role at the Gold Coast Football Club
January 5th, 2009
COUNCIL boss Dale Dickson could face a revolt this year if he does not commit his long-term future to the organisation.
City councillors are growing tired of speculation about whether Mr Dickson will take on the role of chief executive with the Gold Coast AFL team.
Mr Dickson recently spent two weeks in Melbourne for a local government forum, where he took time out to speak with AFL stakeholders about the highly coveted Gold Coast CEO role.
The growing speculation has spilled over, with some councillors pushing for an early call for job applications for the role.
City finance boss Cr Eddy Sarroff said the CEO job was up for review this year and that Mr Dickson could re-apply for the $300,000- plus a year role.
"I've had my differences with the CEO but council has to determine when his contract is due," said Cr Sarroff.
"That might mean a consideration of the position and a look at when it is the right time to advertise it. If council wants to pursue this avenue, that does not preclude the CEO from applying for the job."
Surfers Paradise councillor Susie Douglas said the city was abuzz with speculation that Mr Dickson was the frontrunner to lead the new Gold Coast AFL team.
"The CEO's job at the Gold Coast City Council is not an easy role," said Cr Douglas.
"There is so much politics involved and it makes it a difficult position. I'm sure whatever position Mr Dickson takes up he'd be successful at it.
"But I think it would be helpful if he makes his position clear to the current council to ensure that we have continuity."
Mayor Ron Clarke said he was unfazed by 'speculation' surrounding Mr Dickson's future.
Cr Clarke, 71, said he thought Mr Dickson would make a 'fantastic' chief executive for the new Gold Coast team.
"I think he is an excellent CEO and one of the best I've ever worked with, and I've seen a few in my time," he said.
"I've encouraged him to apply for the AFL job, which perfectly suits his background as a player and his overall knowledge about football."
He said he would love Mr Dickson, a former Melbourne Demons and Brisbane Bears player, to remain at the council.
"I'd be very content for him to stay here as long as he can, but that is his choice to make," he said.
Cr Clarke has rejected an early push to advertise the position before the annual review of the role.
Mr Dickson sat on the GC17 bid team and is believed to be on a shortlist of candidates to take on the CEO's role at the Gold Coast Football Club