City of Ryde General Manager resigns

Published on 25 May 2022

George Dedes has tendered his resignation as General Manager of the City of Ryde.

City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jordan Lane, noted during last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting that he had received Mr Dedes’ resignation and that it had been accepted with effect from 1 July 2022. 

Mr Dedes has worked for the City of Ryde for almost 23 years and in 2017 was appointed as Council’s General Manager.

Mr Dedes has held a number of positions including General Manager for five years, Director City Works and Infrastructure, Manager Business Infrastructure and Manager Waste & Fleet. He has been responsible for many key initiatives over this time in a number of roles increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of service provision to the community.

During his tenure, the City of Ryde progressed a significant capital works program which resulted in a range of new and upgraded facilities delivered for the community. 

Some of the key achievements during Mr Dedes’ time as General Manager include:

  • Construction of the award-winning skate park and regional playground at Meadowbank Park
  • Landmark heritage reforms which provide heritage protection to more than 300 items in the community
  • Opened Kings Park, which converted the former Denistone East Bowling Club into a state-of-the-art recreation space for the community
  • Upgraded Christie Park, which included the installation of synthetic fields and new amenities building
  • Developed and implemented the City of Ryde Community Strategic Plan 2028 and Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020
  • The new multi-level Rowe Street East Car Park in Eastwood 
  • A new seawall at Morrison Bay Park
  • Extension of the Ryde River Walk 
  • Upgrade of West Ryde Plaza 
  • Progressed the redevelopment of the Ryde Civic Centre
  • Became the first Council in NSW to adopt a local resilience plan
  • Adopted a 100 percent renewable energy target by 2030 
  • Installed new steps at Putney Park as first stage to make Parramatta River swimmable.

In addition, Mr Dedes helped guide the City of Ryde through a period of tremendous upheaval created by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During this time, he worked with Council to establish the Small Business Hardship Fund and waived a range of fees and charges to support local businesses and community groups. Council also introduced a Financial Hardship Policy to support residents who had been financially impacted by the pandemic. 

City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jordan Lane, said: “I would like to thank Mr Dedes for his outstanding service to the City of Ryde over the past two decades. As General Manager, Mr Dedes’ leadership allowed Council to deliver a range of key projects and services for the community despite a number of unprecedented challenges, including a one in 100-year pandemic.  

“I join my fellow Councillors in wishing him all the best for the future.” 

Mr Dedes said after almost 23 years at the City of Ryde, now is the right time to move onto new opportunities. 

“I wish to thank the Councillors and all staff at the City of Ryde for their ongoing support during my time as General Manager. The community is in good hands with the dedicated staff working for Council and I wish everyone the best for the future,” Mr Dedes said.