After announcing his decision to step down as General Manager of Destination Wollongong, Wollongong City Council has acknowledged Mark Sleigh's service to community over the past 12 years.
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle thanked Mark for his collaborative approach to positioning the city as a place to do business and enjoy leisure time.
"When Mark was appointed into the General Manager's role 12 years ago, Council had just come out of Administration and there was a real opportunity to reposition the city and move Wollongong forward in a positive and constructive way,'' Mr Doyle said.
"Mark worked closely with staff from Council to reinvent Wollongong and to challenge people who weren't familiar with the city's attributes to take a closer look at what we have to offer – whether as a place to holiday or to bring business.''
Over the past 12 years, the city has seen the continued redevelopment of the Blue Mile precinct, the launch of the Grand Pacific Walk and the continued recognition of Wollongong Art Gallery and the Wollongong Botanic Garden as places to visit. We've also seen the growth of Wollongong as a place to do business, and as a conference destination.
"It's essential Council and Destination Wollongong have a productive and aligned approach to how we work for our community and to promote Wollongong, and Mark has worked with us to do just that,'' Mr Doyle said.
"For example, through programs and initiatives Council has worked hard behind-the-scenes to foster a thriving nighttime economy, including a growing small bar scene. Under Mark's leadership, Destination Wollongong has in turn, supported and promoted this evolution to bring people into the city and experience this social change.
"Similarly, the growth of Wollongong's reputation as a place to holiday or bring business has really grown and we're seeing tourists drawn to the city as a place for mini beach breaks, for biking opportunities and for our vibrant creative scene. Mark has played a key role in this shift.''
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said there was no doubt, that Mark would long be remembered as a key advocate in the UCI Road World Championships, and remembered for his role in supporting partnerships which have seen international sporting events like next year's World Triathlon Championships happen on our doorstep.
"Mark is really passionate about tourism and making sure people have the opportunity to experience Wollongong's diverse attributes,'' he said.
"Over the past 12 years he has endeavoured to build Wollongong's reputation and brand in a strong and positive way. The legacy of having such world-class events like the UCI in our city will be talked about for years to come.''
