Alan Young, Fairfield City General Manager - Oral History

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DescriptionThis interview consists of one audio recording. Alan Young was interviewed on 5 September 2013 at Wakeley, NSW, by Beverley Donald.
Interview SummarySince 1975, Alan has worked for seven councils in the Sydney metropolitan area. Starting in rates and payroll at Randwick Council in 1975, Alan gained wide-ranging experience as he worked his way up in various finance positions. In 1986, he rose to the position of Deputy Town Clerk at Lane Cove Council, followed by director-level positions at Rockdale and Parramatta councils before arriving at Fairfield in 1999.
Alan's focus on Council's financial sustainability helped put Fairfield City in a strong position both now and into the future. It was through his efforts that helped Fairfield stand alone in the threatened amalgamations with neighbouring councils.
He has overseen innovative schemes to reduce Council's reliance on rate income including the construction of Dutton Plaza shopping centre and carpark, which assists Council's financial sustainability and allows investment in community priorities.
He has been a driving force in implementing significant new initiatives and improvements across Fairfield City, including the transformation of Cabramatta, the construction and opening of facilities including the Fairfield Youth and Community Centre, Aquatopia, town centre upgrades, safety upgrades including CCTV, the development of the Sustainable Resource Centre, and the ongoing redevelopment of Fairfield Showground.
Such innovation, leadership and insight led to Fairfield City Council being awarded the prestigious AR Bluett Award for the most progressive council in NSW, in 2018.
Alan has sat on various committees as a member or as Chair, including Westpool and United Independent Pools, WSROC General Managers Group, NSW Health and NSW Housing Council/State government partnerships, and the Western Sydney City Deal General Managers Forum.
Alan's involvement in the Western Sydney City Deal has brought significant benefits to Fairfield City through initiatives to improve prosperity, sustainability and liveability in the Western Parkland City. Fairfield City will reap the benefits of the City Deal partnership for years to come.
Alan has also led the Council through the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with the local health district and police command, and leading Council staff through this challenging time. Through his leadership and management, Council has been able to maintain its sound financial position during this difficult period, while continuing to provide quality services and infrastructure improvement for the community.
Councillors, in honour of Alan's contribution to Fairfield City, present the Key to Fairfield City to Alan Young, in appreciation of his 23 years of committed service as City Manager.

Audio

Interview with Alan Young

Alan Young, Fairfield City General Manager - Oral History

Details

IntervieweeAlan YoungInterviewerBeverley DonaldDate of interview05/09/2013DurationTotal interview: 0:37:11Transcripts availableNoRightsFairfield City CouncilAccess ConditionsAccess open for research, written permission required for personal copies and public use

Connections

Oral History ProjectThe Way We Were - People of FairfieldAll Oral HistoriesMayors and Councillors - Oral histories