Dr Stanley is believed to have left the council’s employment earlier this week.

However, a council spokesperson said they did not comment on individual employment matters and Dr Stanley was also not available for comment.

She will be temporarily replaced for the next six months by Neville Ivey, who is head of the council’s aged care services, including Home and Community Care and Meals on Wheels.

Dr Stanley joined the council in July to replace former director Carolyn Barrie, who resigned several months earlier.

Mr Ivey was part of a group that filled in until a replacement for Ms Barrie was found.

Dr Stanley has an extensive background in local government and private consulting work, including being the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations director.

Dr Stanley has also worked in areas of housing, community development, engagement and planning and has served on ministerial advisory committees, the Planning Institute of Australia board and the Eastern Regional Organisations for Planning and Human Settlements.

She has also consulted for AusAid, the World Bank and the United Nations and has worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

During her six months at the council, a major restructure of the sport and recreation department was carried out.

Dr Stanley was one of three council directors who operate under chief executive officer Anthony Schinck, with the other two being destinations and economy director Jeff Pulford and growth and development director Eric Braslis.

In September, The Courier revealed the highest paid council officer received between $287,000 and $296,999, followed by a second senior officer who received between $217,000 and $226,999 while the next two senior officers earnt between $187,000 and $196,999.

The people and communities portfolio includes recreation, youth, community development, family and children’s services, aged and disability services, and municipal emergency management.

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au