"I'm heading to Kempsey Shire Council to take up the position of manager of infrastructure delivery," said Mr Reeves.

"I'm moving so we can be closer to our family and family farm, and for a coastal lifestyle."

Mr Reeves first moved to Walcha in December 2013, to start with the Walcha Council in January 2014 as asset engineer.

"I didn't start as director, I have held three roles with Walcha Council, asset engineer, works manager and finally director of engineering services," Mr Reeves said.

"I'm looking forward to raising my daughter Ruby, with my wife Sammy in a relaxed coastal setting but I'll miss the wonderful staff I have had the privilege of working with."

There have been many highlights during his time in Walcha Mr Reeves said, and not all of them are project-based.

"I've enjoyed getting to know both the indoor and outdoor staff and working on several projects like the War Memorial Cenotaph, park fountains and footpaths - these have been great, " he said

"I've also enjoyed tackling the local government areas' timber bridge problems - we are now approximately halfway through replacing them - and of course obtaining the Thunderbolts Way Funding with the team has been fantastic.

"Working with council and staff to devise a solution for Walcha's potable water supply has also been an enjoyable challenge."

Mr Reeves' biggest challenges when he moved to Walcha are likely to be the same things confronting him in Kempsey he says.

"The biggest challenge when we first moved here was settling into work and rural life and understanding Walcha Council's priorities and working to resolve them," he said.

"I believe there will be similar challenges in my new role, delivering projects in an environment where there is a large amount of funding and trying to balance investment in asset maintenance and renewal when and where required.

"My new role will be more focused on road, bridge and recreational infrastructure. I currently have a wider range of activities I am responsible for, with generally fewer resources such as funding."

Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes said Mr Reeves departure would leave a hole in Walcha Council's workforce.

"The news that Dylan has chosen to move on means we lose a great person," he said.

"The filling of the role can be achieved, but to combine that with someone who carries the respect of his workforce and any of the community that Dylan dealt with is a much harder task.

"Since his resignation, many people from outside Council have expressed their regret that such an approachable and accessible member was leaving. On behalf of Walcha Council we wish Dylan, Sammy and Ruby smooth sailing in the next phase of their life."

Mr Reeves said he and his wife would miss Walcha and the community.

"We would like to thank everyone for being so welcoming and friendly," he said.

"I'd also like to thank the staff I've worked with for being so supportive, former general manager Jack O'Hara, our Mayor and Council for supporting me in my first role presenting to Council. I wish Council, the new general manager Anne Modderno and the staff all the best for a successful future."

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