Mr Vlatko says he wants to feel the pulse of Young so he can understand its heartbeat.

Mr Vlatko said the challenge was to balance progress with the priority of the existing community and environment, and he wanted to ensure people with concerns could come to council and discuss their issues.

“I won’t hide a thing,” he said. “I am here to listen and learn.”

The new general manager said nor would he ignore the former incumbent, Adrian Hanrahan, saying he would be stupid not to take advantage of his talents and experience.

Mr Vlatko, his wife Anna and the youngest of their four sons ,Nicholas are settling into Young from their former home in Adelaide, where Mr Vlatko worked as general manager of a suburban council.

Mr Vlatko attended a Young Shire/ Enterprise Connect breakfast yesterday and will take part in his first council meeting on September 24.