Away from the council, he is one of the world’s leading experts on racing bikes, particularly wheels, which he makes.

He’s gone to join a company called Titomic which works at the cutting edge of metallurgy. He will become its General Manager of the Bicycles Division.

On his last day – Thursday - he held a leaving party at the Visitor Information Centre where has been based.

He said: “The time that I’ve spent in Glen Innes as manager of Tourism and Events has been one of the most enjoyable jobs that I’ve been involved in.

“This job has been made much easier because of the tremendous staff I’ve worked with.

“For me, Glen Innes is still the gem in the Australian tourism market”.

Mr Teschner has overseen the growth of festivals in Glen Innes since he took over the council role in 2012.

But away from work, his passion and his world-class skill have been racing bikes. Since starting in Byron Bay in 1990, he’s designed and built bicycle frames that have been recognised globally for their innovation and performance. Some of the world’s top riders sit on Teschner machines.

Now his skills go to the Melbourne company. It said: “Mr. Teschner is one of the most experienced bicycle designers in the industry with over 25 years’ experience. His work with the finest materials has resulted in his peers referring to him as a ‘Master Craftsman’.

“His bicycle frames are considered the Number 1 choice for many of the world’s professional athletes, including World Time Trial champion and Olympic medalist, Michael Rogers, as well as Tour de France winner Cadel Evans for whom he produced a ‘time trial’ bike at a key time during his training.”  

Mr Teschner said he would still spend three weeks a month in Glen Innes and would help out the council as required.