The largest regional Municipality in Australia has markedly improved its internal communications in response to employee demand.
Victoria’s City of Greater Geelong with nearly 200,000 residents, and 1100 employees in 53 locations, found it essential to improve internal communication in order to deliver better, more efficient service.
Although Geelong has been at the forefront in the use of information technology, research undertaken in 1999 indicated the need for Internet and Intranet usage was far greater than could be accommodated under the existing system. As a result Council has installed a sophisticated Intranet system named CityWeb.
Diezel Interactive, an Australian Internet development and communication specialist, undertook the needs analysis survey, and the strategic development of the new communication system. Council’s Internet Development Coordinator, Andrew Downie, said an attempt to establish a serviceable Intranet in 1997 had failed and it was clear critical success factors for site development needed to be clearly articulated.
These included acceptance of the concept by management; a planned, phased introduction of intranet functions; effective internal promotion and training; ease of use; simple software; and the provision of up to date and relevant content.
The CityWeb site includes a site index so staff can access information through related titles or can track information via the Council’s six corporate division chapters. High use items have prominence and search and print buttons appear on the screen.
Other features include latest news items, the CEO’s report to Councillors and the social club news. Andrew Downie said CityWeb is well on the way to providing viable solutions to the age old challenge large companies or corporations face, communicating with the people who matter most; employees.
For further information contact Andrew Downie, telephone (03) 5227 0270 or Jim Thompson at Diezel Interactive, on (03) 5229 9274
