Home » Editorial

Editorial

It’s awards season for Local Government, with gala events all over the country – albeit mostly virtual. Still, it’s an excuse to trim your beard or put on your lipstick and get together with colleagues to celebrate the achievements of what everyone agrees has been a tough year.

Technological achievements and innovation rate highly at this level of government. 

Well done to Alpine Shire, Victoria and Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland, for their joint win at the MAV IT Awards. 

While Sunshine Coast Council has received volumes of recognition for its ground breaking International Broadband Submarine Cable project, Alpine Shire’s ‘Project Pinnacle’ proved size isn’t everything when it comes to innovation.

Project Pinnacle was the collaboration of neighbouring councils Alpine, Indigo and Towong which, for a total of around $10,000, engaged IT service provider Datacom to provide a cloud based solution that would provide a seamless digital front desk for customers and a frictionless experience for staff across the three councils. It is sometimes the little things that make the most impact.

Alpine and Sunshine Coast councils will advance to the international stage becoming Australia’s entries in the LOLA International awards for Excellence in Municipal IT.

Technology implemented for the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Briggs Park floodlighting system has been recognised with the Best Use of Technology Award at the Parks and Leisure 2020 WA Awards of Excellence ceremony.

Northern Midlands Council, Tasmania, was recently recognised for delivering best practise in community football facility development with its Campbell Town War Memorial Oval project. Council was lauded for its emphasis on community consultation and high-quality inclusive amenities.

Tweed Regional Museum has won a MAGNA! – a prestigious Australian Museums and Galleries Association award for its Land, Life, Culture exhibition.

To the huge list of high achieving council staff who have invested their time and effort in creating excellence, who have gone above and beyond good enough, who have cared enough to enter their project for examination and ranking against their peers, good job. Congratulations to you all. Keep aiming to be better. It’s the only thing that’s worthwhile. 

Digital Editions


  • A golden celebration

    A golden celebration

    Cockburn Libraries will mark a major milestone in 2026 – 50 years of serving, supporting and connecting the community. Spearwood Library opened its doors on…

More News

  • Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Proposed Ariah Park Village Subdivision to Address Housing Shortage – Lots from $90-000 to $110,000 in the small picturesque hamlet. Temora Shire Council is investigating the delivery of a proposed…

  • Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Creative store opens in Mossman through empty spaces program. A new store and community art space has opened in Mossman thanks to a program designed to breathe new life into…

  • New youth and community centre for McLeay

    New youth and community centre for McLeay

    A new Youth and Community Centre planned for Macleay Island will service the needs of the growing community and will also be designed so it can support community recovery following…

  • Grants close soon

    Grants close soon

    Queensland councils have until 31 March to apply for Round two of the State Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program, which offers up to $400,000 per project for CCTV, lighting and…

  • Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Work has officially begun on the redevelopment of Paul Fitzsimons Oval with Alice Springs Town Council and the Australian Government turning the first sod this morning. Mayor Asta Hill and…

  • Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer Valley Regional Council has answered the call for assistance from a community impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, with a staff member from Council’s Disaster Management Unit deployed to support…

  • From books to bots

    From books to bots

    Tenterfield Library is proving that technology is more than just tools and devices. From coding and robotics to tech support, the Library has become a place where curiosity, connection and…

  • Major repairs for levee

    Major repairs for levee

    Goondiwindi Regional Council has endorsed its largest-ever capital works project to repair and reinforce critical sections of the Goondiwindi levee, following significant erosion after recent floods. At this week’s Ordinary…

  • Stretching for a good cause

    Stretching for a good cause

    Ballarat residents stretched, smiled and snuggled their way through a unique Kitten Yoga event that combined relaxation with a heartwarming cause – helping kittens find their forever homes. Hosted by…

  • Murray Library upgrade open

    Murray Library upgrade open

    The Murray Library refurbishment is now complete, and the revitalised space is officially open to the community. The upgrade delivers a brighter, more accessible and flexible library that reflects the…