The City of Cockburn’s vision until 2030 is to make it the best place to be for its growing population.
The city is achieving this by supporting its almost 120,000 residents and 8500-plus businesses to thrive by providing a raft of inclusive and sustainable services that reflect their aspirations.
Vital to fulfilling this vision is a dedicated team of employees who are supported to be the best versions of themselves.
While updating its employee Code of Conduct as required under the Local Government Act 1995, city staff adopted The Cockburn Way in late 2022.
Reinforcing Cockburn’s workplace culture to help staff make good choices, its four pillars are founded on being the BEST – Benevolent, Empathetic, Safe and Trustworthy.
Cockburn’s acting CEO, Emma Milne, said while the city had evolved greatly across its 150-year history, some things remained steadfast.
“Upholding the Code of Conduct remains the responsibility of every employee as they practise the good judgement vital to retaining the city’s demonstrated culture of integrity and transparency,” Ms Milne said.
“Without a doubt, our people are the reason that Cockburn is the best place to be, and we want everyone who works for the city to feel like they belong and can bring their whole selves to work.”
The city’s leadership team recently completed a series of roadshows over three weeks, visiting more than 400 employees across 10 sites to roll-out The Cockburn Way.
Reaching facilities across the city, from parks to seniors centres, recreation facilities, libraries and administration centres, the sessions enabled the leadership team to talk about the city’s priorities for the next 12 months.
“We shared why Cockburn is the best place for our employees to be themselves, to thrive in an inclusive culture that values idea-sharing and collaboration,” Ms Milne said.
“We were able to field questions and hear from city employees from across our many and varied teams.
Ms Green said The Cockburn Way was about being inclusive.
“It’s crucial to the city’s ability to help our residents and businesses live their best lives here in Cockburn as we prepare for an extra 30,000-plus residents to call us home over the next eight years.”
The roadshow team comprised Ms Milne and fellow acting CEOs, chief of operations Anton Lees and executive corporate affairs Victoria Green, plus chief of built and natural environment Daniel Arndt, and other members of the city’s senior leadership team.
