The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, recently announced the category winners of the
2011 National Awards for Local Government.
The 17 winners in 10 categories were judged by independent judging panels and include seven winners from small councils with fewer than 15,000 rateable properties.
“I congratulate each of this year’s category winners on their success and was overwhelmed by the quality of the projects entered,” the Minister said.
“The National Awards for Local Government recognise some of the innovative ways that councils are approaching the issues facing Local Government and encourage councils to continue to work together and share good practice to improve their capacity to find unique local solutions for common problems.
“All the projects entered, and especially the category winning entries, demonstrate the ingenuity and dedication councils display in delivering essential services and improved amenity for their communities every day.
“I commend all 101 councils that took part in this year’s awards, submitting 152 entries from across the nation.”
The category winners are now eligible to be considered for the overall 2011 National Award for Excellence in Local Government.
In coming weeks an independent panel will again assess the 17 councils and determine which will receive a 2011 Award for Excellence.
The recipients of the 2011 National Award for Excellence in Local Government will be announced at a special presentation in late June.
Information about the National Awards for Local Government and the Category Winners can be found at www.regional.gov.au/local/awards/index.aspx
2011Category winners
CATEGORY 1 – Asset and Financial Management
Winner: Townsville City Council, QLD – Best Practice Pricing and Financial Sustainability Model, Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Water Alliance
Small Council winner (under 15,000 ratepayers): Kangaroo Island Council, SA – Asset Management Plans
CATEGORY 2 – Engaging and Strengthening Indigenous Communities
Winner: City of Swan, WA – Yagan Memorial Park
Small Council winner: Victoria Daly Shire Council, NT – Leadership for Indigenous Women
CATEGORY 3 – Excellence in Alcohol Management
Winner: Sunshine Coast Regional Council, QLD – Collaborative Approach to Liquor Management (CALM)
CATEGORY 4 – Innovative Infrastructure Development
Winner: City of Tea Tree Gully, SA – Water Security for Tea Tree Gully
Small Council winner: Cabonne Shire Council, NSW – Waluwin Community Centre
CATEGORY 5 – Inspired Cities
Winner: Frankston City Council, VIC – Frankston Student Discount Card Scheme (Splash Card)
CATEGORY 6 – Leading Community Climate Change Action
Winner: City of Cockburn, WA – Sustainability and Climate Change Program
CATEGORY 7 – Promoting Reconciliation
Winner: Manningham Council, VIC – Manningham Reconciliation Week Program and Exhibition
Small Council winner: Narrabri Council, NSW – Aboriginal Flag Raising Celebration
CATEGORY 8 – Regional Collaborations
Winner: Cairns Regional Council, QLD – Tropical Innovation Awards Project
Small Council winner: Shire of Morawa, WA – Morawa Education and Industry Training Alliance (MEITA)
CATEGORY 9 – Women in Local Government
Winner: City of Ryde, NSW – Ticket to Ryde – Women Leading the Way at City of Ryde
Small Council winner: Mid-Western Regional Council, NSW – Inspire, Encourage, Enlighten
CATEGORY 10 – Youth Engagement
Winner: Moonee Valley City Council, VIC – The Sustainable Employment and Economic Development (SEED) Youth Project
Small Council winner: Circular Head Council, TAS – Seven Up Youth Centre.
