West Torrens City Council, representing South Australia, has won the 2001 Australasian Active Learning Management Challenge.
“We are very proud to be the first winner from South Australia and are grateful to Council for all the support we have been given,” said team captain, John Hanlon. “Council is not large and not necessarily a leader, but we have very talented staff that, every day they come to work, provide great service to our community.”
West Torrens’ Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Starr, said that the team can be proud of its achievements at both the state and national level.
“I have encouraged teams to be involved in the event, as an important part of our team building and developmental process,” he said. “The exposure to an array of management scenarios in a time critical manner, and developing networks with other Councils and participants, are experiences which will remain with the participants for many years to come.”
The other finalists were Manukau (New Zealand), Knox (Vic), Hobart (Tas), Baulkham Hills (NSW), Swan (WA) and Redland (Qld). This year’s runner up was Knox City Council, while Manakau City took out third place.
A record number of 84 teams took part in this highly regarded, professional development program. Teams participated in regional finals before being selected to compete for the national award. With the winner announced during the LGMA Congress, the teams were judged in a full day training exercise, where they were tested on their ability to complete set tasks, while at the same time dealing with unforeseen events.
