From 13–19 June 2005, 108 Queensland Councils hosted community focused events as part of the Local Government Week (LGW), an annual event aimed at creating a better public understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Local Government. The theme for the week was Engaging Communities. Local Government Association of Queensland President, Councillor Paul Bell, believes community engagement is vital to the democratic process and contributes to building a balanced, healthy community.
“It encompasses a wide variety of Local Government community interaction, ranging from information sharing to community consultation, and in some instances active participation in decision making,” Councillor Bell said. “This week was an opportunity for Councils to engage with their communities to create a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Local Government, allowing people to see first hand how the work of Councils and the employees assist in community growth and development.”
Some of the activities carried out include Council open days and festivals, mock Council meetings for students, plant tours, pet micro-chipping, photo competitions, school visits, and a public street naming ceremony.
This diversity of activities reflects the localised nature of Local Government Week and the unique relationship each Council has with its own community.
“It is encouraging to see so many Councils taking an active role in making the community more aware of the wide range of services Local Governments provide,” Councillor Bell said. Visit www.lgw.lgaq.asn.au to view Councils’ LGW events for 2005.
Local Government Week was coordinated by the Local Government Association of Queensland and sponsored by the Department of Public Works, the Department of Local Government and Planning, Hastings Deering, Local Government FOCUS, Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority, Dial Before You Dig and the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (QLD Branch).
Burke Shire Council Machinery Day a first for the community
This year was the first LGW Burke Shire Council has participated in and they weren’t disappointed. Inviting students from their local school and kindergarten, Burke Shire held a Machinery Day at their depot. Using a road sign theme, visitors had to follow the signs and advise their meanings, such as detour signs, speed signs, no riding in the back of a ute and so forth, as they toured the depot. At the next point all visitors were required to wear safety hard hats and goggles as they experienced demonstrations by staff of the large road equipment and machinery in operation.
Ipswich Central State School helps launch Local Government Week
Local Government Week 2005 was officially launched on Tuesday 14 June at Ipswich Central State School by Queensland’s Minister for Environment, Local Government, Planning and Women, Desley Boyle, as part of Ipswich City Council’s ‘Investing in Youth’ afternoon. Ipswich City Council showcased Local Government services to the students through a variety of displays and an Educational and Environment Van in the playground. Students provided music and a display, as well as an explanation of some recent activities they had undertaken in conjunction with Local Government.
The students have been active participants in various Local Government services and programs. Earlier this year, they participated in a mock citizen ceremony with Ipswich Mayor, Councillor Paul Pisasale, and more recently developed calico harmony bags for children in Thailand as part of the Australian Government’s Living in Harmony initiative. The effort these students have put into producing the harmony bags was exceptional,” said LGAQ President, Councillor Paul Bell. “It is great to hear that Local Government will be studied in this school next term.”
Department of Public Works Local Government Colouring Competition
Blake Williams, a grade seven student from Kilcoy State Primary School, in the Kilcoy Shire and Shania Watson, a grade two student from Forest Hill State School in Laidley Shire are the winners of the Department of Public Works Local Government Week 2005 State Colouring Competition.
“The award winning entries were chosen from thousands of entries received from students in metropolitan, regional and rural areas across the State,” Councillor Bell, said.
Students in grades one to three were required to colour a picture, which was themed to recognise regional communities.
Students in grades four to seven were also required to colour the picture and identify Council services that differed in regional and city areas.
“The competition has indicated clearly that young citizens are taking the opportunity to learn more about their local Council,” Councillor Bell said. “The task of selecting the winning entries for the state and regions was difficult. All students had put a great deal of work and effort into their entries.”
