The 2005 Local Government Management Excellence Awards were presented at NSW Local Government Managers Australia’s Conference dinner. Sponsored by the Sydney Morning Herald, this was the 14th year of the awards.
Newcastle City Council’s Leadership Development Program took out the Management Excellence category. Addressing issues including the ageing workforce, doing more with less, the skills shortage and Generation X versus the baby boomers, Newcastle recognises that the key to solving these issues is all about people.
Its Developing Leaders program aims to nurture leaders throughout the organisation with the skills, passion and vision to forge a more sustainable future for Local Government. This program is already delivering cultural, personal, operational and financial benefits across the organisation.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council won the Rural Management Excellence category with its ‘Revitalising a Rural Shire’. Now three years into its program, Council is committed to delivering facilities and services at optimal cost, as well as boost economic activity to reverse a steady decline in population over the previous decade. Under this program, Council surveyed all households to identify priorities. Economic development and new jobs to address youth unemployment and keep young people in the Shire was by far the number one priority. Extensive community consultation has established strategies to improve quality of life and create opportunities for sustainable social and economic development, including partnerships with other private and government bodies.
Penrith City Council’s Sustainable Penrith Program won the Excellence in Sustainability category. Council has established a guide that ensures its decisions and actions are sustainable. This means integrating economic, social and environmental considerations, balancing short term priorities with long term needs and engaging with the community. Six years on the program continues to provide Council with a platform for innovation and achieving sustainable outcomes.
Aspiring Young Manager of the year was awarded to Therese Manns, Director Corporate and Community Services at Lachlan Shire Council. Anne Warner from Randwick City Council and Anne Garzoli from Griffith City Council both received High Commendations.
Merit Awards were also presented to Ryde (in two categories), Randwick, Newcastle and Penrith City Councils.
