LGMA New South Wales, in conjunction with the Sydney Morning Herald, announced the winners of the 2006 Management Excellence Awards for Local Government during its recent annual conference. Now in their 15th year, the awards were established to recognise outstanding and innovative managers and their Councils. They aim to inspire Councils and communities to make a genuine and lasting contribution to their areas and to Local Government.
Marrickville Council took out the gold award in the Management Excellence Category for ‘Planning for our Future – Marrickville Plan 2025’. Integrating its Community, Strategic, and Annual Management Plans and Budget, this project is a comprehensive review of Council’s corporate planning system and builds on the principles of strong internal governance and public accountability. Liverpool, Penrith and Auburn Councils also received merits in this category.
Kempsey Shire Council was recognised in the Management Excellence – Rural Category for its ‘Putting the Customer First’ project. Council took out the Gold Award for the project, which offers a new level of service to both internal and external customers. Goulburn Mulwaree Council received a merit in the same category.
The gold award for the Governance Excellence within Local Government Category went to Parramatta City Council for its Residents’ Panel. With more that 1,800 members, this collective group of residents act as a representative voice of the community.
Penrith City Council received the gold award in the Excellence in Sustainability within Local Government Category. Council’s ‘Sustainable Blueprint for Urban Areas June 2005’ provides a guide for Council, developers and other relevant stakeholders involved in the planning and future development of new release areas using a ten point design principle. Lane Cove Municipal Council was also recognised in this category with a merit award.
The Service to Community within Local Government category had gold, silver and merit award recipients. Gunnedah Shire Council took out the gold award for its Strategic Youth Initiatives program. The program incorporates traineeships and apprenticeships for school leavers, financial assistance grants for local university students and support programs for local youth offenders.
Marrickville Council’s Public Art Strategy: People, Place and Art won the silver award, with Waverley Council receiving a merit for its affordable housing program.
The Aspiring Young Manager of the Year award is aimed at young managers, aspiring to a management role within Local Government. This year, Greg Doyle, Social Planning and Environment Manager at Wollongong City Council, took out the gold award. Two merit awards were also given out in this category to Marrickville Council’s Manager Children and Family Services, Anthony Semann and Randwick City Council’s Manager Corporate and Financial Planning, Aneesh Singh.
For further information on the submissions contact LGMA on (02) 9891 6788.
