The 2006 National Awards for Local Government Presentation Dinner was a very successful occasion held at historic Old Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 27 November 2006. Over 200 guests were welcomed to the impressive Kings Hall and had time to admire the portraits of past Prime Ministers before going on to the Members Dining Room for the main function.
The Australian Government Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the Hon Jim Lloyd, MP hosted the Presentation Dinner. The Minister presented several category winners with their certificates and trophies which were specially designed for the 20th anniversary of the inception of the National Awards.
“For 20 years the National Awards have been highlighting the excellent and innovative work being undertaken by local government in communities across Australia,” Mr Lloyd said. “This year’s award winners have demonstrated strong commitment to their local communities – with Councils showing innovation in the face of crises caused by drought, breakdown of community values and isolation. The extraordinary efforts of these Councils and the positive effects on the social and economic health of local communities stand as superb models that can guide other Councils right across the country.”
Two other Australian Government Ministers came to present category trophies: Senator Eric Abetz, the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation and Senator Santo Santoro, the Minister for Ageing. Several Federal Members also attended the dinner, sitting with their constituents to support them as they received certificates and trophies: Mr Luke Hartsuyker, Federal Member for Cowper (Clarence Valley council); the Hon Robert Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy (Carpentaria); the Hon Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray (Campaspe); Mr David Tollner, Federal Member for Solomon (Darwin) and Mr Michael Ferguson, Federal Member for Bass (George Town).
The Australian Local Government Association was represented by its President, Councillor Paul Bell, and their Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Beresford-Wylie. The Local Government Managers Australia was represented by their Chief Executive Officer, John Ravlic, and three Directors, Brian Inches, Lyn Russell and Ron Green.
This celebration was the culmination of a comprehensive application and judging process. Over a six week period in May and June, Councils submitted over 200 projects in 18 categories for consideration. During July and August, projects were assessed by over 70 judges, competent in their category’s subject matter. The judges chose 26 Council projects as category winners, and recommended that a further 32 Council projects be rewarded with commendations for their work. The 26 category winners went on to face the National Judging panel in September with Ms Kathryn Greiner as the Chair of the panel. The decisions of the five judges were kept under wraps until the very end of the Presentation Dinner.
The climax to the evening came when Ian Cover, the humorous and capable Master of Ceremonies, introduced Minister Lloyd to announce the National Winners. Each of the National Winners was loudly applauded, as they came forward to receive their trophies from the Minister.
For the first time, two National Awards were given for Merit. The first went to the Carpentaria Shire Council (Qld) for their youth work and the second to the Swan Hill Rural City Council (Vic) for confronting issues of mental health and suicide in their community in a positive way.
The National Awards for Innovation went to Sarina Shire Council (Qld) for empowering their youth and the Campaspe Shire Council (Vic) for developing their communities’ capacity to shape their own future.
The National Awards for Excellence went to the District Council of Yorke Peninsula (SA) for the benefits they brought to their community through broadbanding and the Goulburn Mulwaree Council (NSW) for their work in helping their community face the severe drought.
Finally, the National Award for Outstanding Achievement went to the City of Playford (SA) for their ‘Marni Waeindi’ project which facilitates the provision of learning and training for Indigenous young people – a lifelong learning strategy integrating health, justice, education, training, employment, housing and culture.
For further information on the National Awards recipients plus their contact details go to www.dotars.gov.au/local/awards and click on National Winners Announced.
Minister Lloyd warmly thanked the sponsors of the National Awards for Local Government, noting that without their sponsorship the Awards would not be so successful.
The following Australian Government agencies were sponsors in 2006: the Australian Greenhouse Office; the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Employment and Workplace Relations; Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; Health and Ageing; Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; Industry, Tourism and Resources; Environment and Heritage; Transport and Regional Services and also the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership.
The 2007 National Awards for Local Government process begins earlier this year than in previous years. Councils can submit projects for judging on line at the above web site, starting on Monday 2 April. Entries will close on Friday 11 May 2007.
