At the 2010 Local Government Managers Australia National Congress in Adelaide, Local Government FOCUS invited delegates to nominate individuals or teams from their councils who are
improving operations or enhancing service delivery for their local community.
In this edition, we showcase the next two of our high achievers for 2010.
George Levay, Manager Parks and Gardens, Port Adelaide Enfield Council, South Australia
Starting out as handyman and climbing the ranks of Council to eventually become Manager Parks and Gardens, George Levay knows well the importance of an encouraging and supportive workplace to help one thrive.
After leaving the building industry to take on his Local Government career with the City of Enfield some 31 years ago, George was a keen observer of his co-workers and supervisors, learning all he could while on the job.
He also took on study opportunities as they arose to further his professional knowledge.
It was this initiative that saw George quickly rise in the organisation to a supervisory position and then to a role as Manager Parks and Gardens in 1991.
In 1996, when the City of Enfield amalgamated with the City of Port Adelaide,
George enjoyed the challenges that came with it.
“People generally have a fear of change and meeting that change, but the process of being guided, and guiding others through this period was quite rewarding,” he said.
“I enjoyed seeing it all come together and being part of making things better.”
In his current role, George oversees the operations, maintenance and development of all parks, wetlands, golf courses, and reserves across the 98 square kilometres Council encompasses.
He said the role is closely linked with asset management planning to ensure that facilities are available where they are needed in an efficient and timely manner.
“The ability to be included in the process of improving the local environment from an open space and reserve perspective is really satisfying,” he said.
“It is a great feeling to know that when a family goes to their local park, it is going to be aesthetically pleasing, clean and safe. I am extremely proud to be part of that.”
Councillor Peter Jamieson nominated George to appear in FOCUS. He said that George receives excellent feedback from both the community and elected members, and he loves his job.
“When amalgamation came, so did a number of challenges,” Councillor Jamieson said. “There was a bigger job to do and a bigger workforce to manage.
“George is able to meet those challenges every time.
“He has a great rapport with everyone he works with, and with the community, and he has demonstrated an effective ability to talk to everyone he comes into contact with. Even when issues are sensitive, or residents are upset about something, he effectively gets the message across in a pleasant way and gets the job done the way it should be – there is no compromise.
“He loves his job – and this really shows through in everything he does.”
Councillor Jamieson said George’s commitment to providing positive feedback to staff is always admirable.
“He always recognises the effort of staff and is keen to pass on the positive feedback he receives from other councillors or staff to make his crew feel proud of what they have achieved.”
George is appreciative of the support, mentoring and guidance he received from all Council staff throughout his years in Local Government, and is humbled to now be in a position where he can offer the same support to others.
George and his Parks and Gardens team are currently working on many projects, but closet to his heart is seeing the Regency Park Reserve Redevelopment come to fruition.
“I was around to see this park in its planning stages and to now see it go through a process of renewal is humbling,” he said. “Seeing how things change from beginning to end is
what I enjoy.”
Recreation Centre Staff, Shire of Denmark, Western Australia
With a team of three permanent and 10 to 15 casual staff, the Denmark Recreation Centre offers an extensive range of services to all ages in the community, including various indoor sports, gym facilities, a crèche, function room and more.
With a population of just over 5,000 people, the Shire of Denmark is located on the south coast of Western Australia, approximately 50 kilometres west of Albany and 400 kilometres south of Perth.
Council’s Manager Recreation Services Damian Schwarzbach said there is a large number of primary and high school aged youth in the Shire and the centre plays a key role in ensuring they have recreational options.
“From the time school finishes until we close, we are buzzing with activity,” he said. “As a growing Shire, our aim is to ensure we can provide services for our increasing population well into the future. For that reason, we are currently upgrading several of our other recreational facilities, such as McLean Park, the Bowling Club and the Country Club.
“While these facilities are managed by the clubs themselves, my role is to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support them.”
Council is currently completing a three stage, three year development to upgrade its Country Club, including works on the course, clubhouse, and installation of new greens.
The McLean Park football precinct is also being redeveloped, with improved clubrooms already completed and reticulation and tiered seatings among items on the agenda.
Denmark Shire CEO Dale Stewart nominated the Recreation Centre staff to appear in FOCUS. He said the team provides a valuable resource for all ages and abilities in the community to help improve physical activity, health and wellbeing.
“The breadth and variety of activities provided for all ages, from toddlers through to seniors is outstanding,” he said. “From the crèche, gym, aerobics, tennis and basketball to a kids roller disco, nothing is too much for them. They are always looking at ways of increasing participation and activity.”
Damian Schwarzbach said having been together for four years does not mean the Recreation Centre staff rest on their laurels.
“Everyone knows and is comfortable in their role, but just because things work, it doesn’t mean things stay stagnant,” he said.
“Stuart Olton, the Assistant Manager, Michelle Farrow, the Customer Service Officer, and myself are continually looking to improve and introduce new projects and services to keep up to date with community demands and our increasing patronage.
“For example, we recently appointed a new gymnasium attendant to assist the growing number of gym users to use this equipment.
“Our staff are extremely passionate and enthusiastic, and they don’t hesitate to put in their own time to help local clubs thrive. They are heavily involved in clubs through various roles from coaching to club presidents. They also have a great commitment to customer service.”
Damian Schwarzbach said he is proud of the team’s many achievements, but has been particularly pleased to see the development of the gym come to fruition.
“The development of the gymnasium at the Recreation Centre began with some very basic, ten year old donated equipment,” he said. “Over the years, we have reinvigorated the gym by adding to that equipment and by developing a multipurpose fitness room.”
Damien Schwarzbach said it is most rewarding to see the hard work of initiatives like these come to fruition.
“It is gratifying to see the community enjoying the services we work hard to achieve, especially when it is different or new groups that don’t usually use the Centre.
“A lot of what the team has achieved is down to the supportive approach taken by Council.
“Council is a great contributor to sport and recreation and that is what really makes all of this possible.”
