Derwent Valley Councillor Judy Bromfield has been recognised for her lifetime of dedicated service to Tasmanian Local Government, winning the inaugural Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) Life Members Award for Meritorious Service. Councillor Bromfield has served continuously on the Derwent Valley Council since 1991 and has gained a reputation as an innovative and passionate advocate for the region and its community.
Local Government Association of Tasmania Life Member Roger Chalk said Councillor Bromfield has worked tirelessly to better the Derwent Valley.
“Among her achievements, Councillor Bromfield was instrumental in obtaining funding to transport students from a neighbouring municipality to New Norfolk High School to participate in courses and subjects that were not available at their own local school, Ouse District High,” he said. “She lobbied the State Government to provide sufficient funding to transport those students who were not receiving sufficient educational outcomes, allowing them to gradually phase into a new schooling regime at New Norfolk.
“This move was not taken lightly by the community or the school, but with the cooperation of Central Highlands Council and the Education Department, it was achieved and provided a positive outcome for the students involved.
“Despite having served on Council for 20 years, Judy has never lost her passion for her community or her innovative streak that has been the driver of many new ideas within Council and the Derwent Valley community.”
Roger Chalk said LGAT launched the Life Members Award for Meritorious Service to enable councils and communities to recognise exceptional, individual service and significant achievements by elected members within the most recent electoral term.
“While other awards for excellence recognise outstanding achievements by councils, no opportunity has been previously provided to recognise specific Councillors or Aldermen,” he said. “It’s fantastic to be able to highlight the positive contributions made day to day, week after week, by individual elected members, working within their own communities or across the regions and the State.
“Nominees may have made a valuable contribution to Local Government by introducing a significant new or amended policy, providing new and improved services in their Council area, improving structural or operational outcomes or demonstrating innovation or entrepreneurship.It is important to recognise and reward excellence in all areas of Tasmanian Local Government, including those Councillors or Aldermen who by their efforts add significant value to the sector.”
The Award was judged by the current Association Life Members, Roger Chalk, Sue Smith, Alf Mott, Stewart Wardlaw and Lynn Mason. It was presented to Councillor Bromfield at the 2011 Local Government Conference Dinner.
