Waratah-Wynyard Council is celebrating a historic national win, with The Gutteridge Guardians crowned champions of the 2025 Australasian Management Challenge. It’s only the second time a Tasmanian team has taken the title in the competition’s near 30-year history.
Mayor Dr Mary Duniam said the result highlights the strength within Council and the community. “This isn’t just a Council achievement; it’s something our entire community can be proud of. It proves a regional Council from Tasmania’s North West can lead the nation.”
After winning the Tasmanian round earlier this year, the team competed in Perth against top contenders from Australia and New Zealand, claiming the overall title and Best Performing Team in a key risk management challenge.
Run by Local Government Professionals Australia, the Challenge builds leadership, problem-solving and teamwork—skills that directly enhance how Council serves the community. “We invest in growing our people because it delivers better services, stronger planning and smarter leadership for our region,” Mayor Duniam said.
“This win reflects the excellence of our staff and a culture that values learning and puts our community at the centre of everything we do.”
The team described the journey as “incredible” and thanked Council, colleagues and the community for their support.
Adding to the excitement, next year’s Australasian final will be hosted in Tasmania, giving the Guardians the chance to defend their title on home soil.
Council congratulates runner-up teams from City of Mandurah (WA) and City of Casey (VIC), and thanks LG Professionals Tasmania and JLT Australia for supporting the event.
