Talented women from across NSW councils have been recognised for their accomplishments at the prestigious Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
After receiving a record number of nominations this year, the winners were celebrated at a ceremony at Parliament House co-hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
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The planned Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council demerger has hit another delay, with the NSW Government now calling for a public inquiry before it takes place, casting doubt on whether it’ll occur before next year’s council elections.
In a press release last week, Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig office said since coming to office, the Minister and Office of Local Government had explored the legal avenues available to achieve a successful demerger under the roadmap provided by the previous Liberal-National government.
They said this roadmap has only succeeded in leading to a dead end, with no statutory mechanism under the legislation (section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993) to create two independent and fully functioning councils.
“The NSW Government supports the communities in Cootamundra and Gundagai’s desire to demerge and frame their own future for local governance,” the minister said.
“The Liberals and Nationals created this problem by forcibly merging two communities with nothing in common.
“The previous government knew there were legal issues but it was left to us to find a way through the mess.
“Since coming to office, the government has made it clear that the demerger framework must support and enhance local democracy while ensuring the practical and financial im-
pacts are fully understood.
“The new approach announced today is a necessary step as I am unable to give legal effect to the former Minister for Local Government’s intention under section 218CC of the Local Government Act to demerge the council.
“This approach recognises council and the community’s desire to demerge and lets the community shape their own destiny in creating their two new councils.
“Any future councils must be sustainable and able to continue to deliver services and infrastructure to their community, now and into the future.
Minister Ron Hoenig met outlined the new pathway which “empowered the council to develop a detailed implementation plan to guide the establishment of two new sustainable local government areas”. The plan must include propositions for:
· Where the boundaries should be;
· Electoral matters such as wards, number of councillors and the method of electing Mayor;
· Division of assets and liabilities;
· Allocation of staff, as well as management
and organisational structures;
· Rate levels and charges; and
· Service standards and shared service arrangements.
The plan will then be assessed by a public inquiry led by the Boundaries Commission. This inquiry will determine if independent Cootamundra and Gundagai councils are capable of operating in a financially sustainable way that will provide necessary infrastructure and services to their respective communities.
Providing the NSW Government is satisfied that the plan and the public inquiry process provides enough certainty to the local community, CGRC will be dissolved and two new council areas proclaimed.
However National Party member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Labor Government had clearly lost its way on the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council demerge process, and has turned its back on the local community, who are now once again facing an uncertain future.
Ms Cooke said she is shocked and dismayed by the Local Government Minister’s decision to blind-side the community with a
significant roadblock on the path to de-amalgamation, by announcing yet another inquiry into the issue.
“I don’t know if the minister has been paying close attention, but newsflash: we have been there and done that. This is dejà vu all over again,” Ms Cooke said.
“Twelve months ago we had a commitment from the previous Coalition Government to demerge the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, and importantly we had a plan to make it happen.
“That decision put in place a road map to facilitate the demerge, and we were well on our way to our destination; it was full speed ahead. In March this year, that journey came to a grinding halt, and now we have a minister who has taken a disastrously wrong turn, leading us back to where we started.
“This will be the third time the Boundaries Commission has examined this demerge proposal, which begs the question: how many times will it take for the NSW Labor Government to understand that this is what the local communities overwhelmingly want to see happen?
Continued page 2
Demerger wait affects more than one council
It seems the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council will be left in limbo for the foreseeable future as the NSW Labor Government investigates the best way for a demerger.
It must be hard to get on with running an LGA when the future is so uncertain and you have to feel for the Mayor, Councillors and council employees as they face more inquiries and put together more reasons for demerger. With the countdown to next year’s council elections now well and truly on, the chances of this matter being resolved in time for the ballot must be dwindling – bad news not only for Cootamundra-Gundagai but for the other councils who are hoping to follow the demerger path.
Tania Phillps, Editorial CoordinatorMAYORAL PROFILES PAGE 4
THE GOOD OIL PAGE 6
PARKS AND GARDENS PAGE 10
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PAGES 11-13
HOUSING PAGE 16
Now in their 16th year, the annual awards recognise the invaluable contribution and achievements of women in the local government sector who are helping increase the participation and advancement of women and breaking down gender stereotypes.
After receiving a record number of nominations this year, the winners were celebrated at a ceremony at Parliament House co-hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison. Among this year’s winners was Upper Hunter Shire Council’s works delivery trainee engineer Jenna Dowell, who took out the Regional Young Achiever award much to the excitement of her council.
“Jenna’s story at Council is one that epitomises growth and commitment. She initially joined us as an Admin Trainee for Infrastructure Services,” Upper Hunter general manager Greg McDonald said.
“Her exemplary contributions during her traineeship did not go unnoticed. Jenna later applied for, and was successfully appointed to, her current role as a trainee engineer. Currently, she’s diligently working towards completing her engineering degree.
“Jenna embodies the very essence of operational excellence that we strive for at Upper Hunter Shire Council. Her journey from an Admin Trainee to a trainee engineer is a testament to her dedication and work ethic. She has not just met our expectations but has consistently exceeded them.”
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According to Mayor Maurice Collison her achievements reach beyond just the operational aspects. Jenna has also proven to be an instrumental figure in the community, inspiring those around her to aim high and contribute positively to local projects.
“Jenna is more than just an employee at council; she’s a community builder,” the mayor said.
“Her work resonates in every corner of Upper Hunter Shire, making it a better place to live, work, and play. We couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of our team.”
All the award winners.
The winners of the 2023 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government are:
Alternative Pathways Award – Metro
· Mary Boustani - ICT Systems Engineer
· Inner West Council
Alternative Pathways Award – Regional/ Rural
· Rachael Abberton - Senior Water and Sewer Planning Engineer
· MidCoast Council
Champion of Change Award – Metro
· Ben Taylor - Chief Executive Officer
· Wollondilly Shire Council
Champion of Change Award – Regional/ Rural
· Melissa Maccallum – Manager, Building and Environment
· Orange City Council
Elected Representative Award – Metro
· Councillor Judy Hannan MP
· Wollondilly Shire Council
Elected Representative Award –Regional/Rural
· Councillor Sarah Ndiaye
· Byron Shire Council
Employment Diversity Award – Metro
· Inner West Council
Employment Diversity Award –
From page 1
“It’s clear the NSW Labor Government has zero understanding of this issue, and is kicking the can down the road by setting up another inquiry, which it appears, is the only way the Labor Party know how to govern.
“If, as they claim, legislation is needed to help facilitate the demerge process, then I say to the minister: make it happen. Step up and take some leadership on this issue; show that you aren’t completely back-flipping on your promise to honour and fund the original demerge decision, which were commitments the then opposition made to these communities prior to the election.
“The NSW Labor Government has kicked this issue down the road, and by setting up yet another inquiry, the minister is clearly ducking for cover, and completely betraying the communities of Cootamundra and Gundagai in the process.
“And let’s not forget, local government elections are now less than 12 months away, which leaves very little time for the demerge process – should it go ahead – to be completed.”
The NSW Government’s decision came just days after Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) Mayor, Cr Charlie Sheahan issued the following statement calling for action on the demerger.
“It’s about time that the NSW Government acted on the demerger of CGRC. It’s now over a year since the previous Minister, now Shadow Minister Wendy Tuckerman MP, announced that the CGRC would be demerged,” he said.
“I have been extremely patient with the
current Minister, the Hon Ron Hoenig MP, after meeting with him in May, when I expressed the importance of timely action on this important project. Currently the CGRC organisation has key personnel in interim roles as we are unable to offer permanent positions because the organisation is on notice.
“The uncertainty of the current workplace is not a good situation for employees, and many have already left, and I am sure others will be considering their future under the current uncertainty.
“As an elected councillor I have a responsibility to the ratepayers but equally I have a responsibility for our staff and the organisation. I am extremely frustrated at the delay in getting the process started, and it will be a difficult and challenging process. It is now over six months since the election of this government, who in opposition strongly opposed forced mergers and who supported an amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 that would put the cost of demerging onto the State Government.”
The Mayor strongly urged the Minister for Local Government to “get moving on this before our council disintegrates”.
“There is just on a year until the next local government elections, and we are still in a position of limbo,” he said.
“Our last three letters to the Minister, some of which were also sent to the Premier, raising our concerns have gone unanswered. My patience has run out, and I believe the Minister and this government has treated our council, council staff and the community unfairly.”
Regional/Rural
· Armidale Regional Council
Woman of Distinction Award – Metro (shared)
· Renee Traynor - Team Leader Diversity and Inclusion
· Canterbury-Bankstown Council
· Liz Murphy - Manager, Community Recovery
· Hawkesbury City Council
Woman of Distinction Award – Regional/ Rural (shared)
· Lucy Kinsley PSM - Regional Library Manager (Richmond Tweed Regional Library)
· Lismore City Council
· Helen Plummer - Manager Asset Management
· Lake Macquarie City Council
Young Achievers Award – Metro
· Keira Grundy - Art Gallery Trainee
· Mosman Municipal Council
Young Achievers Award – Regional/ Rural
· Jenna Dowell - Trainee Engineer
· Upper Hunter Shire Council
Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award
· Councillor Darriea Turley AM, Local Government NSW President
· Broken Hill City Council
IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference
10-12 October 2023
Gold Coast Turf Club Aquis Park
Expand your knowledge, connect with industry professionals and be inspired by thought leaders in the sector. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the public works sector, this conference is designed to empower and enrich your professional journey.
Sewage and Water Treatment Plant Energy Efficiency
12 October 10am - 11.30am
AUS Eastern Summer Time
Interactive webcast presented by
LGNSW
Learn about the interactive energy efficiency opportunities toolkit to assess the feasibility of actions for water and wastewater treatment plants.
LGNSW 2023 Annual Conference
12-14 November
Grand Pavilion, Rosehill Gardens
Racecourse, Rosehill
Registration is now open with discounted early bird prices available until Thursday 28 September 2023.
Standard registrations open on Friday 29 September 2023 and close 5pm AEDT on Friday 27 October 2023. Destination host council partner is City of Parramatta.
Inspirational and talented women from across NSW councils have been recognised for their accomplishments at the prestigious Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
The Victorian Government’s housing statement, together with the development of the new Plan for Victoria (replacing Plan Melbourne), offer a rare opportunity to put Victoria on the right footing for a climate resilient, socially connected and economically thriving future, according to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
MAV Deputy President Cr Jennifer Anderson said the group was encouraged by the State’s Government’s housing statement, which highlights the need for a meaningful partnership with local government to ensure successful implementation.
She said councils stand ready to work alongside the State Government, to increase supply and ensure we are building sustainable and liveable communities.
“The levy on short-stay rental accommodation is a good start. This type of accommodation is clearly impacting on the long-term rental market and we welcome the funds being fully dedicated to social housing,” Cr Anderson said.
“Councils have led the way in addressing short stays, but a consistent, state-wide approach is critically important.”
“Addressing inclusionary zoning, landbanking, and support for councils who have affordable housing targets in their planning schemes will continue to be required in order to tackle the housing crisis.”
MAV research has dispelled any claims council planning processes are a significant factor causing the housing crisis.
“Councils facilitate massive amounts of development every year, with high levels of community input embedded in the process,” Cr Anderson explained.
“Despite claims to the contrary, MAV research clearly shows councils are not hindering housing stock growth. Planning permits for 120,000 dwellings are approved, but construction has not commenced.”
“The fact is it’s often more profitable to delay supply, so naturally that’s what some developers are doing. We need to look at how we can change the incentives at a system wide level,” Cr Anderson said.
The next steps of reforms must remember that planning is about more than housing.
The MAV wants to work in partnership with all levels of government and communities to build a ‘better Victoria’ that provides ample and diverse housing including social and affordable housing, well serviced growth, high quality urban regeneration at pace and scale, and good access to jobs and opportunities for all residents. All this needs to occur within development patterns that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.
The landmark Victoria packaged aims to to boost housing supply and affordability in Victoria – representing the biggest shake-up to plan-
ning and housing reform in generations.
Victoria is the fastest growing state in Australia, with our population set to hit 10.3 million by 2051. To ease the housing pressure Victorians are facing, the Government believed they needed to build 2.24 million homes in that time, including a target of 425,600 across regional and rural Victoria.
Victoria’s Housing Statement – The Decade Ahead 2024-2034 also sets a bold target to build 800,000 new homes — 80,000 a year — across the state over the next 10 years, delivered through an Affordability Partnership with the housing industry.
The Housing Statement focuses on five key areas to tackle the root of the problem – housing supply:
1. Good decisions, made faster: reforming Victoria’s planning system, clearing the backlog of planning permits, giving builders, buyers and renovators certainty about how long approvals will take – and a clear pathway to resolve issues quickly if those timeframes aren’t met.
2. Cheaper housing, closer to where you work: unlocking new spaces to stop urban sprawl, building more homes closer to where people have the transport, roads, hospitals and
schools they need and delivering vital, basic community infrastructure.
3. Protecting renters’ rights: closing loopholes that drive up the cost of living for renters, giving tenants more certainty over their leases, living standards and finances, and resolving disputes faster to keep them out of VCAT.
4. More social housing: rapidly accelerating the rollout of social and affordable homes across Victoria and launching Australia’s biggest urban renewal project across Melbourne’s 44 high-rise social housing towers.
5. A long-term housing plan: delivering a longterm plan to guide how our state grows in the decades ahead, and reviewing the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to build a planning system that works with Victorians – not against them.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the program was important for the future of the state.
“Unlocking the potential in and around our major transport projects in Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs is a key focus of our Housing Statement which will deliver more homes, more jobs and better-connected services,” she said.
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is partnering with the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) to deliver an update to its National State of the Assets (NSoA) report due in 2024.
ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott said the 2021 National State of the Assets report found $9.2 billion of local government buildings and facilities and around $18 billion of local government roads were in poor condition.
“Over the past two years, we have faced unprecedented natural disasters impacting on more than half of Australia’s local governments,” Cr Scott said.
“ALGA’s estimates show the flood damage to council roads in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia alone is expected to be at least $3.8 billion.
“We are urging all of Australia’s 537 councils to provide us with updated data on the state of their local roads and community infrastructure so we can fully understand the scope of the issue, and the funding we need to fix it for our communities.
“Councils collect less than four per cent of national taxation, and we want to see Financial Assistance Grants restored to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
“We are also advocating for an increase in Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $800 million per year, which is crucial as
road construction costs continue to rise.”
ALGA established the NSoA project in 2012 to improve the performance and management of the $500 billion worth of public infrastructure owned and managed by local governments, with the first report published in 2013.
IPWEA President Myles Lind said: “We are delighted to be working with ALGA again on the NSoA project and data from our assessments will drive discussion on infrastructure investment based on evidence, to deliver efficiencies and better infrastructure in the future.
“Local communities depend on this vital network of infrastructure assets, so we encourage every local government across Australia to participate in this data collection by supplying financial and performance data.”
The NSoA survey is expected to take councils approximately one hour to complete, using information found in annual reports, financial statements and asset management plans and systems up until 30 June 2023. The final report is expected to be released in 2024.
The funding has been made available by the Federal Government in partnership with Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
The funding aims strengthen community resilience and preparedness for hotter, drier and higher risk weather in spring and summer, and help businesses reduce their operating cost according to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain.
“We know that when we back localled ideas and services, we get better outcomes in our communities – which is why we are pleased to deliver over $900,000 towards these diverse projects in regional and rural Australia.
“From creating diverse community workshops, transforming co-working spaces, boosting programs for young people and job seekers, and improving facilities and local infrastructure – these projects will have a range of lasting benefits.
“The projects will strengthen community engagement outside of our big cities, improve health and education outcomes – particularly for First Nations people, and uplift local economies so that regional and rural organisations can expand their services.”
FRRR place portfolio lead Jill Karena said the grants would boost both economic growth and morale in remote, rural and regional communities by funding practical projects.
“Local community groups can continue to provide vital services, enhance social connection and create welcoming safe and secure spaces through the funding provided for these projects,” she said.
Fourteen regional community groups will benefit from large grants of up to $50,000, including:
· In Wilcannia, New South Wales, where $50,000 will address educational disadvantage through an innovative program to upskill adults in the community, empowering them to help teach early language and literacy skills.
· In Portland, Victoria, where nearly $39,000 will create a safe drop-in space for vulnerable people to receive support and resources to help them reconnect with their community.
Forty-four regional community groups will benefit from smaller grants of up to $10,000 including:
· In Pegarah, Tasmania, where $10,000 will strengthen mental health and wellbeing after the COVID-19 pandemic in the remote island community by delivering in-person mental health and suicide prevention outreach services.
· In Dundee Beach, Northern Territory, where $10,000 will purchase age-appropriate play-based learning resources and equipment for a preschool playgroup to tackle educational and social disadvantages caused by isolation.
The funding is part of the Albanese Government’s $5 million investment from 2022 to 2024 in the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream of FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
The full list of funded projects is attached, and more information about other grants awarded through FRRR’s SRC program, visit frrr.org.au/news
New data from councils will highlight the multi-billion-dollar impact of natural disasters on Australia’s roads, libraries, aerodromes, bridges and community and recreation centres over the past two years.Infrastructure damage has had a multi-milliondollar impact.
Fifty-eight locally-led groups across Australia are set to share in $900,000 in grants aimed at helping support the continued recovery from Covid-19 in regional, rural and remote areas.Premier Daniel Andrews announced the housing statement just days before resigning, with Jacinta Allan taking on the top job. Picture: LUIS ASCUI/AAP PHOTOS
Tell us about your area: what makes your council special or different?
Victor Harbor is the largest population centre in the Fleurieu Peninsula region and a major service centre for the Southern Fleurieu. Our relaxed lifestyle, strong sense of community, stunning natural environment, and First Nations and European history, makes Victor Harbor very highly valued by the community.
Our natural environment takes in the beauty of southern coast and ocean, and provides for whale watching, surfing, fishing, recreational boating and more. Surrounding our fabulous coast are rolling hills, farms, vineyards, and natural bushland, all of which makes Victor Harbor very appealing.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic we had a large influx of residents taking advantage of this relaxed coastal lifestyle, and we continue to see a number of businesses recognise the potential of this region with more and more businesses investing in our city.
Do you have a favourite part/aspect/ attraction in the council area?
The coast and surrounding bush lands are one of my favourite things in Victor Harbor. We have a community who really want to look after these assets and appreciate the unique and pristine environment we have here.
As a council we have just finalised The Bluff Master Plan which serves to protect and rewild ‘The Bluff’, a large headland with spectacular 360 degree views of Granite Island to the east and the rugged southern coastline to the west.
I am also constantly reminded what a caring community we have. I often have new residents saying to me that they have never been in a community where there are so many options to volunteer (around one in four of our residents volunteer in some capacity), and where they feel part of the community so quickly.
How long have you been on council and why did you become involved in local government?
I have been on council for around nine years now. I was a councillor for four years, and this is my second term as Mayor.
When I moved to Victor Harbor, I fell in love with the area and its people. The sense of community, and the way that the community identifies with Victor Harbor as a great place to bring up their families, and also a great place to retire, makes this a very special place. As a psychologist, I recognised that these were features that
made this community special, and I wanted to be part of supporting the community, preserving sense of community and belonging, while also planning for the future of Victor Harbor.
Change is inevitable, but we need to preserve what is unique in these small coastal cities, while also planning for the future, ensuring good economic growth and prosperity, and ensuring the community has a voice in local government. These are all strong values that I brought to council, and that I still have. Do you have another job? Tell us about that and how it contributes to your role/views as a councillor.
Initially I worked as a clinical psychologist in private practice here in Victor Harbor. I also volunteered with the local CFS. My job and volunteering really helped me understand the community and some of the challenges individuals faced, as well as some of the gaps in services that impacted on the town. These were gaps such as lack of acute mental health services, palliative care services, services for our youth and young people including sport and recreation facilities, and art and culture.
As Mayor, my role becomes one of advocacy and leadership, working with the Elected Members, staff and other tiers of government to address these gaps. Unfortunately, due to my role I have been unable to continue my psychology practice, but I do some consulting
work in the area of conflict management, behavioural standards, leadership coaching. My PhD was on the prevention of bullying and harassment and so I am lucky to have skills in that area that I can utilise both within my Mayoral role and outside in a private capacity. What activities do enjoy outside of work hours?
I unashameably take advantage of Victor Harbor’s fabulous coastline and can be found walking or running with my two Rhodesian Ridgebacks along our beaches. You might also spot me eating scrummy food in one of our fabulous cafes or restaurants.
What are they key challenges facing you and your council?
Climate change is a huge challenge to both our coastal and our urban environment. We are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and need to plan to protect both our built assets, and our coast. This requires both State and Federal Government input to assist us, as we are already seeing coastal erosion and damage to coastal paths and council structures because of storm surges and rising tides.
Another key challenge is the high level of the population who are on fixed incomes. While we need to plan for the future and ensure that our increasing population has appropriate infrastructure, we also have an older cohort of the community who are on fixed incomes and under significant financial stress due to interest rate rises and housing stress. This needs to be taken into account in our planning, and project delivery.
What innovative projects or policies is council working on?
Council’s current major priority project is the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct. Consultation and planning over the years has identified the need to provide additional sports facilities to support the growing population especially in the areas of basketball and gymnastics. Planning is well underway, and we hope to commence building in 2024.
Tell us about a specific success you have had in local government.
As a Mayor it is impossible to define one own success without recognising that success depends on the councillors you work with, and the staff who undertake the operational side of projects. I am extremely lucky to have had a talented team to work with, including a fabu-
lous CEO in Victoria MacKirdy leading the organisation. My team of elected members come from all walks of life, and all represent a part of this community, so even when we disagree on matters, I remind myself that they were elected by our community and everyone’s perspective is important.
I am also thrilled that council has adopted our Bluff Master Plan where this beautiful headland will be cared for, and kept natural, making the trails safer and more accessible to a wider range of people, regenerating the bushlands and telling both the First Nations and European stories of our beautiful environment.
What is the best part about being a Mayor?
Really getting to know the community. I try to go to as many groups, clubs, service organisations and business as I can, so that I can let people know that as council we really want to hear their opinions and voice. I try to explain reasons for council decisions in simple terms and help people understand why certain decisions are made. I often say, “You can have the most fancy infrastructure in the world, but if you don’t have a sense of community, it doesn’t mean anything”. Maybe it’s the psychologist in me that understands how important connection, community and feeling part of something bigger than yourself is.
What is the worst part?
The worst part is when things take so long to accomplish. One thing working in local government has taught me is to be patient. What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I am very excited about progress on our Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct. This project is certainly moving forward, however progress is slow as we undertake due diligence.
I am also hopeful that we can further our plans for our Art and Culture Centre. We have already developed a fabulous art space with regular exhibitions, artists in residence, and art of all types being displayed, but the community is really wanting more space for performing arts. It will be wonderful when this is able to be developed, but patience is not one of my virtues.
Apart from strategic projects, I hope that my legacy will be a sense of community where our residents feel that council listens and responds to their needs, and that they are valued members of our community.
I am a proud resident and representative of the vibrant community of Devonport. Born and educated in Devonport, my journey has been diverse and fulfilling, allowing me to bring a wealth of experience to my role as Mayor.
Tell us about your area: what makes your council special or different?
Devonport is a unique and special place, rich in culture and community spirit. One of my favourite aspects of our municipal area is the diversity and the unity within our community. It is this sense of togetherness and inclusion that makes our council stand out.
Tell us about your professional development?
I began my professional journey in the banking sector before relocating to Hobart, where I worked for The Mercury newspaper in various roles. My journey then took me to Adelaide, where I immersed myself in the hospitality sector and the world of theatre, producing and directing shows and events for both professional and amateur productions.
In 1996, I returned to Tasmania and delved into event management and real estate. My passion for community service saw me involved in major galas for Down Syndrome Tasmania and choreographing the Brightstars Dance Troupe. I volunteered to assist with Firelight 17 at Mount Roland, reflecting my
commitment to community engagement and development.
How long have you been on Council and why did you become involved in Local Government?
I entered local government in 2011, initially serving as a Councillor for the Devonport City Council, and later as Deputy Mayor from 2018-2022. Currently, as Devonport’s Mayor, I am actively involved in numerous community organisations and commitees, including the Devonport Art Gallery and the East Devonport Working Group, and strive to make our area more inclusive and accessible.
I became involved in Local Government to
make a meaningful contribution to my community and to be a part of the positive change and development in Devonport. My diverse career background contributes significantly to my views and roles as a councillor, enabling me to approach issues with a multifaceted perspective and open mind. What activities do you enjoy outside of work hours?
In addition to my professional endeavours, I cherish the opportunity to bring joy and therapeutic benefits to various groups through my therapy pony, Stella. We frequently visit aged care facilities and childcare centres along the north-west coast, spreading smiles and offering gentle companionship to those we meet.
Outside of work, my passion for the arts and the stunning landscape of Devonport also takes centre stage. Engaging in local activities and exploring the natural beauty of our area allows me to forge meaningful connections with both the community and the environment. This not only enriches my understanding but also deepens my appreciation for the vibrant people and places that make Devonport so special. What is the best part about being a councillor?
One of my specific successes in Local Government has been fostering collaboration and community engagement, ensuring that the
voices of our residents are heard and considered in our decision-making processes. The best part about being a councillor is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives and to see the positive impact of our work on the community.
However, the role also comes with its share of difficulties, such as balancing diverse opinions and managing limited resources to meet the growing needs of our community. It requires resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving the public interest. What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
Looking forward, I hope to continue working collaboratively with the community and my fellow councillors to address the evolving needs of our area and to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant Devonport. My vision is to see our community thrive and flourish, reflecting the values of unity, diversity, and resilience that define us.
Serving as Mayor of Devonport is a privilege and a responsibility that I hold dear. My journey, experiences, and love for my community drive my commitment to making Devonport a better place for everyone. Whether it’s through fostering the arts, enhancing inclusivity, or promoting sustainable development, my goal is to ensure that Devonport continues to be a place we are all proud to call home.
WA Premier the Hon Roger Cook MLA officially opened the convention and spoke of the strong partnerships between the State and Local Governments, while WALGA State President Karen Chappel reiterated where councils would continue to support state policy and initiatives.
Program favourite “The State of Play” was back, where the West Australian’s chief reporter Ben Harvey led a discussion with State Members of Parliament, Local Government Minister David Michael and Opposition Leader Shane Love, on the future of the local government sector.
Dr Gill Hicks, a survivor of the 2005 London bombings, provided the inspirational closing address.
Cr Rhys Williams, the Mayor of the City of Mandurah was awarded the Troy Pickard Young Achievers Awards, while Cr Stephen Strange from the Shire of Bruce Rock accepted a Life Membership Award from WALGA.
For the first time, this year’s WALGA Convention featured an outdoor supplier showcase as part of the supporting program, sponsored by Synergy.
This addition to the program provided a professional development opportunity for local government staff to hear from expert speakers in the areas of procurement, construction, energy and traffic management, and liaise with preferred supplier panel members displaying a range of specialist products such as heavy-duty machinery, technology, and tools of the trade.
The Exhibition Showcase, sponsored by Civic Legal and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries featured 120 suppliers and exhibitors from the commercial sector.
Alongside the convention, WALGA hosted various supporting events and networking opportunities.
This included the Mayors and Presidents forum, welcome drinks and local government awards, heads of agencies breakfast, the WALGA Annual General Meeting, gala cocktail function and convention breakfast with keynote speaker Michelle Payne.
WALGA President Karen Chappel said WALGA was proud to deliver a well-rounded event to delegates and key stakeholders for another year.
“With over 500 delegates attending this year’s Convention, the importance and significance of the event and the networking opportunities it provided for the sector was evident,” she said. “I am very pleased that 90 per cent of all the WA Local Councils – from our towns, shires and cities were represented.
“This year’s theme, ‘Local Futures’ had a clear focus on exploring how local govern-
ments can enact and drive change for the benefit of their communities and the diversity of solutions that can emerge when you start local.
“Local government is not just the third tier of government as I often hear it described. It is “A” tier of government that works in partnership with State and Federal Government to deliver service and support communities,” said Cr Chappel.
The WALGA Local Government Convention was held Sunday 17 September to Wednesday 20 at Crown, sponsored by LGIS, Civic Legal, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and GovernmentFrameworks.com. Michelle
Councils have been doing the right thing and progressing development approval applications in a timely way, Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) chief executive officer Alison Smith said, but there are now almost 100,000 development approvals that are lying dormant because rising construction costs and labour shortages are impacting the viability to proceed.
“Councils and communities and the development sector obviously want to see more homes built and these development approvals activated in order to help alleviate the current housing crisis,” Ms Smith said.
“We are calling on the State Government to help with policy levers that can help developers start building through the creation of a new catalytic housing fund.
“The latest figures from March 2023 show there was 85,777 hectares of available land suitable for residential development in Queensland and 29,086 hectares across southeast Queensland, which would open up 589,150 homes across the state, including 386,693 in southeast Queensland.
“These figures are proof councils are doing their job to facilitate land for housing, but the other obstacles need to be removed to activate construction and get more people into more homes.”
Queensland councils sounded the alarm on the housing crisis in October 2021, and since then have produced a six-point action plan as well as a suite of almost 40 proposals designed to help address housing issues.
A new program designed to tackle regional skills shortages in the housing and planning sectors is being established through a State and local government partnership in South Australia.
Launched this month, the Grow Your Own program is a joint initiative between the Malinauskas Government and Local Government Association – focused on training local talent and providing pathways to grow regional councils’ planning workforce.
The two-year pilot program will enable participating councils to support four employees – either from existing staff members or external hires – to become qualified planners, a built environment role which is critical to delivering more housing.
Successful applicants will enrol in either a Bachelor, Graduate Diploma or a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of New England, completing their studies online while continuing their role at council.
Through the program, councils in the Murraylands, Riverland and Spencer Gulf regions will receive $20,000 over two years to support the four university cadets – with the $80,000 total funding split evenly between State
and Local governments.
The initiative removes the need for workers to relocate to Adelaide to study on-campus and helps offset extra costs for councils associated with employee training.
LGA President Mayor Dean Johnson said Planning staff shortages across the state had reached a critical point – “especially when it comes to local government – and the Grow Your Own Skilled Workforce program has been created in response to this”.
“The state is seeing significant residential growth, particularly on the outskirts of metro Adelaide, and that has increased development application demand and placed a greater strain on council planning resources,” he said.
“The Grow Your Own initiative is a brilliant way for anyone living in the Murraylands, Riverland or Spencer Gulf catchment areas to pursue a new start in a highly sought-after field, without needing to leave their hometown. The LGA is pleased to partner along-
side the State Government for this program and hope it acts as a catalyst for further investment into the future of our local planner workforce.”
Rural City of Murray Bridge CEO Heather Barclay said her council was excited to be part of the program.
“We are thrilled to lead the delivery of this exciting new initiative on behalf of regional councils and look forward to supporting them to take up this opportunity to grow our planning workforce,” she said.
“Having in-house planners is essential for councils and we know the challenges many are facing in terms of worker attraction, retention and shortages.
“This program is an important step towards bolstering the number of skilled planners we have working within the local government sector.”
The Murray River Study Hub, led by the Rural City of Murray Bridge, and Uni Hub Spencer Gulf – established to support regional stu-
dents – will deliver the program, in partnership with the University of New England and the Planning Institute of SA.
Applications to commence study in Trimester 3, from October, are now open, with councils encouraged to contact regional Hubs directly to discuss suitable candidates.
The Grow Your Own program builds on the work undertaken in partnership with the built environment sector and professions after Minister Champion established an industry body group bringing together key stakeholders earlier this year.
To date this group’s advocacy has resulted in TAFE SA creating a new planning diploma to fill entry-level council vacancies, along with Flinders University introducing a new Bachelor of Surveying from next year.
As part of its A Better Housing Future plan, the Malinauskas Government has also established the Office for Regional Housing to tackle chronic regional housing shortages.
The peak body representing Queensland’s councils has called on the State Government to help support the building sector to activate almost 100,000 residential lots already approved statewide.
WALGA’s annual Local Government Convention this year brought together more than 500 elected members and local government staff from across Western Australia to discuss and examine important issues and trends facing the sector, now and into the future.Payne. Rhys Williams.
The Intergenerational Report (IGR) released in August is valuable and uncommon, in that the federal Treasury has commented on policies well outside its own field. The case in point is energy policy, where the IGR stresses that we must start thinking now because our exports of coal and gas – currently worth around $250 billion annually – will begin to plummet once nations buying these commodities begin to give effect to their ‘net zero’ commitments.
What sorts of industries are going to fill the gap? The suggestions being bandied about are new age mineral resources such as hydrogen and lithium, and various crops and food manufactures. After those, it becomes a real wish list viz. engineering and architectural services, IT and security systems, financial services, defence equipment. We have varying degrees of comparative advantage in these fields but expecting them to fill that gap on current policy setting is absolutely dreamin’.
The IGR dances around the solutions to the problem because the Treasury Department can’t be seen to be running the country. So let me help. Three core issues.
First, we must have an energy policy that supports local processing and manufacturing. It is nowhere near that. Energy should be a massive comparative advantage for the whole economy.
Secondly, we need a fit-for-purpose tax regime.
Thirdly, national savings and labour resources need to shift to new export-oriented investments. This is dependent on energy and tax reform above.
My concern is that not enough people are thinking and acting on the above. The Albanese Government, like its predecessors, considers tax reform to be political poison, and energy reform is painfully slow. The urgency of the situation is obviously not appreciated by the Albanese Government.
Small towns
In this column two months ago I made a case for the ‘non-metropolitan’ Regional Development Australia Committees to have a $2 million joint contribution from the feds and states for smallish regional economic projects.
The rationale was that a devolved program like this would avoid the misery, time delays
and general rooting around of Canberra and Spring Street bureaucrats running competitive grants programs. A devolved program would also empower the RDACs.
Examples of how such funds could be deployed to give an economic boost to small regional towns were straightforward things like water dispensers, tables-chairs-umbrellas, mature shade trees, water features, pot plants, cans of paint and funding for three-to-four youths to brighten up tired public buildings.
A long-time Cockatoo member, Professor Rolf Gerritsen of Charles Sturt University, has provided some real world support, as follows.
“I liked your article on small towns. I can think of one I stop at going from Alice into western Queensland.
“I always stop there because they have a cafe that makes fresh food as you wait. I always spend more money and time there than I intend, mainly because, next to the cafe is a very small park, with seats and very pleasant foliage. The locals constructed it for somewhere to sit and have their coffee when they come to town. My guess is that the project cost about $5K in all to set up. And an occasional watering of the plants.
“But it makes all the difference to people who want some sociality in their lives, not just sitting on the verandah of their homestead. And, as my example shows, its cosiness stops some of the otherwise through traffic.”
Aviation Green Paper
This 200-page Green Paper was released last
month ahead of a White Paper due mid next year. Councils with concerns about the cost of delivering air services, or the high cost of regional airfares, should take a strong interest.
The summary stresses the importance of aviation to regional development, ‘playing an important role servicing the needs of regional and remote communities. This includes access to a range of essential services such as health care and education…access to affordable air services is a key contributor to the liveability of regional Australia and it is essential that regional services remain viable.’
The above rhetoric provides an entree for regional councils to strongly lobby the feds on the high cost of regional airfares. As I’ve flagged in this column previously, regional centres are being seriously impacted. And the problem starts with the federal/state policies that have allowed massive urbanisation while doing little to improve the viability of regional centres.
This mismatch is important because airlines want bums on seats, and if regional centres don’t have enough, then aeroplanes can’t reach the 80 per cent load target to make a service viable.
The standard response from aviation bureaucrats and airline executives is therefore that high regional airlines are an inconvertible truth. Well I don’t buy that.
My suggestion regarding a lobbying campaign is to run a three-year ‘milk-run’ pilot whereby flights would collect and drop-off pas-
sengers along a regional route thereby raising passenger numbers and covering more fixed costs. Added features might be ‘hub practices’ to facilitate the aggregation of passengers (at places like Wagga, Dubbo, Mildura, Mt Gambier, Tamworth, Toowoomba) and the clincher might be to have Qantas stick to international and national services, and to vacate regional routes to improve the viability of Virgin, Rex, Bonza, etc.
And if you’ve given up on aviation, perhaps tell the feds to get serious about very fast trains or fast trains! The argument here I’d suggest is that the feds need to adopt a holistic view of transport to our regions. More next month on this.
Pharmacy protection must end
Over the last 25 years there have been 11 government enquiries and/or expert reports calling for an end to the protection of pharmacies, and there’s been no action. Now surely is the time.
The backdrop is a recent article by Sue Dunleavy (Sunday Telegraph, Sydney) about the economics and politics of our pharmacy industry.
Ms Dunleavy noted that three quarters of Australia’s pharmacies are controlled by four big groups via franchise and related branding agreements. Shoring up this oligopoly is the policy of banning Australian supermarkets from selling prescriptive medicines, unlike in the UK, USA and New Zealand. And even Mark Butler, the federal Health Minister, has pointed to the Pharmacy Guild’s own figures showing that the average gross profit of a pharmacy is 34 per cent, the highest of any sector in medical services industry.
Meanwhile you will recall the Pharmacy Guild President in tears recently at the prospect of the federal government raising the 30day prescription arrangement to 60 days in order to lower costs to consumers.
By comparison, Canada has a 90-100 day arrangement with the full involvement of supermarkets!
But there’s more to this. Ms Dunleavy revealed Health Department data showing the extraordinary subsidies paid to pharmacists that lead to the high cost of medicines. For example, the popular cholesterol drug, Atorvastatin, costs the consumer $21.45 – but the manufacturer gets only $3.45. The balance is chemist dispensing fee ($8.37), chemist administration fee ($4.62), wholesale mark-up ($0.41), allowable extra charge paid to chemist ($3.29) and safety net recording fee ($1.31).
The point of all this is that Albanese came into government with many voters expecting an open and reformist approach. Well the pharmacy industry is now surely a test case.
Rod Brown is a Canberra-based lobbyist specialising in industry/regional development.
Email apdcockatoo@iprimus.com.au
The positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor were decided at the September meeting of the Ku-ring-gai Council on Tuesday 19 September with Councillor Sam Ngai from the Roseville ward elected Mayor and Cr Christine Kay from the St Ives ward as Deputy Mayor.
Councillors Ngai and Pettett stood for the mayoralty, with a majority of votes going to Councillor Ngai. Councillor Kay nominated for the position of Deputy Mayor and was elected unopposed.
Mayor Ngai and Deputy Mayor Kay will serve in their respective roles until September 2024, when the next NSW local council elections will be held. Cr Ngai grew up in Roseville and attended Roseville Public School. He holds degrees in Software Engineering and Accounting and is soon to complete Masters degrees in Business Administration and Law.
He was elected to council in 2017 and has since served on council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and Flood Risk Committee. He has also served as a member of the Sydney North Planning Panel, as Vice
President of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) and as Deputy Mayor. Speaking after the Council meeting, Mayor Ngai said he was looking forward to serving the Ku-ring-gai community as Mayor.
“I aim to collaboratively lead the council and build on relationships with the community and with staff,” he said.
“All councils have the challenge of deploying limited resources to meet the needs of current and future generations and it is important to consult with residents in this process.”
At the mayoral election in late September, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected by councillors in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 that stipulates mid-term mayoral elections.
Cr Chaffey and Cr Hooke will hold the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions until the council elections anticipated to take place in September 2024.
Of his re-election Mayor Chaffey said: “I am honoured to be elected to serve another term as Mayor of the Gunnedah Shire. I am deeply passionate about leading progress and development of our community and I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and staff over the next 12 months.”
Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke said: “I am pleased to be elected for another term as Deputy Mayor of the Gunnedah Shire and would like to thank my fellow councillors for having faith in me to continue in this position supporting Mayor Chaffey.”
Council will seek expressions of interest from village hall committees and progress associations to host two council meetings in 2024, subject to the declared date for council elections.
Councillor Bilal El-Hayek has been re-elected Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown at an extraordinary meeting of council in September.
During the meeting, Councillor Rachelle Harika was also elected Deputy Mayor. They will represent the city for a further 12 months, until the next councillor-voted elections in September 2024.
Councillor El-Hayek, who has been Mayor for the past four months, and Deputy Mayor Harika were unopposed.
“I would like to thank my fellow councillors for the trust they place in me to lead our city for the next year,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“I have achieved much in the past four months, like hosting my own domestic violence summit and Mayoral Sleepout, and I can’t wait to do even more for the community of Canterbury-Bankstown.”
Mayor El-Hayek arrived in Australia in 1999, at the age of 12. Not speaking a word of English, he temporarily resided in Lakemba before eventually settling in Greenacre.
He was elected to the City of Canterbury Bankstown in September 2017 and has served twice as Deputy Mayor.
He has also served as a youth coordinator at Bankstown Police Citizens and Youth Club and is an active member on the Ramadan, Diversity and Inclusivity and Audit and Risk committees.
Mayor El-Hayek congratulated Deputy Mayor Harika on the new appointment, and said he
looks forward to working with her over the next year.
Councillor Harika is a lifelong Yagoona resident and has been a Councillor for the Bass Hill
Ward since 2017.
“I would also like to thank Councillor Clare Raffan, for the great job she has done,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
Moorabool Shire Council has reappointed Derek Madden as chief executive officer for a second five-year term.
Mr Madden joined Moorabool as CEO in October 2018 and has more than 20 years’ experience working in local government in Victoria.
Mayor Cr Rod Ward said Mr Madden had been instrumental in ensuring the shire was well prepared for expected growth through significant advocacy work which had attracted an unprecedented amount of funding from other levels of governments.
“Derek has overseen a very significant capital works program for the shire, including construction of the $17 million indoor stadium in Bacchus Marsh, the extensive redevelopment of the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve to transform it into a major sports and community centre for the town, and the upcoming Ballan Library and Com-
munity Hub project,” Cr Ward said.
“He also ensured the organisation was able to quickly pivot online from the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, providing strong leadership during this challenging time.”
Cr Ward congratulated Mr Madden on his reappointment on behalf of councillors and staff.
“I’d like to thank Derek for his strong leadership and support over the past five years, and for his outstanding work delivering on behalf of our community and in implementing our Council Plan. We look forward to building on this success in the years to come.”
Mr Madden’s five-year term begins later this month.
Cr Craig Davies.Councillor Craig Davies
Mayor and Cr Dawn Collins as Deputy Mayor of Narromine Shire Council, both unopposed, following council’s ordinary meeting held on Wednesday 13 September.
Cr Craig Davies who has been the Narromine Shire Mayor for the past seven years said he was delighted to have the support of councillors to continue in the role.
“As a group of elected members, we have a big responsibility as our community expects strong and effective representation,” said Cr Davies.
“I look forward to progressing with the list of projects in council’s Operational Plan over the next 12 months.”
Cr Collins said it was a privilege and an honour to be re-elected as Deputy Mayor.
Narromine Shire Council’s general manager, Mrs Jane Redden said: “I would like to thank all of the elected members for their commitment to the community and council over the past two years.”
The positions will be held for a period of 12 months until the next local government elections to be conducted in September 2024.
Councillor Peter Walker has been reappointed as the Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
During an open vote, Mayor Walker achieved victory, garnering six votes in contrast to Councillor Bob Kirk’s three.
The position of Deputy Mayor also saw a reelection, with Councillor Steve Ruddell, continuing his tenure as Deputy Mayor.
Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will serve for the remainder of this council term.
The roll has increased by 447,447 people since the 2022 federal election, a rise of 2.6 per cent.
More than 8.4 million people on the electoral roll were not enrolled when the last referendum was held in 1999 – this is more than 47 per cent of the electoral roll.
The 8.4 million people includes 6.7 million people who were under 18 (or not born) at the time as well as 1.7 million other people who are new to the roll since 1999 - many of whom are new Australian citizens.
Australian Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers said such a complete electoral roll is a result of years of hard work by the AEC.
“With many nations around the world campaigning to get even three quarters of their population enrolled to vote, this result is a continuing source of Australian democratic pride,” Mr Rogers said.
“In between the announcement of the referendum date and close of rolls, approximately 79,000 people were added to the roll with 376,000 other eligible Australians updating their details.”
“The youth enrolment rate has also increased to 91.4 per cent which means approximately 1.8 million 18-24-year-olds are ready to vote and have their say in their first referendum.”
In terms of First Nations enrolment, this sits at 94.1 per cent and is the highest it has ever been.”
“Well done Australia. Now it’s time to have your say.”
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has welcomed the release of the final report from the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) believing the report’s contents will have a huge impact on people with disability and their loved ones for decades to come.
Following five years of inquiry with broad terms of reference, the DRC report was tabled in the Australian Parliament in late September. With 12 volumes and 222 recommendations, the report details the findings of Australia’s largest-ever investigation into the experiences of Australians with a disability.
The implications will take some time to fully analyse.
Key recommendations according to AHRC:
· A range of updates to the Disability Discrimination Act, including the creation of a positive duty for all relevant public and private sector entities to prevent disability-related discrimination before if happens, and removing the ‘comparator test’ which currently requires people with a disability to prove discrimination based on comparisons to people without disability. All the updates have been previously advocated by the AHRC.
· Ensuring all relevant policies and programs at all levels of government are in greater alignment with the United Nations Conven-
tion on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), an outcome fully supported by the AHRC.
· The introduction of a Disability Rights Act, the underlying purpose of which aligns with the AHRC’s advocacy for a broader Human Rights Act for Australia. The AHRC’s proposed model for an Australian Human Rights Act encompasses increased protections for people with disability.
· The creation of a National Disability Commission, a reform which the AHRC feels could potentially be realised by providing the existing role of Disability Discrimination Commissioner within the AHRC a broader mandate and additional resources.
· AHRC President and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM believes the report represents an important moment in time for the disability and wider community.
“The release of the report is a truly historic and transformative moment for the disability community specifically as well as Australian
society more broadly,” she said.
“The DRC has provided a vital forum for truthtelling and through the course of the inquiry we have come to appreciate much more fully the discrimination, violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation that many people with disability have experienced in the past and which they continue to experience in the present. “Indeed, the shocking Four Corners report on restrictive practices underscores the unacceptable reality for many people with disability in this country.
“Whether it’s in homes, workplaces, schools or on the street, whether it’s in the city, the country or remote communities, or whether it’s in relation to the policies and programs of both the public and private sector, we now have comprehensive and irrefutable evidence of the personal anguish and systemic inequity that many people with disability and their families are confronted with throughout their lives.
“The establishment of the Disability Royal Commission was the result of countless calls and persistent advocacy by people with disability and their allies over many years. We
commend those who came forward and thank them for their courage in sharing their stories, their trauma, and, most importantly, their hopes for the future.
“The report presents a clear vision for this future, one that allows people with disability to live free from violence, neglect and exploitation, and have their human rights and inherent dignity respected.
“We are pleased the Royal Commission has strongly and consistently recommended that any future reforms by governments or service providers must include consultation with people with disability and their representative organisations, as per Article 4(3) of the CRPD.
“As we consider the full scope of the report over the coming days and weeks, we hope government, relevant industries and our community more broadly will heed the recommendations being made by the DRC and make Australia a more equitable, just and inclusive society by protecting, promoting and fulfilling the rights of people with disability. This will enhance us all.”
NSW State member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall turned a spotlight on the dire lack of childcare services in the region on 20 September, when he spoke on the floor of NSW Parliament, calling for urgent action to address a ‘childcare desert’.
Mr Marshall called out the failure of successive Federal Governments in how support and subsidies to parents and the industry are failing across the board, with a 40 per cent decrease in childcare providers in NSW resulting in some communities left with no access to a single childcare place.
“It is incredible to get your head around the fact that right now in our region, unless parents book their child into childcare when they first fall pregnant, they will absolutely go onto a minimum year-long, 18-month long or, in some cases that I am aware of, two-year long waiting list just for a place in a long day care centre,”
Mr Marshall said.
“Covid delivered a population revival in some regional areas and along with the economic benefits that these newcomers have brought, they have also placed additional pressure on local services, and in particular, early childhood education.
“Available long day care places in the bush were very rare prior to the pandemic, but now there are simply absolutely none.” The MP pointed to a report released last year from Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute, which mapped the availability of centre-based day care in 50,000 communities across Australia.
The report used the term ‘childcare desert’ to describe a populated area where there are more than three children per childcare place, or less an 0.33 places per child under four.
“Based on that definition, the entire Northern Tablelands is not just a desert, it is absolutely barren, with not a skerrick of day care vegetation in site and absolutely zero prospect at the moment of any day care green shoots springing up any time soon,” Mr Marshall said.
The MP is calling on the Federal Government to get out of the way and allow the states to resume full control of the industry and deliv-
ery of these vital services.
“Why shouldn’t State and Territory governments control a child’s learning from ABC right through to the HSC?” Mr Marshall asked.
“That would be much simpler, much easier to regulate and much easier to fund.
“Unless we fix long day care, we will not be able to attract people to our regions, and our regions will suffer.
“We need those services in place and the Federal Government needs to step up to the mark or get out of the way and allow the states to run it and fix it.”
Preparing for hot summers
Water and heat haven’t been a real big problem the past couple of years, especially with the east coast of Australia breaking records for rainfall and devastating flooding.
That’s because the higher the clay content the quicker the soils moisture is unavailable to the plant as it dries out compared to sand.
For example, clay soil is at its field capacity at about 44 per cent moisture meaning you will start to see water pooling on top of the surface, but at around 22 per cent moisture you will start to see the grass or plant die as it’s at its permanent wilting point.
Then you look at sand that has a field capacity of around 15 per cent but a permanent wilting point of around six per cent.
As soil evaporates from the ground, and is not replaced by rain fall or irrigation, the plant is at risk of drying out.
In heavy soils it’s harder for the root system to get down nice and deep compared to a sand profile meaning the plants life support is a lot shorter than the same plant grown in a sandier soil.
The good thing is that all this can helped by adding a wetting agent to help hold the moisture in the profile. Some wetters can help you take advantage of every drop of water hitting your site so it can infiltrate the profile instead of running off into a drain, especially on slopes.
There are many different brands available but there are two main types, ones a liquid which needs to be watered in with rain or irrigation pretty much straight away to get the full benefits or a granular wetting agent which is popular on sporting fields and turf areas that have no irrigation or irrigated watering times are limited.
By using a wetting agent before the heat and dry kicks in, then continuing to top it up during the warmer months, you will not only save money on water but also keep your grass and plants looking greener and healthier for longer.
For more information contact International Greenkeepers on the different products available to suit your site.
internationalgreenkeepersfh@gmail.com
Wagga Wagga is now home to two camels with the zoo and aviary expanding their list of animal residents.
Their new fuzzy friends arrived safely at the zoo in September and are settling into their new enclosure with quality care from zookeepers.
Wagga Wagga City Council zoo curator Wendy McNamara said staff were excited to have the camels amongst the animals staying at the zoo.
“We have here a variety of local and nonlocal animals and the camels certainly add to the zoo experience,” Ms McNamara said.
“Camels are fascinating animals that are very resilient and stubborn. They love to scratch themselves and you will often catch them rolling on their backs in the dirt or sand or rubbing against a tree.
“The two camels we have with us are male dromedary camels. They are around two years old but can live as old as 50.
“When you come to visit the camels, you will notice one is bigger than the other with a lightly coloured coat, his name is Dune Buggy.
“The other one is a bit smaller with a darker coat and his name is Safari. They are extremely
excited to meet the Wagga Wagga community.”
Dune Buggy and Safari have travelled to Wagga Wagga from The Camel Milk Co which is a camel dairy in Kyabram Victoria.
thing was ready for their arrival. They travelled quite the distance, and we made certain they were as comfortable as possible when they got here. “We are working on their training in the hopes they can be part of public interactions in the future.”
The new facilities were funded through a $1.1 million grant from the NSW Government Infrastructure and Jobs Acceleration Fund, and a $957,000 contribution from the City of Coffs Harbour.
“Athletics and football have both been operating with aged facilities for many years, and I look forward to these clubs being re-energised by this new investment in sporting facilities by the State Government and the City,” said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos.
“The future for York St Oval looks very positive and I’m looking forward to seeing greater levels of activation on the site and improved opportunities for our residents to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The athletics community will enjoy new jumping and throwing facilities and an equipment storage shed to complement the grass track.
Northern Storm Football Club now have at their disposal new amenities, change rooms and storage facilities, flood lights and fencing.
Both facilities are built to a standard to support district level competition and training and provide much needed infrastructure to support growth in the number of participants.
Central Coast Council’s 2020-2025 Playspace Strategy has been providing strategic direction for the development and sustainable management of $1.7m in upgrades for playspaces across the region this year.
Playspaces at fourteen locations across the Central Coast including Budgewoi, Berkley Vale, Woy Woy Bay, Koolewong, Wyongah, Toukley, Killarney Vale, Tuggerah, Terrigal, Blue Haven, Hamlyn Terrace and Woongarrah have all been part of council’s upgrade program.
To support these upgrades, the Federal Government provided $970,000 to fully fund nine of these playspaces through Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Ten playspaces, which were closed for upgrades in March, are now open to the community, including Mackenzie Reserve, Budgewoi district.
An additional four playspaces in Hamlyn Terrace and Woongarrah were also renewed to
provide upgraded recreational facilities for the community and visitors. These renewals have included innovative and inclusive recreational upgrades including a ninja warrior course, fitness stations, and importantly new concrete pathways to connect the playspaces, park furniture, plus, the inclusion of rubber softfall within the playspaces.
Central Coast Council Director Community and Culture, Melanie Smith said council’s Playspace Strategy ensures playspace assets are maintained through a renewal program based on the age of equipment and its condition that is also informed by community feedback.
“A scheduled program of works with regular reviews to maintain, upgrade and – where necessary – remove old, vandalised, or broken
equipment have resulted in $1,766,396 of renewal upgrades at 14 playspaces across the Central Coast in 2023,” Ms Smith said.
“Council was involved in the working group for developing the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ Guidelines 2019, a collaborative initiative to ensure new and upgraded playspaces are inclusive and accessible for everyone. These guidelines were developed with extensive consultation with advocacy and advisory groups, parents and educators and qualified industry experts.
“Following the guidelines, council completed an independent access appraisal on all its playspaces and the inclusive features across the 2023 upgrades we’re seeing now are part of this program.”
Mayor Cr Paul Amos officially cuts the ribbon with the assistance of Aidan Burger, President Coffs Coasat Little Athletics Club, and Northern Storm’s Football Club Secretary Michael Lloyd and President Craig Caruana.
agencies
Taking on board this experience will enable Australia to fast track its way to greener fleet solutions.
The National Public Sector Fleet Managers’ Conference, being held in Melbourne 28-29 November will bring speakers from five nations to broaden the depth of its speaking program and to maximise opportunities to learn from other nations. The conference brings together public sector fleet managers across all levels of government, vehicle manufacturers and specialist suppliers to examine issues critical to Australia’s transition to Net Zero.
Helene Busengdal, Project co-ordinator Analysis and Advisory Services in the Norwegian EV Association will speak at the Conference. The Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association has the policy background and the lived experience of their 120,000 members who drive EVs in Norway.
Jitesh Singh, Head of Fleet Waste Management NZ Ltd has been overseeing the design, build and supply of vehicles across the company’s fleet including the first electric side-loader trucks along with setting up the first electric service and conversion workshop. Jitesh’s passion is innovating to improve the safety and efficiency of solid waste, recycling, organic and hazardous waste collection vehicles.
Greg Spotts, Director of Seattle Department of Transportation Greg is a champion of public sector innovation, and prior to moving to Seattle had a 14-year career at the City of Los Angeles. He is working to a strategy of “right size, then electrify”.
Kisten Corson is the co-founder and director of Zilch in New Zealand which supports businesses to decarbonise their mobility and is also Deputy Chair of Drive Electric – an industry
EV charging bay.
group driving EV uptake in New Zealand. The conference will also feature a range of outstanding Australian local government case studies in transitioning o greener fleets and Net
Zero. These will be presented in a dedicated half day workshop on the second day of the conference.
The conference, in its 10th year is an ini-
BringingtogetherfleetmanagersacrossFederal,State
tiative of the Fleet Management Improvement Group.
For further information on registration and exhibiting, visit npsfmc.com
Keytopicsinclude:
•Greenfleetsforlocalgovernmentincitiesandregions
•CasestudiesinpublicsectortransitioningtoEVs
•Thegreeningoffleets–EV,HybridandICE
•EVcommercialandheavyvehicles
•Howwillemergencyvehiclesgogreen?
•ImplicationsoftheNationalElectricVehicleStrategy
•TelemetryandConnectedfleets
•Chargingnetworksforthepublicsector
•Vehiclesafetyandtrainingneedsaswetransition
Hostedby
Theprogramfeaturesleading nationalandinternational speakers.
Thereareoptional 1/2day workshopsaimedspecificallyat localgovernmentfleets.
Central Coast Council have partnered with local Primary Health Network to establish a Men’s Table in the Wyong area.
The Men’s Table will host a community engagement pop up event at Bunnings Tuggerah on Saturday, 21 October from 10am to 4pm.
Council Unit Manager of Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said The Men’s Table program is a safe place for local men to come together to share and be heard in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, creating a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and connection.
“The Men’s Table’s first community engagement event aims to engage local men in the program and attract volunteers to assist with the on-going running of the program,” Mr Cannard said.
“According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life.
“Beyond Blue statistics state that men make up an average of seven out of every nine suicides every day in Australia and Central Coast Health District has reported the highest number of deaths by suicide in Australia since 2016.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said council was committed to creating new opportunities for connection, inclusion and community activities that strengthen our collective sense of self.
“Programs like Men’s Table allow us to work together to solve pressing social issues, to
support those in need and enhance community safety,” Mr Hart said.
Council has a range of resources and information on men’s health referrals to download or collect from any Central Coast Council library or Wyong customer service centre in-
cluding business cards, coasters and posters.
· For more information about Men’s Table pop up and resources search ‘Men’s Table’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Lifeline 13 11 14
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Two scholarships valued at $40,000 a year over three years are now available through the Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Trust to postgraduate students studying at a Queensland university.
The Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Trust was established in 2007 and is overseen by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Queensland Government and industry representatives.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the generous scholarships provide two university students with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in world-class environmental management.
“Mine rehabilitation is a key part of a company’s life of mine planning cycle to ensure better environmental outcomes and help create more jobs for Queenslanders after a mine is no longer in use,” Minister Stewart said.
“Good progress has been made in rehabilitation in Queensland and these scholarships contribute to research that will lead to even better practices.
“I support the industry’s continuing efforts to improve rehabilitation methods to ensure mining is compatible with current and future land uses.
“The scholarships will support ongoing research to identify future improvements and ensure we can have confidence in the industry’s ability to manage and reduce its impacts.”
QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the scholarships are a practical and innovative way to develop world-class expertise in Queensland to lead the resources sector’s future rehabilitation practices.
“This scholarship program benefits the whole resources sector by encouraging more
research and fresh thinking into how we can continually improve and refine land rehabilitation practices,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“We are now seeing current and former coal mines working to transform to a range of productive and innovative post mining land uses including agriculture, renewable energy infrastructure, native ecosystems and community development.
“The research conducted by postgraduate students over the years is making a significant contribution to understanding and implementing sustainable rehabilitation outcomes.”
Applications for the 2024 Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Scholarships are assessed against key priorities that include sustainable post-mining land uses and addressing longterm water management.
More information at qrc.org.au
City of Kwinana has proven a strong performer at recent awards ceremonies at both state and national level.
The council picked up three awards in a matter of days, with the Kwinana Recquatic recognised nationally as an employer of choice; the city’s promotion of healthy lifestyles also praised nationally; and the Wellard Seven Day Makeover celebrated with an inaugural award.
The Kwinana Recquatic won the National Employer of Choice at the AUSactive National Awards on Friday, 15 September, while the City of Kwinana Healthy Lifestyle Program won the Healthy Council Award of Year and the Western Australian People’s Choice Medium Sized Business award.
Kwinana Recquatic were also a National Finalist in the Leisure Centre of the Year Awards.
Mayor Carol Adams said the Healthy Lifestyle Program aims to increase communitybased opportunities for Kwinana residents to participate in physical activity by offering free group exercise programs, such as Outdoor Fitness for over 50s, Mums Who Move, Yoga, Pi-
Celebrating multiple awards.
lates and more.
“It is great to see the City’s Healthy Lifestyle Program recognised, as the city works hard to improve the outcomes of health, wellbeing and social connection for its residents,”
Mayor Adams said.
“This is also a great achievement for the Recquatic to be recognised for all its hard work in improving employee engagement and workplace culture, which has resulted in happy customers and improved outcomes in the community,” Mayor Adams said.
On Monday 18 September, the City of Kwinana received the inaugural Outstanding Achievement Award for the Wellard Village Seven Day Makeover presented as part of the Minister for Local Government’s Place Innovation Awards.
“The Wellard Seven Day Makeover was a 12-month project with huge investment from the local Wellard community and local businesses to activate and transform The Strand,” Mayor Adams said.
“We are thrilled to have been recognised on both national and state stages in recent days,” Mayor Adams said.
Meryl Bourke says attending the 2023 International InfoCon conference in the United States in October is a once-in-alifetime experience and a highlight of her 37-year career.
The opportunity comes through the Records and Information Practitioners Alliance (RIMPA Global)’s inaugural International Scholarship.
“I pride myself on professional development and the importance of sharing stories, experiences and knowledge,” Ms Bourke said.
“It will be an amazing experience to represent the RIMPA Global community, gain valuable insights and discover future industry trends that I can bring back to RIMPA and Logan.”
In applying for the scholarship, Ms Bourke needed to demonstrate her RIMPA and industry activities from the past 10 years and provide a video talking about the benefits of attending INFOCON.
More than 500 delegates are expected to attend the conference in Detroit, Michigan, from October 8 to 11.
“I am keen to learn, listen, observe, build relationships and continue to advocate for best practices in information management,” Ms Bourke said.
“I am also passionate about raising awareness of the importance of records and information – it can influence policy locally, nationally and internationally.”
Ms Bourke – Logan City Council’s Records Management Program Leader – has been a member of RIMPA Global since 2000. Council has been a corporate member since 1988.
When she started as a Records Officer in 1985, records were paper based with physical files and correspondence circulated across the organisation.
“A key skill of a classifier was attention to detail, knowledge of all business activities and a great memory,” Ms Bourke said.
“Our classification index, commonly referred to as the classifier bible, remained in use until the early 1990s and consisted of approximately 60 pages neatly stored in a lever arch folder.”
Council introduced digital records in 1999 and there are now more than 16 million documents within Logan’s electronic records and information management system.
A Logan City Council employee has won a prestigious industry scholarship to further develop her knowledge in records and information management.Logan City Council’s Meryl Bourke will attend a prestigious records and information management conference in the United States in October.
than $200,000 in post-graduate student scholarships are up for grabs to build on Queensland’s reputation as an international leader in coal mine rehabilitation.
The strategy sets out a three-year roadmap to help transition the organisation from awareness and understanding of diversity, equity and belonging to fully leveraging the unique identities and strengths of its people.
Michael Theo, star of Love on the Spectrum, was invited to speak at the launch of the Lake Macquarie Council’s Diversity, Equity and Belonging Strategy in July 2023. The key vision of the strategy is to represent the community that council serves by achieving four goals:
· An inclusive workplace culture.
· Diverse vibrant teams.
· Equitable systems and processes.
· Inclusive leadership.
“We consider the identities of our employees to be complex and evolving, and we see this as an important factor in helping people to feel like they belong and can contribute to the organisation,” council’s Manager People and Culture Sarah Chessor said.
“The strategy arose from a staff survey that asked employees about their experience of belonging at Lake Mac. It revealed that a lot of people did not engage with the concepts of diversity, equity and belonging because they didn’t consider themselves to be ‘diverse’.
“We found that fascinating because, really, everyone is diverse. Everyone has a diverse experience, a diverse background and a diverse perspective shaped by those factors - and we really wanted to get that message across.
“Bringing people together who can offer different perspectives is important because it leads to better decision-making, which ultimately means better outcomes for the community”
To support this, a Lake Mac Diversity Wheel was devised to illustrate the many factors and influences that can contribute to diversity, equity and belonging – from gender, cultural background and socio-economic status to education levels, religious beliefs and family status.
A key action from the strategy is an employee-owned and led diversity advisory group that meets regularly to identify opportunities and brainstorm initiatives designed to foster belonging in the organisation.
While working in a local government setting is rewarding, it can also be very challenging for staff as they prioritise competing demands in a bid to meet ever-growing community expectations.
A healthy workplace culture and mental health support networks are essential to ensuring the overall wellbeing of employees.
The City of Victor Harbor, as part of its commitment to providing a healthy and safe workplace, has implemented a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Program, which has been awarded Gold Accreditation by MHFA Australia. Working alongside MHFA Australia for several years, Council has raised mental health first aid as an organisational priority and expanded education and resources available to staff.
As part of the MHFA Program, training is offered to a broad range of staff across various departments, and a refresher training is pro-
vided every three years. Through the training, staff become designated MHFA Officers. This essentially means they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support colleagues who may be experiencing a difficult time. Rolling out the MHFA training has created a broad, diverse network of accessible MHFA Officers within the workplace.
The City of Victor Harbor also has an Employee Assistance Program, which is designed to help employees requiring confidential and independent personal or professional support.
By supporting the mental health of staff, the City of Victor Harbor can also reduce workplace absences.
An MBA – or Master of Business Administration – is often considered the ultimate business qualification. But when you have more options than ever, where do you even start?
Firstly, make sure you check out the course content of the MBAs you’re interested in to ensure they align with your unique goals. Although all MBAs aim to provide students with foundational theory and practical skills in business, universities will differ in what knowledge and skills they deem most important in that aim and their courses will reflect this. CQUniversity
Australia, for example, has two MBAs: a highly ranked (Top 8 in Australia and 30th in the World, CEO Magazine 2023) traditional MBA focused on developing influential leaders across a range of sectors, as well as a hyperflexible
MBA (Leadership) designed with a heavier focus on practical leadership and management for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs alike.
You should also consider the delivery mode and student experience. Do you prefer an oncampus setting and working to deadlines, or an online experience and managing your own schedule? You might also want regular contact with teaching staff – or be a more independent learner. CQU’s domestic MBA options include on-campus, online and hyperflexible delivery modes (depending on the course) – with the latter option offering a self-paced learning experience with no assessment deadlines or group work perfect for independent learners. Learn more about whether a CQU MBA is right for you at cqu.edu.au/mba
Mr Barassi was a legend of Australia rules football – and held roles as a player, captain, coach and ambassador throughout his illustrious career.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear said Mr Barassi would be remembered as a friendly and humble man, who made an incredible contribution to sport.
“Ron Barassi was an Australian sporting icon, with a long list of achievements in his premiership-winning career.
“Many locals will know of the fondness that Mr Barassi had for our region”, said Mayor Annear.
“Mr Barassi’s family migrated to Victoria during the gold rushes of the 1850s and 1860s.
“Ron was born in Castlemaine, and spent his formative years in Guildford, attending Guildford Primary School and later Castlemaine Tech.”
“In 2016, Mr Barassi returned to Guildford to be presented with a bronze bust of himself at the John Powell Reserve,” said Mayor Annear.
“Mr Barassi had long and lasting connections in our community, and on behalf of Council, I’d like to extend my heartfelt condolences to everyone who is mourning his loss at this time.”
acclaimed Women’s Swimming and Wellness program is making a return to Cannington Leisureplex for its seventh consecutive year.
Between 15 October and 7 July, Cannington Leisureplex will host exclusive women-only sessions every Sunday evening from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
The centre will be staffed entirely by a female workforce during these sessions, creating a safe and supportive environment for women to focus on their well-being.
This year, the program has expanded to offer longer operational hours an even broader range of activities and facilities, catering to the diverse needs and aspirations of women in the Canning community.
Mayor Patrick Hall said by acknowledging this commitment to inclusivity, the Women’s Wellness Program offers a solution that fosters empowerment and respect for diverse backgrounds.
“The Women’s Wellness program has a rich history of empowering women and fostering a sense of belonging within our community”.
“We are committed to providing a holistic wellness experience that caters to the unique needs of women, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity,” said Mayor Hall.
The Women’s Wellness Program has a rich history, dating back to 2017 when Cannington Leisureplex became the first local government in Western Australia to introduce women-only sessions.
In 2018, the Swimming and Wellness Program received recognition as a finalist in the WA Sport and Recreation Industry Awards, highlighting its innovation and commitment to promoting women’s well-being.
Waverley Library has become the first library in New South Wales to offer a digitisation service. Free of charge, library members can book a slot anytime during library hours. The digitisation station can be used to create digital versions of film negatives, 35mm slides, Hi8 tapes, VHS tapes, and photographs.
Christian Darby, Waverley’s ePrograms Librarian, says the service has already been overwhelmingly popular.
“All of the six introductory sessions booked out instantly, and, in the last six weeks we’ve been up and running, almost 150 people have made individual bookings. People are jumping at the chance to convert their personal records into a digital format.”
“We’ve had some really wonderful feedback from people who’ve had a chance to use the digitisation station. They’ve been able to convert photos and videos that haven’t been seen for decades, bringing back happy memories of times gone by. The intergen-
erational impact is also clear – parents and grandparents have been able to introduce younger generations to photos and videos they haven’t had a chance to see until now.”
Waverley Mayor, Paula Masselos, says that the Library’s latest innovative offering is a great opportunity to improve equitable access to digitisation.
“Commercial digitisation is quite expensive, and therefore unaffordable for many people. This is an opportunity to bring memories back to life in a format that is compatible with contemporary lifestyles. I encourage anyone who’s got old VHS tapes or negatives knocking about in a cupboard to dig them
A community come and try day will be part of the official opening of the two stage $4.97m Ewing Park for Greater Bendigo.
The opening by Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and Victorian Premier the Hon Jacinta Allan will be held on Saturday, 14 October.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the Community Come and Try Day will feature a range of activities.
“There will be outdoor fitness classes, bouldering and rock climbing, bike riding activities on your own bike and learn to skate sessions plus other activities centred around AFL, cricket, walking football, and basketball,” Cr Metcalf said.
“This has been an important project and a strong investment by the city and the Victorian Government to encourage residents to be active or just simply enjoy the parkland and all the new amenities that it offers.
out and book in a session.”
Mr Darby says that any resident of New South Wales can become a library member, and all you need to use the user-friendly station is basic computer skills.
“We’ve created step-by step instructions to help people use the equipment, and our wonderful library staff can help with a brief orientation when you arrive for your session. If you think you’ll need more hands-on assistance, we can book you in for a one-on-one 60-minute introduction session – we want to make this as easy for as many people as possible.”
“There are so many great things for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy at the park and we look forward to it becoming a key destination for both residents and visitors in the future.
“Ewing Park is within walking distance to the city centre and is easily accessed from the popular Bendigo Back Creek Walking and Cycling Trail making it very accessible off road for many residents.”
The Ewing Park Recreation Precinct Redevelopment has been undertaken in two stages to deliver a multipurpose community and sporting precinct that supports recreation and participation for people of all ages and abilities.
The $4.97m Ewing Park Redevelopment has been a partnership project funded by the Victorian Government ($2.89m) and the City of Greater Bendigo ($2.08m).
Mount Alexander Shire Council is saddened to hear of the passing of Castlemaine-born and Guildford-raised, Ron Barassi.Popular program continues.
Griffith City Council proudly supported the week-long tour of Griffith and the surrounding region, showcasing more than 100 veteran cars and bikes.
On Monday 2 October, the vehicles gathered at the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum and in addition to the vehicle display, the museum held a machinery and market day, including artisan market stalls, entertainment and food/ coffee vendors also on site.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran officially open the Griffith National Veteran Vehicle Tour followed by afternoon tea sponsored by council.
“It’s going to be great to have the National Veteran Vehicle Tour in Griffith. We are fortunate that they have chosen our city this year,” Councillor Curran said before the event.
“I look forward to seeing the amazing vehicles and welcoming all of the participants.
“Many levels of council have been working with the organisation for many months and it’s great to see all of that hard work coming to fruition.”
A quirky, funny and quintessentially Sunshine Coast campaign to lure businesses to the region has claimed not one but two international gold awards.
The entertaining videos featured in the campaign, titled Give your business a boost of Vitamin SC (Sunshine Coast), have attracted 2.7 million views and generated almost 1000 business investment leads since launching in 2020.
The Sunshine Coast Council campaign, executed by local creative firms including Macneil & Co and Tide Productions, has achieved global recognition at the 2023 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awards ceremony held in Dallas, Texas in the United States.
Sunshine Coast Council received two gold level awards for the Vitamin SC campaign in the categories of Multimedia/Video Promotion and Paid Advertising Campaign for cities with a population between 200,000 and 500,000.
Among the scenes in the video series, which showcases local actors and producers, are the reactions of city-based staff to a call for a “volunteer” to head up a Sunshine Coast office.
Other videos show how productive, relaxed and happy staff are when they can hit the outdoors before or after work rather than being stuck in long commutes like their big city counterparts.
The region’s global fibre connections via the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network and rapidly growing airport also
feature, along with the area’s popularity with clients who jump at the chance to come here for a meeting, rather than meet in their own locations!
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said council was extremely proud of the recognition and emphasised the campaign’s role in showcasing the region’s commitment to the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS).
“Attracting business and investment to our region is a key outcome of the REDS, so it’s fantastic to see this clever campaign receive double gold recognition and showcase our Sunshine Coast on a global stage,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“In recent years, our region has capitalised on the trend of businesses migrating to regional locations, wanting all the benefits of big city infrastructure with space to support a more relaxed and healthier lifestyle.
“The award-winning campaign was aimed to inspire business leaders to re-think the need to be city based and to actually pack their bags and move here.
IEDC president and CEO Nathan Ohle congratulated Sunshine Coast Council on raising the bar for excellence in economic development. On the back of the success of this initial campaign, a third Vitamin SC video series was completed in April this year and is now in market.
As part of Sunshine Coast Council’s commitment to being a smart region, an impressive list of national and international accolades has been achieved by Council’s Investment, Trade and International team, including:
· 2023 – Won – Paid Advertising Campaign
- International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
· 2023 – Won – Multimedia/Video Promotion - International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
· 2022 – Finalist – Marketing and Promotion
- Economic Development Australia (EDA).
· 2022 – Finalist – Excellence for Teamwork
- Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA).
· 2019 – Won – Promotional Video Award
- International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
· 2018 – Won – Single Event or ActivityEconomic Development Australia (EDA).
· 2016 – Won - Head of Investment, Trade and International - Outstanding Economic Development Practitioner - Economic Development Australia (EDA).
· 2016 – Finalist – Community Economic Development - Economic Development Australia (EDA).
· 2011 – Won - Best Management of Complex Issues - Government Communications Australia.
The
Special Climate Statement 77 has details on the rainfall and catchment conditions around spring 2022. It also includes comparisons with previous rainfall records and flood events.
The statement found many sites across south-eastern Australia had their highest total spring rainfall on record, including more than 200 sites with at least 100 years of observations. Persistent heavy rain during spring 2022 led to extensive riverine flooding in the Murray–Darling Basin in New South Wales and Victoria, and floodwaters moved into South Australia.
Significant flooding also affected parts of southern Victoria, southern Queensland and northern Tasmania. Some gauges exceeded their historical flood peaks during spring 2022, including on the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee rivers in NSW; the Campaspe River at Roch-
Stage Two of Euroa’s Streetscape upgrade is now complete, bringing the entire Binney Street project to a close.
The final stages of the project took place in recent weeks with bin holders, bike racks and lighting installed throughout Binney St.
Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the project had been a brilliant collaboration between council and community.
“We engaged directly with community members via our Share Strathbogie platform to review the proposed designs,” Cr Binks said.
“We also engaged with the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce which resulted in fantastic projects such as the seating upgrades which were created by local tradespeople.”
Cr Binks explained why the project, which was supported by Federal grant funding, was so important.
Effective streetscape design is an integral part of shaping a community’s identity, increasing civic pride and improving a sense of well-being and belonging. Areas for improvement may include but are not limited to; town entry features, street furniture, planting, pedestrian/traffic circulation and safety, public art, lighting, general wayfinding and signage.
Euroa Chamber of Commerce president Steph Swift said it was great to see the project come together.
“Better and safer streets create more opportunities for locals and visitors to spend locally and enjoy everything our township has to offer,” she said.
“We were happy to assist council through this process, because we know it will deliver benefits for local businesses now and into the future.”
Cr Binks said it was council’s aim to complete the streetscape upgrade in time for the Australian National Show and Shine held on 1 October which attracted huge visitor numbers to the township and surrounding area.
ester in Victoria and in the Tamar catchment in Tasmania.
Rain fell on catchments where water storages and river levels were high and soils were already wet after two years of above average rainfall. Major weather systems brought significant rainfall to southern and eastern Australia with four months of very wet conditions between August and November 2022.
There were three major climate drivers influencing Australia’s above average rainfall at this time: La Niña, a negative Indian Ocean Dipole and a positive Southern Annular Mode.
In comparing flood events, the Bureau looks at measures such as rivers reaching record new heights; and the number of areas affected by different flood levels and for how long.
While the 2010–11 flooding was more widespread nationally, flooding in the second half of 2022 was more prolonged in the southern Murray–Darling Basin. A greater number of river gauges in the southern Murray–Darling Basin stayed above flood levels for a record number of days in 2022.
The Bureau’s special climate statements provide detailed information about significant weather and climate events that affect Australians. This Special Climate Statement has been added to an archive of Special Climate Statements dating back more than 16 years, providing easy access to data and information.
Special Climate Statement 77 can be found on the Bureau’s website at bom.gov.au/climate/current/statements
“It was so great to see the township looking amazing ahead of this event,” Cr Binks said.
“Binney Street is looking absolutely fantastic with the upgrades as well as Euroa’s parks and gardens which were meticulously prepared for the event as well.
“The Seven Creeks Park and surrounding areas looked absolutely incredible during the Show and Shine.
“I’m so pleased the thousands of people who descended on Euroa were able to enjoy our officer’s fantastic hard work.”
Streetscape upgrades are currently taking place in Strathbogie Shire’s other townships at various stages.
Bureau of Meteorology has released a formal record of the persistent heavy rain and flooding in eastern Australia during spring 2022.
to Griffith.Veteran vehicles venture to Griffith.
of Moreton Bay’s commitment to offer council-owned land to community housing and specialist homelessness providers reached a significant milestone earlier this month. Parcels of council land, one in Morayfield and another two in Caboolture, have been identified for potential activation as social, affordable and/or crisis housing.
The vacant land at 33 Oakey Flat Road, Morayfield and 72 and 74 Cox Street, Caboolture will be subject to planning scheme requirements with an expression of interest due to be released before the end of the year.
Mayor Peter Flannery said this initial land offering will deliver a peppercorn lease, under a 50-year exclusive use arrangement, to registered not-for-profit community housing providers or specialist homelessness services to develop the sites.
“It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this, and while providing social, affordable, and crisis housing may not be within council’s usual remit, we are the ones being left to deal with the resulting regulatory issues and at times public safety and amenity concerns.
“The situation is dire, and the stark reality of homelessness these days is it could be anyone from parents with young children, grandmothers or even professionals.
“I’ve seen it with my own eyes as I’ve travelled around the city and it often takes just one little thing to push people out of a home and on to the streets, so it really is something that could happen to any of us, our families, or friends.
“That’s why in July, we announced that we would audit our current land holdings to determine if there were any locations that could work for the purpose of community housing.
“Changing City of Moreton Bay’s Community Leasing Policy means we can lease councilowned land, that is not needed right now, for the purpose of community housing that can put
a roof over the heads of locals doing it tough.
“We’re hoping this opportunity will see specialist providers interested enough to work with us to develop, maintain and manage these sites for the specific purpose of crisis, social or affordable housing.
“I’m proud of our council, who have taken a daring step and are thinking outside the box to make a tangible difference to residents, but we’ll just need to wait and see if there are any organisations out there that would be interested in being part of this initiative.
“Statistically speaking Moreton Bay faces an unprecedented acceleration in homelessness compared to our neighbours and I’ve
seen it myself since I have lived here.
“Our commitment to lease unused council land, is alongside other landmark initiatives including our announcement in August 2022 to waive development fees and infrastructure charges in fifteen suburbs for affordable and social housing.”
Cr Adam Hain (Div 3) said the social housing system had not kept pace with the pressure that’s being put on it, and that pressure was increasing locally.
“I’ve seen the awful impact homelessness has had on residents in my area and it is something that, as community leaders, we should all be working on together to make a difference.”
Moving forward after the floods, and to comply with housing targets set by the NSW Government, council staff are refreshing the shire’s Residential Strategy, a document that provides the vision and framework for how council intends to provide future housing over the next 20 years.
The first step in this process is the development of a Housing Options Paper that identifies the areas of the shire that are suitable for residential development.
“The NSW Government recently reviewed its housing targets, and it is council’s job to make sure that we have the planning frameworks in place that will allow for residential development to happen,” Mayor Lyon said.
The Housing Options Paper sets out where in the shire housing will be delivered, including present and future land release areas and infill development.
“Not only do we have a responsibility to ensure we are delivering housing for our community into the future, but we also need to make sure we do this in a way that respects the natural environment. We also have to consider and respect the identity and character of our towns and villages,” Mayor Lyon said.
Affordable and diverse housing options have been hot topics in the Byron Shire for several years, but the 2022 floods highlighted the problem according to Mayor Michael Lyon.
Each year, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, in collaboration with RANT Arts, hosted Minds Do Matter.
This exhibition creates an important platform for Northern Tasmanian artists to explore their relationship between mental well-being and art, while stimulating important conversations and sharing lived experiences with local community.
Featured in the Community Gallery at the Museum at Inveresk, the exhibition is focused on celebrating the power of art when it comes to supporting positive mental health.
This year, Minds Do Matter features a wide range of works in response to the 2023 exhibition theme, ‘Adapt: Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the annual exhibition Minds Do Matter created a space for community to talk about mental health.
“The therapeutic and conversation provoking nature of creative expression is incredibly important and there are many within our community who experience struggles with mental health each year. It’s vital that we can open up and talk about it through opportunities like this,” Mayor Garwood said.
“This year’s exhibition showcases a great range of artist works from across Northern Tasmania and I encourage everyone to make time with family, or mates, to visit this great display.”
Creative arts and cultural services general manager Shane Fitzgerald said the annual exhibition was an important exhibition for Northern Tasmanians.
“Through exhibitions like Minds Do Matter, we’re opening up community dialogue about mental health and the struggles that many with-
in our community experience,” Fitzgerald said.
“Our institution is a hub for our community, and it’s important for us to facilitate conversations through thought-provoking experiences, like this exhibition.
“We’re proud to collaborate with RANT Arts on this project each year, and congratulate all
artists featured in the 2023 display.“
RANT Arts Chairperson Dave mangenner Gough said Minds Do Matter showcases the importance of arts and creativity to the health and well-being of our regional communities.
“Through the lived experience in these exhibitions we share important truths and start im-
portant and valuable conversations.”
RANT Arts Pathways program manager Karen Revie said it was a special year for the Minds Do Matter exhibition as it celebrates its 15th birthday. “It’s a good time to reflect and recognise the significance of the exhibition and what it achieves,” Revie said.
Winners of the 37th annual South Perth Young Writers Award (SPYWA) were announced at a presentation evening on Thursday 14 September at South Perth Community Hall.
Open to students from Years 1 to 12, who live or attend school in the City of South Perth, the award attracted 113 entries this year, showing a high standard of talent and creativity. Shortlisted entrants attended a workshop with award-winning local author, Shirley Marr, to develop their writing skills and refine their story before moving to the finalist round.
SPYWA aims to inspire young people to express their creative ideas through writing and entries are judged across five age categories by a panel of educators, writers and children’s
literature enthusiasts.
The most outstanding entry was awarded the Christobel Mattingley Bronze Medallion, named after award winning children’s author and founder of SPYWA.
This year’s Christobel Mattingley Bronze Medallion was awarded to Johanna Kingsbury for her entry titled Shattered Reflection, a chilling and utterly gripping thriller, which stood out for its originality, beautifully crafted prose and powerful imagery.
At the awards ceremony, South Perth May-
or Greg Milner congratulated all entrants and presented the winners with their certificates.
“Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways in which human beings connect with each other,” he said.
“We have been sharing stories with each other for millennia and we will continue to do so because it’s how we learn about others and how we find understanding and empathy.
“The South Perth Young Writers Award is vitally important because it helps to foster a love of reading, creative writing and storytell-
ing amongst the young people in our community.
“It takes a lot of effort to get to the final stage and I congratulate all of the entrants on their outstanding submissions.”
The entries included topics covering love and loss, discovery, magic, adventure and the environment and you can read them all in the 2023 SPYWA Anthology at southperth.wa.gov. au/about-us/news-and-publications/newsand-public-notices/news-detail/2023/09/18/ young-writers-creativity-celebrated
Sustainable Ipswich Month is back this October to shine a light on the everyday actions that residents and businesses can take to contribute to a liveable and sustainable city.
Ipswich City Council Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan said council and community events are scheduled throughout October to showcase the best and brightest in sustainability.
“Sustainable Ipswich Month is the perfect opportunity to be inspired by the latest knowledge and ideas for living sustainably at home, work and play,” Deputy Mayor Milligan said.
“We know from developing our community vision that Ipswich aspires to lead the way as a clean and green city with a circular economy.
“There are many ways the community can get involved, with a huge program of free and low-cost events throughout October.
“A major highlight is our inaugural Ipswich Sustainable Living Festival, taking over Tulmur Place in Nicholas Street Precinct on Saturday 21 October.
“Celebrating its first year in the Sustainable Ipswich program, the festival is set to be a onestop-shop for living sustainably in our city with practical demonstrations, live family entertain-
ment, food stalls, upcycled artisans, workshops, council’s mobile nursery and more.”
Rosewood-based Lisa Carroll will be sharing her story at the festival as the creator of Soapbayz, an innovative small business that takes a fresh perspective on the circular economy.
“At Soapbayz, we are on a mission to shake up the personal care industry with sustainable, upcycled soaps that are good for you, and good for the planet,” Ms Carroll said.
“We take waste products from breweries, wineries and tea and coffee brands that would
normally go straight into landfill and turn them into high-quality, natural soap products that are ethically and sustainably sourced.
“In just one short year, we have partnered with multiple sustainably-minded businesses including 4 Hearts Brewing in Ipswich, Soapbox Brewery in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, and Imbibis Gin Distillery to grow Soapbayz from the ground up, one day hoping to be a major employer right here in Ipswich.
“I look forward to meeting like-minded sustainability enthusiasts at the festival and sharing ideas and stories about how we can all work together to create a sustainable and forwardthinking Ipswich.”
Deputy Mayor Milligan said Sustainable Ipswich Month would have something for everyone.
“The Sustainable Open Garden Trail kicks off the celebrations on 7 October, where beginner and experienced green thumbs alike can wander through urban gardens and be inspired to create beautiful, native backyards that are wildlife friendly,” Deputy Mayor Milligan said.
This year’s festival, which attracted more than a quarter of a million visitors to event sites across the city, beat a world-class field of finalists: Vivid Sydney (NSW), Adelaide Fringe (SA), Carmen on Cockatoo Island (NSW) and National Multicultural Festival (ACT).
The city received this prestigious national award in Sydney on Wednesday 13 September.
Held across March/April, the 2023 festival broke new ground with a refreshed and expanded program with more artists performing a broader range of events for more people at more places across the city than ever before.
The undoubted highlight was Boola Djarat Wardan – a laser, light and water show spectacular – which ran at Hillarys Boat Harbour and was enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from across the State.
Meaning ‘many lights across the sea’, this seven-minute sensory spectacle was an amalgamation of digital laser light technology, water haze and geysers, with an enveloping soundscape that was brought together by the ancient art of Indigenous storytelling.
This display was one of several events in the festival lineup that celebrated culture and country.
Meeukang Warangka Ba Kenniny, meaning ‘dancing and singing in the moonlight’, opened the festival at Neil Hawkins Park, while Celebrate Yellagonga Day offered the community a day of fun activities for the whole family, including music and live performances, fascinating talks and walking tours, kids’ entertainment, arts and crafts, free and ticketed workshops and more.
More than 50 other entertainment shows,
community days and special events were held throughout the program, bringing together the contributions of more than 300 local and interstate artists and creatives.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said this significant national award was fitting recognition for the city, which had taken the festival to new heights in 2023.
“What a great way to celebrate our 25th an-
An extraordinary outdoor circus, a vibrant pop-up festival precinct and a celebration of lights will illuminate Melbourne after dark – encouraging more people into the city to boost the local economy.
niversary as a city,” he said.
“This success of Joondalup Festival 2023 was the result of a strong collaborative effort from many teams across the city who came together as one to deliver the best festival in the event’s storied history.
“The standard has been set. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024.”
“Conditions have been dry across Tasmania and we expect that to remain the case throughout spring and summer now the Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Nino event for Australia,” Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds said.
“Accelerating climate change has also been fuelling dangerous fire weather across the world, and that includes Tasmania.”
The City of Hobart employs more than 20 staff who undertake planned burns and help reduce flammable bushfire fuels in the forests that surround Hobart.
“We spend about $2 million annually preparing for bushfire, including maintaining 112
kilometres of fire trails and a large network of fuel breaks designed to help reduce the risk to Hobart from dangerous bushfire,” Cr Reynolds said.
“Our fire crews also carry out fuel reduction burns and have spring burns planned for South Hobart, Ridgeway, Lenah Valley and the Queens Domain.
“Over the past five years the city has carried out fuel reduction burns across more than 400 hectares of public bushland in Hobart and takes every opportunity to safely implement its burn program.
“We make significant efforts to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season and urge the
community to do the same.
“It is important to prepare your home and family for bushfire by cleaning out gutters, removing flammable plants that are close to your house, ensure you have a plan to leave early, and monitor the fire danger rating forecast.
“Make sure you have a bushfire plan, talk about it with family, friends and neighbours, clear up your property and prepare an emergency kit.
“Know when to leave your property, well before a bushfire puts you and your family in danger and know where to go.”
Parramatta welcomed some of Australia’s brightest minds in the world of planning and sustainability when the city hosted the 2023 Australian Smart Communities Summit (ASCS) at Commbank Stadium this past month.
The three-day summit, from 20-22 September, was a chance for smart communities and smart places professionals from across Australia to come together and explore new ideas.
This year’s theme Embedded and Emboldened: Pushing Smart Communities Beyond The Barriers will focused on good community practice, grassroots insights and accelerated change and future trends as council representatives around Australia gather to incubate smart city ideas that could generate benefits for decades to come.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey, who spoke at the event, said it was an honour for the city to be the summit’s host partner.
“Parramatta is proud of its work to become a truly smart city that harnesses data and
emerging technology to tackle the key challenges facing our community,” Cr Pandey said before the event.
“We look forward to sharing our vision for the city and progress on the journey so far including how we’re building smart streets with built-in charging points in street furniture and kinetic paving to help generate energy and the investment we’re making to drive the smart economy.”
Cr Pandey was joined by keynote speakers, authors Tracey Spicer and Michael McQueen, who led an extensive program sharing knowledge and experiences on the future of technology and ways to reshape our world, economy, and everyday life for a new age.
Attendees had the chance to explore the local area through a walking tour, taking in Par-
ramatta Square, Westmead Health and Innovation District, the new Powerhouse site and North Parramatta precinct.
ASCA President Bruce Marshall said it was a great opportunity for like-minded people to reconnect.
“I am thrilled to have our Summit at CommBank Stadium Parramatta this year after a four-year break,” Mr Marshall said in the lead up to the event.
“This Summit is really focussed on showcasing the great work that is happening on the ground across Australia by people working directly with their communities, and it will be great to meet or re-connect with many people who in recent years have only been able to connect online.”
The second tranche of the Dusk till Dawn Activation Grants program will support four activations with up to $100,000 each, including:
· In Common by One Fell Swoop Circus and Melbourne Fringe – a large-scale live performance combining sculpture and circus in thrilling acrobatics.
· Festival Park by Melbourne Fringe – an after-hours outdoor festival precinct at Queen Victoria Market, bringing together a pop-up circus tent, an outdoor live performance stage, art installations and food and drink market stalls.
· Melbourne Emerging Screen Festival by 40 Billion Pixels – a 17-day festival showcasing more than 100 video installations across two venues.
· Diwali at Docklands by SarasCare –a celebration of lights bringing the sounds and sights of Diwali to life in the heart of Docklands.
The City of Melbourne has hosted three Dusk till Dawn supported events this year, enticing almost 90,000 people into the city to create jobs and support local businesses according to Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
“Bolstering Melbourne’s twilight events calendar not only illuminates our city, but also electrifies our night-time economy,” the Lord Mayor said.
“These activations will see more than 80,000 people flock to the city to experience the best of Melbourne – taking advantage of our incredible retail and hospitality offerings by day and sticking around to soak up the nightlife.”
“With $930 million pumped into our economy in July alone – half of which was spent outside of standard business hours – Melbourne has unequivocally made a name for itself as a 24-hour city.”
City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell said it was essential to have exciting events on the calendar.
“We know a consistent and exciting events calendar provides city business owners with a huge boost – pumping millions into the local economy and helping to create predictability for traders.”
“We’re proud to celebrate homegrown creatives through our Dusk till Dawn Activation Grants program and can’t wait to see the city continuing to buzz after dark.”
Melbourne’s night-time economy continues to soar, with night-time activity pedestrian activity in August at 118 per cent of pre-pandemic levels – up 21 per cent on the same period last year. Melbourne’s momentum will continue to build in the coming weeks, as grant recipients Maho Magic Bar, Autumn Moon Nights and Festival Park light up the city.
The City of Hobart is warning residents to prepare for a long, hot bushfire season as its fire crews spent a day running through drills that included fitness tests, fuel reduction burns and training scenarios earlier this month.Joondalup wins: Manager Leisure and Cultural Services, Mike Smith, Communications and Content Creator, Sabrina Woodward and Events Officer (Operations), Derryn Pavatich accept the trophy.
“It is an honour to receive this award, further commemorating the late Pauline Powell OAM,” Mayor Steve Holland said.
“We originally received the request for a place name on 25 August 2021 from the Rye Historical Society and the Rye Community Group Alliance. It was accompanied with a significant number of letters of support.
“An existing boardwalk in Rye has been named the Pauline Powell Walk. The naming was Gazetted on 8 June 2023.
“Pauline’s lifetime of community service included involvement with the Rye Girl Guides where she became the District Commissioner, part of the Rye Community Group Alliance, a highly active member of the Rye Historical Society, St John’s Sorrento and St. Andrews, Rye Parish Council. She was also a valued member of the Order of Australia - Mornington Peninsula Group, a Rye Lioness and Rye Ladies Probus.”
The award was received at the annual Victorian Geospatial Excellence awards dinner in mid September.
“Pauline’s memory and invaluable contribution to our community is immortal,” the mayor said.
“This recognition is extremely special to both us and those who requested this recognition, including Rye Historical Society and the Rye Community Group Alliance.”
Nepean Ward Councillor Sarah Race said she was touched by the award.
“This award has a huge significance to me and I am deeply moved to witness a celebration of Pauline’s contribution to the Rye community,” she said.
“I had the pleasure to get to know Pauline before I was a councillor, through the Rye Community Action Group and her drive and spirit is something I won’t forget. Pauline’s place naming and consequential award is a wonderful celebration of gender equity, whilst also demonstrating that contributing to our local community actually means something.”
Further information can be found on the Geospatial Council of Australia’s website: geospatialcouncil.org.au
Goulburn Mulwaree Council hosted a Vietnamese Delegation in late September as part of an ongoing friendship agreement.
On 28 November 2019 the council and The People’s Committee of Buon Ma Thout City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam established and formal friendship agreement.
The agreement between both cities encourages the promotion of cultural exchanges, consulting services and economic development opportunities.
The group spent a day in the region kicking off their tour with a Civic Reception in the Council Chambers.
The council then led the delegation on an excursion of Goulburn’s iconic and histori-
cal landmarks as well as visiting a local high school.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between the two regions as well as giving the Buon Ma Thout City the opportunity to view their state-of-theart community infrastructure such as the Aquatic Centre and GPAC.
“We are delighted to have our friends from Buon Ma Thout City back in Goulburn to enjoy our hospitality so if see our friends enjoying our city please stop and say ‘Hello’ or ‘Xin Chao’,” Mayor Cr Peter Walker said.
From 17–20 September, a jam-packed games schedule was delivered at several council venues across Latrobe City, including Latrobe Leisure centres and the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium. The Victorian Teachers’ Games is a major annual event that provides a chance for teachers from across Victoria to come together, take a break and celebrate their achievements in a fun but challenging environment.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan, said the two-year hosting agreement will have enormous economic benefits and boost tourism to the region.
“We welcomed the opportunity to host the Victorian Teachers Games in Latrobe City as it has given us the opportunity to attract new visitors and showcase what our Gippsland region has to offer. It also provides great support for our accommodation and hospitality businesses,” said the mayor.
“It was fantastic to see many of our valued local education staff play sport, connect with other Victorian teachers and build team morale. We are looking forward to welcoming the games and participants back again next year and continuing our reputation as a destination for major events.”
The program incorporated a range of high to low intensity events, and included sporting, recreational, wellness and social activities.
Glenelg Shire residents, and Portlanders in particular, love the city’s foreshore, but what about all the pieces that go towards making it up?
Much of it is part of the Local Port of Portland Bay, which consists of the Trawler Wharf and its pontoons, Boat Ramp South, Town Jetty, Portland Bay Marina, Transit Jetty, Boat Ramp North, Henty beach swimming pontoon, the Local Ports Water Ways, Swing Moorings, Boat Ramp North Fish Weight station and the Aids to Navigation.
Keeping all of this infrastructure in tip-top shape is the job of Glenelg Shire Council – other areas under its jurisdiction include the fish cleaning tables, Trawler Wharf amenities block, and associated car parks.
The Trawler Wharf is managed under a funding agreement with the Department of Transport and Planning, while a grant from Better Boating Victoria and user fees from the Portland Bay Marina cover most of the rest, meaning little financial cost to ratepayers – in fact in 2022-23 the Local Port declared a small surplus.
Much of the hard work to bring the top-class facilities to what they are today can be traced back to 2016, when the council was successful in obtaining a grant to develop a Masterplan.
That involved major engagement with
stakeholders, picking up on what wasn’t there and what was needed for the future.
The Masterplan is the backbone of what exists at the Local Port today – everything from the extension to the Marina, new Town Jetty and Trawler Wharf pontoons to the swimming pontoon and amenities block at the Trawler Wharf can be traced to it – with just two items remaining to be completed.
One of those is the on-water diesel facility, which will be completed next year, and the other is the boat maintenance facility, and progress is underway on that as well.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Scott Martin said the Local Port was a crucial part of the foreshore, and much work had gone into making it what it is today.
“The masterplan was the missing link in the puzzle and it has made it easier for funding applications that give us the infrastructure that everyone can enjoy,” he said.
“Council would also like to thank our funding providers in the Victorian Government – the Department of Transport and Planning, Regional Development Victoria and Better Boating Victoria for making it all possible.”
Latrobe City Council has proudly welcomed more than 1000 Victorian educators to the region for the 2023 Victorian Teachers’ Games, after securing a two-year agreement as host.
Hosted by Central Coast Council in partnership with the Newcastle All Blacks, the event is one of the largest annual Indigenous sporting events in New South Wales.
Also referred to as the ‘Koori Knockout’, the event, last held on the Coast in 2019, once again showcased the outstanding talent and sportsmanship of both men and women rugby league players.
Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith, said the 150 teams who participated across the four-day event, provided enormous entertainment for visitors who travelled from across the country to attend.
“We want to congratulate all the teams who participated, especially the winners of the men’s and women’s competitions - the Walgett Aboriginal Connection and the Newcastle Yowies respectively.
“Council is proud of being able to provide a venue of such calibre, which of course is also of huge benefit year-round for the local community and sporting clubs.”
Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart, said this year’s event involved a larger number of teams than participated in 2019.
Dwellingup has been crowned Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town at the 2023 national Top Tourism Town Awards.
The awards recognise and reward towns across Australia that demonstrate a strong commitment to encouraging tourism and increasing visitation to the destination.
Shire President, Councillor David Bolt said it is wonderful to see Dwellingup receive the well deserved national recognition.
“With so many more teams participating this year, the Tuggerah venue proved it is the best complex to cater for such large numbers, which in turn has delivered significant economic benefits to the local community.
“While the final economic benefit figures are yet to be finalised, we anticipate the event generated around $6 million into the local economy, providing a direct benefit to our region’s small businesses and local employment.”
The Australian Army Band Kapooka is set to be celebrated in Wagga Wagga with a Freedom of Entry to the City Parade on Sunday 15 October 2023.
There will be plenty of excitement and pageantry at this event as the Australian Army Band Kapooka marches along Baylis Street, including in a ceremonial ‘granting’ of the Freedom of Entry to the City to the Australian Army Band outside the Civic Centre, at the corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets.
Following the march, the community are invited to a free community concert showcasing the Rock Band of the Australian Army Band Kapooka who will perform a high energy ‘Hour of Power’ concert in the Victory Memorial Gardens.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said it would be a significant event for the Australian Army Band Kapooka and the community.
“The Freedom of Entry to the City is a symbolic presentation which represents the highest honour a city can confer on an individual or a Military Unit,” Cr Tout said.
“The last time the band was granted Freedom of the City was in 2009.
“The event in October reflects the strong relationship between Wagga Wagga and the Australian Army Band Kapooka, as well as the broader Defence community.
“It will be a chance for everyone to show
their support and say ‘thank you’ to the band and its musicians, past and present, for their outstanding service to the nation, while enjoying a wonderful military spectacle.”
Officer Commanding and Music Director, Australian Army Band Kapooka Major Greg Peterson said the band was “deeply honoured” to be granted the Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga.
“The Australian Army Band Kapooka performs up to 300 official engagements for
both military and community audiences every year,” Major Peterson said.
“Partnering with local charities is just one example of the impact of our community engagement.
“On average, the band raises around $10,000 per year, with funds going directly to a wide range of local and regional charities.”
The event also coincides with a reunion of ex-serving soldier musicians from the Australian Army Band Corps Association.
“Their dedicated service to Army and the community of Wagga Wagga over the last 70 years is the reason why the Australian Army Band Kapooka enjoys its outstanding reputation within the Riverina today,” Major Peterson said.
“As such, the granting of Freedom of Entry to the City also serves as recognition for the service and sacrifice of Army’s ex-serving soldier musicians, many of whom have served their Country with distinction on various operational deployments over the years.”
The spectacular street march along Baylis Street starts at 10.30am on Sunday 15 October 2023, with the free ‘Hour of Power’ concert at the Victory Memorial Gardens commencing at 12.30pm.
and smoothie cups stopped from going into landfill.
The ‘Bring it Back Bruns’ campaign was the first of its kind in Australia, and was funded through a NSW Environment Protection Authority litter prevention grant.
It involved five environmentally conscious businesses serving food and drinks in reusable containers that people returned either to the shop or public collection bins for washing after they were finished.
Over the trial period 2907 reusable items were collected and washed from the public collection bins by contractor Green My Plate. With a similar amount returned and washed by participating businesses.
Sarah Child, council’s resource recovery strategy and engagement officer, said surveys
of litter before and during the trial indicate that takeaway litter had reduced by 30 per cent.
“Because this is the first time in Australia that anyone has run this sort of project, we didn’t know what to expect but the results are terrific,” Ms Child said.
“While people can still borrow and return containers to Bernardis Gelato, Rosefinas Place and the Brunswick Heads Health Food Store, we are now assessing all the data and have reported back to the NSW Environment Protection Authority,” she said.
“This project was all about getting people to think about the waste they generate – businesses and consumers – encouraging them to play their own roles in reducing single
use takeaway litter.
“The response from the Brunswick Heads community, businesses included, was very positive and what we were able to do in Bruns will no doubt be trialed and replicated in other parts of Australia as we collectively continue to prevent litter and reduce waste,” Ms Child said. The businesses that took park in the Bring it Back Bruns project were:
· Brunswick Heads Health Food Shop.
· Cadeau.
· Bernardis Gelato.
· In the Pink.
· Rosefina’s Place. More information about Bring it Back Bruns is on council’s website.
“For many years we have worked with the community to deliver the vision of Dwellingup’s businesses and residents. We have focused on promoting Dwellingup’s natural beauty and authentic country charm, and secured Dwellingup’s position as the state’s best trails and adventure destination,” said Councillor Bolt.
“By partnering with the tourism sector, we have strengthened Dwellingup as a visitor destination. I would like to thank everyone in Dwellingup’s tourism industry for the passion you all apply in making it such a stand-out place to visit. This award is a testament to your efforts, congratulations to you all,” Councillor Bolt added.
“Our congratulations also go to the team at Mandurah, for taking gold in the Top Tourism Town category. Congrats also to Rosanna Angus at WAITOC for winning Top Tour Guide.”
Dwellingup is one of Western Australia’s oldest towns. Just over an hour’s drive from Perth, Dwellingup has an abundance of nature-inspired experiences and unique offerings that suit adventurers of all ages.
Dwellingup is home to incredible natural landscapes, from spectacular national parks to thriving river trails and towering old-growth forests that immerse visitors in their beauty.
The win follows the announcement in May 2023, that Dwellingup was crowned Western Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town. It was the third consecutive year the town had been recognised as one of Western Australia’s best destinations, having won Gold in 2021 and Silver in 2022.
As a 2023 national finalist, Dwellingup competed against Aireys Inlet (VIC), Huskisson (NSW), Port Broughton (SA), Stanley (TAS), Winton (QLD) and Yuendumu (NT).
To learn about things to see and do in Dwellingup, view dwellingup.destinationmurray.com.au
A six-month trial of a new litter reduction campaign at Brunswick Heads has been a huge success with almost 6000 take-away items, including single-use straws, containersBeautiful Dwellingup. Picture: CHAD GERBER Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Brown, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout and Major Greg Peterson (Officer Commanding and Music Director, Australian Army Band Kapooka) with the band.
More than 47,000 people attended the 2023 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout on the October long weekend at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex.Cup action. Picture: JOSEPH GUENZLER