Projects at 14 local governments across Australia have been recognised as outstanding achievers in the 2016 National Awards for Local Government. The awards celebrate local governments’ achievements in delivering targeted, quality services to Australians in urban and regional communities.
Commonwealth Local Government Minister Paul Fletcher on Friday released the list of category winners and highly commended projects from locations that range from the inner-city of state capitals to the very centre of Australia. They were recognised for their success in approach, deliver, leading practice and impact.
The 10 category winners — including two project teams from Mackay — will be invited to Canberra to present their project to national judging panel next week. The overall winner will be announced at the Australian Local Government Association’s national general assembly in Canberra, June 19-21. Early bird registration ends this Friday.
The awards are administered by the federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and also receive support from the Department of Communications and the Arts and the Department of Social Services.
The category winners and highly commended runners up are listed below.
Arts Animates—excellence in building innovative and inspired communities
Winner: Blue Mountains City Council “Street Art Walk” Project — Blue Mountains City Council, NSW
Highly Commended: Bathurst Possum Skin Cloak Project — Bathurst Regional Council, NSW
Boosting Productivity through Infrastructure
Winner: Tamworth Regional Council — Regional Playground — Tamworth Regional Council, NSW
Contributing to Regional Growth
Winner: Pioneer Settlement Redevelopment — Heartbeat of the Murray—Swan Hill Rural City Council, Vic
Highly Commended: Cairns Water Security Strategy — A Community Collaborative Approach — Cairns Regional Council, Qld
Digital Innovation in Local Government
Winner: Transforming a Water Business — Mackay Regional Council, Qld
Highly Commended: Digital Innovation: Logan’s Interactive Mapping Tool and Online Estimators — Logan City Council, Qld
Disability Access and Inclusion
Winner: Kiama Dementia Friendly Project — Kiama Municipal Council, NSW
Highly Commended: ‘Walkfest’ Disability Inclusion Project — City of Greater Dandenong, Vic
Excellence in Road Safety
Winner: Backpackers & Seasonal Workers Road Safety Campaign — Southern Downs Regional Council, Qld
Innovation to Create More Liveable Australian Cities
Winner: Revitalisation and Activation of Mackay City Centre — Mackay Regional Council, Qld
Multicultural Australia—Strength in Diversity
Winner: Creating Change: Social Cohesion Program — City of Greater Dandenong, Vic
Highly Commended: Big Day Out in Harmony & Citizenship Ceremonies — Alice Springs Town Council, NT
Promoting Indigenous Recognition
Winner: Stirling Aboriginal Engagement Project — City of Stirling, WA
Highly Commended: Bungaree’s Farm — Mosman Municipal Council, NSW
Youth Economic Participation
Winner: Yarra Young Entrepreneur Program — Yarra City Council, Vic
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