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Awards and recognition
Australasian
Our 2019/20 annual report received a Gold Award at the Australasian Reporting Awards. Over the three years of entering these awards we have achieved two Bronze awards and one Gold.
State awards
Finalist in six categories, with two highly commended and one win:
• Finalist: Customer Experience Award
Customer Experience Excellence Program • Finalist: Innovative Leadership
New Rates 2021 • Finalist: Supporting Local Enterprise Award
Economic and Social Recovery Plan
Highly Commended: Environmental Leadership Award Gannons Park Water Quality Improvement and Stormwater Harvesting Scheme
The Gannons Park Water Quality Improvement and Stormwater Harvesting Scheme is a large-scale landscape and stormwater treatment project focused on reinstating a section of Boggywell Creek to develop significant public space and improve the community’s connection to environmental processes.
This project involved the removal of concrete stormwater infrastructure and construction/ reinstatement of natural waterway features including swales, wetlands, ponds and bioretention systems.
This work has improved the local environment by increasing terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, improving the quality of stormwater entering the Georges River, saving potable water while creating opportunities for the community to enjoy the park through the associated landscaping, shared path and facilities. The harvested stormwater will be used to irrigate the regionally significant sporting fields on the upper section of the park.
Highly Commended: Special Project Initiative: THRIVE!
We implemented an alternative learning program to ensure staff continued to feel supported personally and professionally and remained connected to each other through the unprecedented times COVID-19 presented.
The THRIVE! Learning Program was designed, developed and delivered internally and launched within two weeks of staff being directed to work from home and partial business closures.
THRIVE! allowed staff to access a range of skill development opportunities through flexible online learning as well as resources and practical strategies to support their health and wellbeing.
We are proud to have launched a program that supported staff to adjust to new ways of working, manage mental wellbeing and maintain a sense of belonging to our organisation and the community. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting that the program added real value to our staff and supporting its continuation into 2021.
Winner: People, Workplace, Wellbeing: BENE-FIT 360
The BENE-FIT 360 program actively supports our employees to achieve total wellbeing. It promotes a holistic view of wellness through initiatives that fall under three overarching pillars:
• M-FIT – a commitment to a mentally fit workforce • WELL-FIT – a commitment to wellness and belonging • FLEX-FIT – a commitment to a flexible and agile workforce. BENE-FIT 360 helps to drive a healthier, happier and more engaged and productive workforce; through this we will attract and retain top talent and promote Council as an employer of choice.
Through BENE-FIT 360 initiatives such as mental health awareness training in partnership with Mental Health Movement, we have encouraged more open conversation about mental health.
Our return to the workplace following remote working embedded flexible work practices in policy through the adopted Flex-Fit Policy in November 2020.
In supporting the transition back to the office, the engagement of an onsite wellness consultant through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider has also given staff access to further support particularly during these challenging times.
Best Planning Ideas – NSW Awards for Planning Excellence
In partnership with the University of NSW, Street Furniture Australia and the University of Sydney, we won the award for Best Planning Ideas – Small Project for our ChillOUT Hubs: Smart Social Spaces Creating Connected Green Places project.
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) NSW Awards for Planning Excellence
Director Environment and Planning, Meryl Bishop, was awarded a commendation in the Planner of the Year Category.
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW’s Sustainable Cities Award
We won the Renewable Energy award for our commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy in our operations by 2025 and the implementation of mitigation initiatives to progress towards net zero carbon emissions.
Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards 2020
We were recognised as a finalist under the Climate Champion Award category. The award recognises a cross team collaboration to achieve a common goal of reducing Council’s carbon footprint through the implementation of mitigation initiatives.
Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards 2020
We were Highly Commended at the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards 2020 in the ‘Towards Net Zero Emissions’ category.
2020 Greater Sydney Planning Awards - COMMENDATION: Georges River LSPS - Georges River Council
The community engagement program for the Georges River Local Strategic Planning Statement demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in community collaboration. Council embarked on the engagement process much earlier than most Councils thereby allowing residents ample time to consider the issues and respond meaningfully. Through extensive workshops in varying formats, including a suite of digital engagement practices, council reached a very high proportion of the LGA's population and exemplified quality collaboration.
Museums and Galleries National Awards (MAGNA)
Hurstville Museum & Gallery has again been recognised at the Museums and Galleries National Awards (MAGNA), receiving a Highly Commended award in the 2021 MAGNA category for Best Temporary or Travelling Exhibition - Level 1 for its exhibition Artbomb: connect + create.
From left to right: Taylor Kelly, Sharni Watts and Theresa Dinh receiving their award for the BENE-FIT 360 program at Local Government Professionals NSW Local Government Awards 2021.
