MESSAGE FROM LGPRO PRESIDENT

I am delighted to present the winners and finalists of the LGPro 2021 Awards for Excellence in this special publication which also features our LGPro program graduates. Welcome to our celebration of innovation in the Local Government sector. Last year was anything but business as usual as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world and revolutionised the way we work. Instead of being defeated by the pandemic, natural disasters and limited resources, our sector rose to the challenge. Every day our sector produces outstanding work, but in a year of upset and disruption, it is even more important that we acknowledge these achievements. The Awards for Excellence not only highlight our ingenuity and commitment to our communities, but they also provide the opportunity to showcase and share bright ideas and celebrate our capable and talented people. On behalf of the LGPro Board, I congratulate and thank each and every person involved in making these awards – now in their 17th year – possible. In reading about the diverse and innovative programs and projects put forward this year, you can’t but feel proud of the work being done throughout Victoria. We always receive an excellent standard of nominations, and this year is no exception. I would like to thank the team of volunteer judges who adjudicated in the 10 award categories. A great deal of care is taken when forming the judging panels, to ensure those deliberating have the technical knowledge and expertise required. I would also like to thank Councils for allowing their staff to participate as judges, not only does this contribute to their professional development, but it also helps build capacity within the sector. Congratulations to all of the other LGPro award winners, finalists and program graduates. Your success is our success. Please take some time to read about these outstanding projects, I am sure that you will find something that you can adopt, adapt and implement for your own Council. To each and every one featured here, you do yourselves and your Councils proud. Well done! Liana Thompson LGPro President Chief Executive Officer, Northern Grampians Shire Council