CEO's Message Our organisation remains focused on delivering ongoing certainty for families and strong outcomes for the region, despite the various challenges presented over the past financial year due to the global pandemic. Our continued commitment to financial responsibility and prudent planning has given us the ability to support the region during its time of need and give our residents the best chance of moving through this significant time in history. It is a credit to our staff that we can allocate such a significant investment under our COVID-19 Recovery Package without compromising on our high standard of services to the community. We are still able to confidently manage our many facilities and amenities as well as allocate funding for important improvements across the region.
"With so many projects on the go to build on our region’s fantastic liveability, it truly is an exciting time for Western Downs Regional Council."
Supporting initiatives to strengthen our communities remains a priority for Council, aligning with our corporate strategy to create active and vibrant communities. In the past year we have allocated more than $195,000 to over 100 community groups to assist with them improving their facilities and events.
As part of our Recovery Package, we also introduced two brand new community grants programs to support our local groups and sporting clubs to bounce back stronger by offering financial assistance to keep clubs thriving and support to improve their infrastructure for the good of the community. It’s great to see so many local organisations benefiting from these important programs and boosting their services to the region. Our annual program of library activities, art exhibitions, pool parties and touring cultural events have proven extremely popular this year. It was fantastic to celebrate the region’s first ever Words Out West Readers and
Writers Festival, adding to the wonderful lifestyle opportunities we have in the region. Our fantastic Adopt A Street Tree Program continues to make a positive impact across the region, with more than 4,600 trees planted since the initiative commenced in 2017. This has helped enhance the landscape of our local neighbourhoods and generate a real sense of pride in the community. Our incredible Early Career Development Program is a continued success, with several trainees recognised at regional and state awards over the past year. Creating dynamic, fulfilling employment opportunities for locals is extremely important to Council, and it’s so rewarding to see the ongoing benefits of supporting our youth to be a part of our organisation. We received a total 333 applications for our 2020 intake, which is outstanding. It’s so rewarding to see our young people commence a career with Council and it is a testament to the success of the program to see so many people applying to be a part of it. As a result of the program, Council welcomed 14 trainees and apprentices this year. It’s wonderful to provide flexible and fulfilling opportunities to our young people and offer the chance to kickstart a long-lasting career with Council. With so many projects on the go to build on our region’s fantastic liveability, it truly is an exciting time for Western Downs Regional Council. I look forward to the completion of various projects in our open spaces and much-loved community facilities, generating pride in our local towns and encouraging visitors to meet, dine, shop and stay locally. Ross Musgrove Chief Executive Officer
WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 1 JULY 2019 TO 30 JUNE 2020
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