Council's NDIS commitment recognised nationally

Published on 20 November 2020

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Gannawarra Shire Council’s commitment to providing National Disability Insurance Scheme services to residents has been recognised nationally.

Council’s implementation of the NDIS into its Community Care program in January 2019 was shortlisted as a finalist in the Minister for Local Government’s Award for Progressive Community Leadership at the 2020 National Awards for Local Government, announced in Wagga Wagga on 17 November.

“Council is pleased to be the only small rural Council in Victoria to be an approved NDIS provider, which is benefiting more than 80 residents living in the municipality,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“This initiative benefiting participants and their family members, who are enjoying an improved quality of life and are growing in themselves.

“This program is also benefiting residents in other ways, with Council’s commitment to the NDIS creating an extra 54 jobs.”

Gannawarra Shire Council’s NDIS efforts was one of eight projects or initiatives nominated for recognition in the awards program, traditionally announced at the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly in July. These projects were:

  • The annual Gannawarra Goes Orange family violence prevention campaign;
  • The development of the Welcome to Country video, produced in partnership with the Kerang Elders Group, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Northern District Community Health;
  • Council’s advocacy for improving electricity transmission capabilities within the municipality, which will enable greater investment in renewable energy;
  • The Baptcare Northaven Resident Art Exhibition, which saw Council, Golden Rivers Artists and Baptcare Northaven unite to host a collaborative arts exhibition in November 2019;
  • Improvements to key freight routes throughout the municipality;
  • Redevelopment of the Koondrook CBD, creating links between the township, Koondrook Wharf and the soon to open Koondrook Retreat; and
  • Efforts to increase the number of women employed by Council and promoting leadership potential.

“These nominations are a credit to the combined efforts of community groups, residents and staff to make the Gannawarra a special place to work, visit and live,” Mr O’Reilly said.

NOTE: The above image was taken prior to the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions.

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