The Gannawarra sweeps up at LGPro Awards for Excellence

Published on 06 June 2022

Two transformational Gannawarra Shire Council-managed projects, a community drought initiative and a young achiever have been recognised at the 2022 LGPro Awards for Excellence.

Council won three awards at the annual awards, announced on 2 June in Melbourne – the Community Assets & Infrastructure ($2.5 million and under) Initiative Award and Outstanding Small Rural Council Initiative Award for Koondrook Retreat, and the Special Projects Initiative Award for the Drought Communities Programme.

The first stage of the Cohuna Waterfront Development, which involved improvements to Apex Park and the development of Cohuna Beach, received a High Commendation in the Community Assets & Infrastructure (projects over $2.5 million) Initiative category, with Team Leader Rural Roads, Jon Haw receiving a High Commendation in the Young Achiever Award.

“Council’s success at the 2022 LGPro Awards for Excellence is testament to the work our dedicated team undertake to make the Gannawarra a great place to live and work,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“The recognition at these awards also promote Council’s work to the wider local government sector, which in turn helps put the Gannawarra on the map.”

Judges of the Community Assets & Infrastructure ($2.5 million and under) Initiative Award and Outstanding Small Rural Council Initiative Award were impressed with the high level of engagement Council undertaken during the planning and construction of Koondrook Retreat, which opened in December 2020.

Judges were also heartened by the bespoke nature of the project and its clear economic benefits, as well as collaboration with traditional owners, State Government, Council business units and the local community.

“The accolades Council received for Koondrook Retreat highlights the important work we are undertaking to promote the Gannawarra as Victoria’s nature based tourism destination,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“It is also an honour to receive the inaugural Outstanding Small Rural Council Initiative Award, which recognises the great work small rural councils are undertaking across Victoria.”

Council’s Drought Communities Programme – which saw Council use $2 million provided by the Federal Government to support a total of 119 infrastructure-based and community resilience projects and events – took out the Special Projects Initiative award.

“Drought does not discriminate, with Council ensuring the drought declared funding it received from the Federal Government would benefit communities big and small across the Gannawarra,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“The importance of the programme’s rollout increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with completed projects now leaving a lasting legacy for our communities.”

The first stage of the Cohuna Waterfront Development, which involved improvements to Apex Park and the development of Cohuna Beach, received a High Commendation in the Community Assets & Infrastructure (projects over $2.5 million) Initiative category and was also a finalist for the Outstanding Small Rural Council Initiative Award.

“Since its opening in late 2020, Cohuna Beach has become a popular place for residents and visitors to relax, whilst new facilities and barbecue shelters have enhanced the experience for visitors to Apex Park,” Mr O’Reilly said.

Council’s Team Leader Rural Roads, Jon Haw was also recognised after receiving a High Commendation in the Young Achiever of the Year category.

“A future leader with enormous potential, Jon is one of Gannawarra’s home grown stars who continues to look for opportunities to further develop his skills where possible, from local leadership studies through to participating in the Australasian Management Challenge,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Council congratulates all award winners and finalists, as the local government sector continues to work to support communities large and small across Victoria.”