Local government sector celebrates exceptional council initiatives and outstanding commitment by an elected representative

The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has announced the winners of its 2024 Awards for Excellence and Service Awards last night during the LGAT Annual Conference Dinner.

Acting LGAT President Mayor Paula Wriedt congratulated all Award nominees and winners.

“It’s great to see a strong field of nominations representing a large range of outstanding projects being implemented across Tasmania by local government. I congratulate Clarence City Council, Derwent Valley Council and Sorell Council on their winning entries,” Mayor Wriedt said.

Derwent Valley Council won the Delivering Excellence – Smaller Council Award (population under 15,000)

Derwent Valley Council was recognised for its youth engagement project ‘Empowering Futures’, which has been enhancing engagement and development with the younger members of its community.

Recognising that young people have historically been overlooked, Derwent Valley has been fostering a youth-centric community that promotes long-term positive outcomes and innovation through a series of interconnected projects.  Some of these key projects have been:

  • Derwent Valley Youth Summit
  • Implementation of a Safeguarding Children Policy
  • Transitioning funding to the Link Youth Health Service
  • Establishment of a collective impact partnership known as Collaboration for Youth.

The judges were impressed by the short and long-term benefits already being realised, and that the voices of young people were making a difference in real-world things like a collaboratively-designed park. The judges agreed that this initiative was a great template for other councils looking to enhance their engagement with young people in their communities.

Clarence City Council won the Delivering Excellence – Larger Council Award (population over 15,000)

Clarence City Council’s takara limuna track was the winning entry for the Larger Council Award.

Also known as the Sheoak Walk, the trail honours the stories, history and culture of the mumirimina people, who have cared for country since time immemorial, and pays homage to the continuing connection of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people to their country, culture, and community today.

This project aimed to increase the use of this council reserve near Shag Bay by installing new track work and providing interpretation of the local palawa cultural history and land use of the area. The trail has been brought to life with text, artworks and audio recordings in consultation with Aboriginal cultural consultants Milangkani Projects and Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Allan Mansell.

Alongside this, Clarence created a gathering space and fire pit for the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to use for culture and ceremony which has already been featured in NAIDOC Week events this year.

The judges were impressed with the multiple benefits delivered by this project, including:

  • The activation of an area for the community where they can walk and learn about palawa history and culture.
  • Engagement with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to create a real, ongoing place to share and celebrate their culture.
  • Acting as a catalyst and foundation for extending cultural walks into Shag Bay.

Sorell Council won the Showcasing Innovation Award

Sorell Council took home the Showcasing Innovation Award for its Midway Point Cat Management Project.

The Midway Point Cat Management Project is a collaboration between Sorell Council, TassieCat and Ten Lives. The project is focused on working with the local community to promote and improve ways to keep cats safe, healthy and happy, while protecting wildlife.

Midway Point is within the corridor of the ecologically sensitive Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon. This shallow lagoon is a critical habitat for migratory birds of international significance and was recognised as an international Ramsar Wetlands site in 1982. This sensitive site is particularly vulnerable as tired migratory birds can become easy targets for cats.

Sorell Council approached this challenge with broad community consultation including surveys, leaflet drops and walking the streets to talk to locals to understand their views and concerns on cat management.

The judges were impressed by the project’s approach to community engagement and activation that sought to bring people along on the journey to protect vulnerable migratory birds. They were equally impressed by how Sorell Council developed and implemented programs to support microchipping and desexing across the community.

In the Showcasing Innovation Award the judges also recognised West Coast Council with a highly commended award for its Zeehan Landfill and Wetlands Project.

West Coast Council recognised that it needed an ongoing, sustainable solution for its municipality’s waste as the landfill had reached its end of life. Facing significant challenges, West Coast Council used an innovative gravity-fed wetland treatment to provide for many more years of service to west coast communities.

Councillor Peter Hollister takes home 2024 Service Award

LGAT said that last night was also a chance to celebrate the commitment of individuals to the sector through LGAT’s Service Awards.

Councillor Peter Hollister from Devonport City Council was recognised for “his outstanding commitment and service to local government.”

Councillor Hollister has demonstrated his unwavering dedication to Devonport City Council for over twenty-four years, serving as Mayor from 2002 to 2005 and as Deputy Mayor from 2000 to 2002. He’s also had extensive involvement across various committees such as the Devonport Sister City Community Special Committee, the Devonport Regional Gallery Advisory Special Committee and the City of Devonport Emergency Management Planning Committee.

Councillor Hollister has been an active participant on the Dulverton Regional Waste Management Authority and Cement Australia Community Liaison Committee, which highlights his commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The Mayor of Devonport City Council, Alison Jarman, nominated Councillor Hollister for his tireless dedication and leadership.

“Peter is deserving of the highest accolades. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Devonport community serves as a shining example for all, embodying the values of selflessness, integrity, and civic responsibility that define the essence of public service,” Mayor Jarman said.

Nominations for Service Awards are made by councils, elected members and General Managers and are determined by the LGAT General Management Committee.