The City of Greater Bendigo congratulates Director Health and Wellbeing Vicky Mason on being named in the Institute of Public Administration Australia's Top 50 Public Sector Women (Victoria) for 2021.
She was named in the Established Leader category, together with former City Director Corporate Performance, Kerryn Ellis.
Announced last Friday, the 2021 list recognised the outstanding commitment, contribution and achievements of public sector women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in either the COVID-19 response or adapting and steering 'Business as Usual' in the context of COVID-19.
City Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann said Ms Mason thoroughly deserved this recognition.
"Vicky, who has an extensive public health, Local Government and community engagement background, was the City's Pandemic Coordinator and led the organisation's response to managing the impact of COVID-19 on our work and how we could best support the community during this time," Mr Niemann said.
"She assembled a group of leaders in the organisation to inform decision making, which ensured the organisation took a thoughtful, caring and inclusive approach to keeping staff safe and able to continue working so as we could maintain service continuity.
"To provide support to her Local Government colleagues, she chaired the Cluster Pandemic Committee which included representatives from neighbouring Shires, and she helped establish and coordinate the Greater Bendigo Pandemic Relief and Recovery Committee, which includes representatives of local organisations that are still working together to overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic.
"During this time, the Local Government sector was also in the process of implementing a new Local Government Act and preparing a new Council Plan. Vicky led this key piece of strategic work, which required extensive community engagement in between lockdowns, while continuing in her Director role and as our Pandemic Coordinator. She also held a number of local Board positions.
"Vicky has an incredible work ethic and strong networks across the community. She is highly respected and therefore able to positively influence health outcomes for the region. As she prepares to take a break from Local Government, this is a very fitting recognition and wonderful way to end her time with the City."
Ms Mason said it was humbling to have made the Top 50 list.
"I'm really proud of how the City responded to the impacts of the pandemic and the way we supported staff and the community during an extended period of uncertainty," she said.
"I was surrounded by great people who were all committed to the same goal, and I really welcomed the challenge. As a public health professional, you are always aware a pandemic may come and while you hope it never does, it is a huge test.
"It has been very humbling to be recognised in this way; at the time you just respond because you want to do the best for your colleagues and the community. I will leave my Director role in a few months' time pleased to have made a difference."
