Bega Valley Shire Council has won the prestigious Rural/Regional category of the 2024 AR Bluett Memorial Award.
18 November 2024
Bega Valley Shire Council has taken top honours in the Rural/Regional category of the prestigious AR Bluett Memorial Award, which recognises councils across the state for excellence in delivering outstanding community services and infrastructure.
"I am incredibly proud of this Council and all who have helped us win recognition as the best performing council in rural NSW," Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said.
"This win is a testament to the strong partnership between Council and the community, whose invaluable feedback and insights have helped us to deliver significant improvements across the shire.
"Compiling the submission gave us a rare opportunity to pause, look back and recognise our accomplishments over the past couple of years. Our Council team's hard work led by the staff and the community's guidance have helped make these achievements possible, and we're honoured to bring this award home."
The submission to the Bluett Award highlighted ten major projects that underscore Council's commitment to delivering impactful services and infrastructure. These include:
1. Brogo-Bermagui Water Treatment Plant: ensuring clean, reliable water access for our community
2. Tathra Wharf restoration: revitalising an iconic landmark for future generations
3. South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA): bringing world-class art to our region
4. Barclay Street Recreational and Sporting Precinct in Eden: creating a vibrant space for all ages to enjoy
5. Affordable Housing Strategy: addressing housing needs through strategic partnerships and initiatives
6. One Stop Shop Procurement Portal: streamlining processes for efficient community service delivery
7. Internal Talent Development Program: supporting and nurturing local skills growth and Council sustainability in the aftermath of the Black Summer bushfires and the pandemic
8. Special Rate Variation initiative: securing sustainable financial health for future community projects and services
9. Fire and flood recovery expertise: expanding our resilience skills, honed through 13 disaster declarations since 2019
10. Planning for future growth: developing the Bega and Wolumla Structure Plans to guide sustainable development in line with community needs and future growth.
"With nearly $2 billion in essential assets that we are responsible for, working alongside local residents and our funding partners has made it possible for us to deliver projects and services that serves the community today and into the future," Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
"The Bluett Award celebrates excellence and this recognition proudly showcases how our community's needs and insights drive meaningful action and sustainable growth.
"This award brings well-deserved recognition to the commitment, strength and resilience of our staff who work hard every day for the wellbeing of our community."
