Griffith City Council was recognised at the 2022 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards held in Sydney last week, receiving highly commended awards for recently completed projects.
The NSW Local Government Excellence Awards, held annually, celebrate outstanding achievements across Local Government that promote innovation and improvement within the community. Awards categories cover various local government responsibilities, including asset and infrastructure, development, community partnerships and many more.
Council's Urban Development Team took home a Highly Commended for the Griffith Community Centre in the Asset and Infrastructure Award (Projects over $1.5mil).
Council, along with members of the Neighbourhood House executive had been lobbying the NSW Government for more than 10 years to build a new Community Centre to service the ever-expanding needs of the Griffith Community.
In March 2019, Council was notified that a $3.65M grant application from the NSW Government was successful, and the long awaited dream was to become a reality. The Country Universities Centre - Western Riverina and Griffith City Council then came together to increase the footprint of the proposed building, adding $1.3M to create a centralised 'one stop shop' for members of the Griffith community.
The Glow2680 Team were awarded a Highly Commended in the Supporting Local Enterprise category. Glow2680 is a festive season campaign developed by Council to support the community and local business to reinvigorate after a year of lockdowns. This project was a true team effort, with multiple teams across Council represented.
A series of events held throughout the Christmas period were designed to activate the CBD, as well as encourage participation and rebuild community spirit and connectivity with all residents, including those in outlying villages.
Meanwhile Council's Rural Management Challenge Team; The Griffith Game Changers took out third place.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran, said he is delighted to see Council do so well.
"To be considered among the top councils in NSW and have our projects recognised at a state level is a wonderful achievement," Councillor Curran said.
"Our projects benefit the community and these awards acknowledge we are on the right track to further grow our city and provide a great lifestyle."
General Manager Brett Stonestreet congratulated staff on their efforts.
"I am extremely proud of staff as they continue to work tirelessly and go above and beyond for our community," he said.
Council was also named a finalist in the following categories:
- Stuart McWilliam Stage - in the category Asset and Infrastructure - Under $1.5 million.
- Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre (GRALC) - 50M Olympic Outdoor Swimming Pool - in the category Asset and Infrastructure - Over $1.5 million
