Rockhampton Regional Council's dedication to waste management has been recognised at the recent Local Authority Waste Management Action Committee (LAWMAC) meeting held in Mission Beach.
Deputy Mayor and Assistant Portfolio Councillor for Waste and Recycling Neil Fisher was honoured with the 2022 Ross Overton (Rossko) Memorial Award for Excellence in Waste Management, which showcases the achievements, success, and innovation in fields of waste management, recycling and environmental awareness.
Council Officer Sandi Brown was also recognised for her behind the scenes support work in waste management in regional Queensland as the recipient of the inaugural Mary Field Award.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said this recognition was very well-deserved and is a testament to their long-standing commitment and dedication to the industry.
"It was so fantastic to see both Councillor Fisher and Sandi be presented with these awards," Cr Latcham said.
"Their efforts have resulted in significant, positive contributions to waste management across Council - and indeed, the region."
Having an involvement with LAWMAC for more than five years now, Councillor Neil Fisher said he was delighted to receive the Rossko Award.
"To be recognised by my peers was an honour and privilege," Cr Fisher said.
"I am extremely humbled by this, especially given the contributions of some of the other nominees.
"These achievements don't happen in isolation, and I want to share the recognition with our Waste and Recycling team and fellow Councillors."
Council Officer Sandi Brown said she was also humbled to receive the Mary Field Award which recognises workers in the waste industry who demonstrate passion and dedication to achieving outcomes behind the scenes.
"Being recognised for the support and work in waste management in regional Queensland in the shadow of Mary, and the many years of dedication and networking she has put in for LAWMAC is an absolute honour!," Ms Brown said.
LAWMAC presenter, Chief Scientist for the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and Professor of Tropical Regional Development at The Cairns Institute, James Cook University Allan Dale, commended the leadership of Rockhampton Regional Council in driving the region toward a circular economy and zero waste.
"LAWMAC is the heart of innovation in waste management in Queensland's regional communities, and this will become even more important as we move to more circular economies. As such, it's a time for real leadership, as embodied by Rockhampton Regional Council."
