Two from two as Council scoops up LGMA Awards for Excellence

It was a proud moment for Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) as the organisation won two awards at the 2024 LGMA Awards for Excellence held in Brisbane on Thursday 23 May.

The LGMA Awards for Excellence recognise the best of local government initiatives in the state, noting the differing environments and communities that local government serves.

GRC entered the awards under two categories – Community Shaping and Workplace Wellbeing – and were successful in both categories in what was a competitive field.

Council’s ongoing Culture Journey initiative took out the Workplace Wellbeing category and our state leading First Nations Fire Officer initiative received the Community Shaping award of excellence.

Gladstone Regional Council CEO Leisa Dowling attended the awards and was thrilled with the outcome.

Lgma awards “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved as a local government and it was an honour to accept these awards on behalf of Gladstone Regional Council,” Ms Dowling said.

“These awards are a team effort and moments like this are a testament to our hard work and the values we apply every day.

“I would like to thank all our people who have championed these initiatives as they are making a real difference to our organisation.”

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the ongoing success of GRC’s Culture Journey, and the First Nations Fire Officer initiative, not only has a positive impact within Council, but also benefits the wider community.

“The First Nations Fire Officer is a fantastic initiative and one that Council is proud to be leading as we are the only Queensland Council with someone dedicated to this role,” Councillor Burnett said.

“This role was initially made possible due to funding from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program; however, Council has since made this role permanent.

“Council’s Culture Journey began in 2021 and has seen improvements in areas such as Capital Works delivery and turnover.”

Visit www.lgmaqld.org.au/Awards-for-excellence for more information about the LGMA Awards for Excellence.

Click here to view both of Gladstone Regional Council’s submission to the 2024 LGMA Awards for Excellence.

Download this media release (PDF)