Warrumbungle Shire Council has been named Most Positive Shire Council of 2013 for its efforts during and after the Coonabarabran and Bugaldie bushfires in January.
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The award was presented to the Council on Monday at an Australian Education and Leadership Centre awards ceremony in Perth.
Accepting the award on behalf of Warrumbungle Shire Council, mayor Peter Shinton acknowledged the passion exhibited in the efforts shown by staff to support the Coonabarabran and Bugaldie communities during the January bushfires.
The rapid creation of the Warrumbungle Shire Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal, seeking assistance from all areas of government within the first 24 hours, and the establishment of the Disaster Welfare Centre, were all seen as positive moves.
Staff volunteered in the bushfire response, and also took on the role of establishing and continuing with recovery support services. Staff participation with both the bushfire response and recovery was undertaken above and beyond their usual work duties.
“Staff stepped up to provide support where needed,” Cr Shinton said following the awards evening.
“Our staff live and work in the community, and are part of the community. To see them volunteer and take on extra work duties is why Warrumbungle Shire Council received recognition for the Award.”
The Australian Education and Leadership Centre (AELC) conducted the inaugural awards, with four finalists attending the ceremony held in Perth. Hawkesbury City Council was one of the finalists, along with Councils from Tasmania and Victoria.
AELC is an organisation that aims to promote professional development and leadership, and advocates for people to act and communicate positively.
Cr Shinton said Warrumbungle Shire Council’s nomination presents the role of local government in supporting their communities in times of need such as natural disasters, and recognises the positive leadership of the organisation.
