Respect, collaboration, integrity and accountability – values that are helping make East Gippsland Shire Council an organisation that delivers a broad range of services to its customers and the community.

For the first time since the pandemic, these values and staff and organisation achievements were celebrated at an all-staff event held last week.

Chief Executive Officer Anthony Basford said collectively Council does a lot of great work for, and in, the community.

“Our staff have made a significant contribution over recent years. By putting aside one afternoon in the year – for the first since 2019 – we were able to recognise achievements, celebrate our peers, connect with colleagues from across the shire, and further embed our values,” Mr Basford said.

“Looking back on the achievements and challenges with our people was an important moment to reflect on how local government supports our community, whether that’s through infrastructure, programs, support or service delivery.

“We’ve also been recognised for multiple national and state awards over that period, which is a testament to our work and partnerships with the community and other partners.”

The inaugural ‘Living Our Values’ awards were presented to staff who have made significant contributions staff fulfilling the organisations’ values over the past 12 months.

“The Living Our Values employee recognition program was implemented so staff can recognise and celebrate their peers’ achievements. The awards have provided an opportunity for employees to formally acknowledge and celebrate their colleagues that are living and breathing our values,” Mr Basford said.

“The calibre of nominations was outstanding; we have many great people doing great work.”

VALUES AWARDS

Accountability – actively taking on responsibility, following it through, and getting things done. It's also about recognising that all employees, and departments, have responsibilities of their own.

 · Waste Operations Team – the team was confronted with many challenges during COVID-19 but continued to strive and carry out their day-to-day tasks

 · Kylie Mitchell, Rates and Valuations – consistently performs over and above what is normally expected of any employee.

Collaboration – listening and evolving together, helping and supporting each other for the sake of a collective goal.

· Land Use Administration Team – experienced a substantial increase in planning and building applications and related actions.

· Kate Allen, Environmental Projects – a valued member of the crew and has been of great assistance with her knowledge of legislation, procedures and policies.

 Integrity – creating a positive and inclusive culture that fosters open, honest, and meaningful relationships with all stakeholders.

· Kathyrn Macdonald, Place Manager - has worked alongside impacted communities following the Black Summer Bushfires. Worked tirelessly in an environment where the communities are traumatised and vulnerable.

· Robert Pringle, Statutory Planning - has been the glue that holds his team together for the past year in a time of very heavy workload. Identified significant process improvements and provides advice without fear or favour.

Respect – valuing everyone and treating people with dignity, professionalism and treating others as we would like to be treated.

· Janette Schimleck, Recovery Governance and Coordination – listens with genuine intent to understand and develop a shared understanding. Treats everyone with empathy, equity and kindness.

· Jason Connelly, Aerodromes – committed and dedicated to his role and his small team. Always respectful to internal and external customers and is professional in all that he undertakes. Under Jason's leadership, two of our three airports have won National Awards for Excellence.

“Our people are adopting these agreed values and are seeing the benefits they bring to their own work, our organisation and the broader community,” Mr Basford said.

The event also celebrated 22 long-serving staff members who chalked up 10 to 25years of service in 2022 – a total of more than 310 years in local government!

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves attended the event, thanking staff for their contribution to East Gippsland.

“I want to express my thanks and appreciation to all of our hard-working employees who daily make the wheels turn in our organisation,” Cr Reeves said.

“The Council workforce is committed to working for the best outcomes for our community. We celebrate their work and appreciate an their service.”

  East Gippsland Shire Council employees were awarded with Living Our Values awards at the annual staff recognition event.

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