MEDIA RELEASE - Stellar six-award shortlist for Sutherland Shire in NSW Local Government Excellence Awards

Sutherland Shire Council is thrilled to announce that six of Council’s projects and initiatives have been shortlisted as finalists across five categories at the 2024 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

This significant achievement underscores Council’s unwavering commitment to innovation, community engagement, continuous improvement, and sustainability.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, said this recognition is testament to the dedication and hard work of Council staff and its community partners in delivering infrastructure and services for the Sutherland Shire community.

“These projects and initiatives not only demonstrate our commitment to delivering exceptional amenity and facilities that caters to all ages, but also exhibit our dedication to sustainability, risk management, and fostering meaningful partnerships.” said Mayor Pesce.

“Each project represents a milestone in our journey toward a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant Sutherland Shire and we’re absolutely honoured to be considered alongside other outstanding local government initiatives and projects.

“Two standout projects that have made the short list include The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre and Seymour Shaw Active Sport Precinct. The Pavilion today stands as a focal point for performing arts in Sutherland Shire, so I am delighted that it continues to be championed for its design and entertainment offering.

“Seymour Shaw is another stellar example of a transformational project that has further activated an area, delivering recreational opportunities for kids and adults to get out and enjoy active lives, which is synonymous with living in Sutherland Shire.

“These awards are a fantastic opportunity to once again showcase our Council’s ongoing commitment to excellence and we look forward to the announcement of winners in each category.”

The categories and corresponding projects for which Sutherland Shire Council has been shortlisted include:

  • Asset and Infrastructure over $1.5 million – The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, recognised for the exemplary refurbishment of the Sutherland Entertainment Centre into a performing arts and cultural facility and; Seymour Shaw Skatepark - recognised for the delivery of a purpose-built recreational youth space and skatepark.
  • Risk Management – the “Do your part and fires won’t start” education campaign, to raise awareness of the correct disposal of lithium batteries to reduce incidence of fires in garbage trucks, protecting people and property.
  • Community Partnerships – Collaboration of Libraries and the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) based at Sutherland Hospital, to deliver training and share resources and skills of the respective organisations to build staff resilience and wellbeing, and improve customer experience.
  • First Nations Community Partnership – embedding Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives in early childhood initiatives at Council’s 11 Early Childhood Centres.
  • Special Project Initiative – “Hooked on Solar” St George and Sutherland Shire Anglers’ Clubhouse becomes Sutherland Shire’s first off-grid, energy-resilient community facility.

The winners of the 2024 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 6 June 2024.