Nationally recognised and award winning resilience in Bellingen Shire
Published on 06 December 2022
Bellingen Shire Council and the Pandemic Response Group have received national recognition for their resilience work at an award ceremony in Hobart.
After winning the 2022 NSW Resilient Australia Local Government Award in October, the Pandemic Response Group project has been awarded the National Resilient Australia Local Government Award for 2022.
The Bellingen Shire Pandemic Response Group is made up of representatives from Council, General Practice, hospitals, pharmacists, Chambers of Commerce, and community service providers who worked together with our community to deliver initiatives, actions and information to provide a local response to the global crisis.
23 Local Governments across Australia were considered for the award, with Bellingen Shire Council Pandemic Response Group being recognised along-side the AdaptWest project from South Australia as winners. Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Liz Jeremy and Dr Derek Bell of the Clinicians Network travelled to Hobart to receive the award.
Judging criteria for projects included benefit to the community, effectiveness, collaboration, community engagement, and sustainability (can the project be adapted or replicated in other communities). Council is hoping to share the model with other councils and community organisations across the country.
“The Pandemic Response Group is a fantastic example of community-led resilience and how local government can support and empower innovative community ideas. Working together made us stronger and this award is recognition of the hard work of all involved and endorses the practice of working alongside community” Ms. Jeremy said.
Liz Jeremy has been a passionate supporter and advocate for resilience in Bellingen Shire. This award comes after she recently announced her retirement as General Manager from council.
“This award caps off over a decade of service to Bellingen Shire Council for Ms. Jeremy and it is truly fitting she were able to receive it on behalf of Council for the work she championed.” Mayor Cr Steve Allan said.