Council releases 2020/2021 Annual Report
Published on 20 October 2021
Hepburn Shire Council tabled its Annual Report at last night’s Council Meeting, outlining an overview of its performance and achievements during the 2020/2021 financial year.
Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt, said despite COVID-19 lockdown difficulties and June's extreme weather event, there had been many highlights.
“The Annual Report provides a glimpse of some of Council’s achievements during the 12 months. It’s been a privilege to lead the Council team as Mayor, and I’m very proud of all we have achieved, often in challenging circumstances,” said Cr Hewitt.
“Some of my personal highlights have been welcoming new Australian citizens at our official citizenship ceremonies, meeting with community members as part of the Hepburn Together Project, meeting and hearing the stories of residents who make up our Shire and opening the beautifully upgraded Clunes Town Hall.
“I’m also very pleased at how effective we have been at advocating to the State Government and securing more than $8.5 million towards important projects for our community.
“These include grants for the Hammon Park trailhead ($2.1M), Trentham Community Hub ($3.5M), Trentham Sportsground Reserve Pavilion ($2.06M), improvements to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens ($0.5M), and a working museum at Bullarto Station ($0.5M). This is a considerable investment in our community, and we are very grateful for the assistance from the State and Federal Government,” she said.
The Annual Report includes the year's highlights, a series of case studies on the Hepburn Together Project, the COVID-19 response, and the severe storm event, along with an overview of the Shire, leadership team and Councillors, and statutory governance information.
“As this is the last report linked to the 2017-2021 Council Plan, it also includes performance across five key areas – quality community infrastructure, active and engaged communities, sustainable environment, vibrant economy and high performing organisation,” said Cr Hewitt.
“The report shows the breadth of Council services – everything from roads and footpaths, youth events, support for elderly residents, libraries, community grants, waste and recycling collection, parks and playgrounds, maternal and child health services, and so much more."
Council Chief Executive Officer Bradley Thomas thanked the community and staff for their contribution, especially in a challenging year with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe storm event in June.
“Council delivers more than 100 services to the community, and I’m pleased to see with all the challenges that we have been able to continue to deliver these services with minimal disruption throughout 2020/2021,” said Mr Thomas.
“We have a small, but very dedicated and talented team of staff that deliver our services and projects for our community,” he said.
Mayor Hewitt urged everyone to read the Annual Report. “I encourage everyone to read the Annual Report and take a look at what we’ve delivered over the last 12 months. You can also stay up to date with Council activities through our website, Facebook Page and subscribe to the Hepburn Life monthly e-newsletter.”
Council’s Annual Report is available at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au.
Subscribe to Hepburn Life at https://mailchi.mp/hepburn/sign-up.
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