Annual Report 2005-2006 - Waverley Council

Waverley Council
Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Council’s Performance in Relation to Programs Undertaken during the Year to Promote
Services and Access to Services for Residents and Other Users Of those Services (continued)
Waverley in Focus (previously The Waverley Tribune) our residents newsletter, which is produced and
distributed to all households in the Waverley area quarterly. The Tribune contains news about Council
decisions and activities. It is intended to let the community know what Council is doing, how they can
participate and how they can contact their ward Councillors.
Statement of Affairs – which is produced annually and includes information about the structure and
functions of Council and how these affect members of the public; how the public can participate in
Council’s policy development and decision making, and how to access Council’s information and
records. The Statement of Affairs is available for public inspection at the Council Chambers, Library
and on our Website.
Summary of Affairs – published bi-annually, the Summary of Affairs includes a list of all Council policy
documents.
Brochures, Fact Sheets and Flyers. Council produces a range of brochures on many subjects. We
maintain brochure stands at the Council chambers, the Library, Bondi Pavilion and at the Community
Services Offices for distribution purposes. We also produce flyers for letterboxing about various
meetings, services and events.
Newsletters. We produce a monthly Senior Citizens’ Newsletter and a bi-monthly newssheet called
“What’s On at Bondi Pavilion!” Regular newsletters are also produced by the Waverley Library on
their activities.
Displaying Posters on Noticeboards. We have community noticeboards located in Waverley streets
and bus shelters as well as numerous other display boards in Council buildings. Information on these
noticeboards is changed regularly to ensure up to date information about Council, local services and
activities is available.
Holding and Attending Public Meetings, Workshops and Focus Groups. Council convenes public
meetings on topics which are contentious or where public consultation is required.
Council also regularly convenes working parties and focus group discussions to enable participation in
decision making by members of the community. Most recently we have used a variety of techniques
to consult with the community on the development of the Waverley Strategic Plan.
Regular Mailouts to Individuals and Groups. We regularly include additional information on our
services and contact phone numbers in mailouts such as the Rates Notice, licensing reminders, waste
accounts etc. We also correspond regularly with residents and ratepayers about our services.
Supporting a Resident Precinct Committee System. There are 13 Precinct Committees in
Waverley who meet regularly to discuss matters of local interest. Council prepares regular mailouts to
the Precincts about Development Applications, traffic matters, Council plans, codes and policies
and/or specific matters where information has been requested. Council staff and Councillors often
attend these meetings to hear residents’ concerns and provide information to members.
Recorded Messages on Hold on our phone system. Callers placed on hold listen to music and
messages about our services. Messages are updated or changed every three months.
Media Releases. Council employs a full-time media officer whose job it includes regularly preparing
media releases for local and metropolitan newspapers, radio and television. The subject of these
releases varies in response to the current issues of concern to Council and the community.
Annual Report 2005//2006
113