ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

Community Services
Irene McGinnigle
General Manager
Dip. Lib
BA
G.Dip Management
G.Dip Soc Science
Irene McGinnigle joined the Executive Management Team on 4 August 2003.
Irene is responsible for departments which ensure the health and wellbeing of the
community. Departments under her supervision provide cultural and community
programs and services to the diverse community.
Irene’s Message:
“So much of the work we do in Community Services has a better result because of
community involvement. This ranges from the 350 volunteers who delivered meals
on wheels, to the young people in Norlane who planned and managed the Skating
and Art (SKAART) Festival, to the 500 parents and children involved in the Pram
Stroll along the Waterfront. This is what makes Geelong such a great place to live”!
Division’s EFT Staff: 395
Revenue ($000): $ 22,932
Expenditure ($000): $ 40,075
Assets ($000): $ 112,306
Functions provided:
> Aged and Disability Services > Family Services
> Arts and Culture > Community Development
Achievements:
> Youth Strategy 2007-2011 launched.
> Whittington Community Renewal Project implementation including the
successful running of the Community Festival (Flamefest 2008).
> Management of the Portarlington community building initiative.
> City Learning and Care team won the 2007 Geelong Business Excellence Award
in the Government Funded category for the second year running.
> Establishment of Linking Schools and Early Years Project in partnership with
Best Start and Centre for Community Child Health.
> Home care offices established in Senior Citizen Centres, strengthening
relationships between clubs and staff.
> Introduction of Pocket PC Technology to provide Community Care staff with
electronic rosters, care plans and contacts, streamlining administration
processes.
> Geelong Cultural Precinct Master Plan developed. $7.9 million from State
Government allocated to stage one of the project.
> $146,497 allocated to 24 arts projects and seven events under the Community
Arts and Community Festivals Grant Programs.
> 128 community groups receive just over $241,000 under the Councillor
Community Grants Program.
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