Annual Report 2008-2009 Summary - City of Greater Geelong

A Word from our Interim
Chief Executive Officer
It is a great privilege to have
been appointed the interim CEO
of the City of Greater Geelong.
I have been with the City since July 2008 and have lived in
the region for many years. I welcome the challenge to deliver
positive outcomes for the community. For me Geelong really
is the best place to live!
I would like to acknowledge Kay Rundle, CEO of
the City of Greater Geelong from March 2003 to
May 2009. Kay has been an exemplary leader
of the organisation, with a keen eye for what
really matters and a strong belief in the power of
good relationships to make a difference.
During 2008-2009 the City recorded a healthy
period of financial operation, reflected in higher
closing cash balances, significant asset growth
and an operating surplus of $14.2 million.
Council has been active in joining the State
and Federal Governments in tackling the effects
of the global financial crisis on Geelong’s
economy. Together we are demonstrating that
Geelong is Open for Business by:
10 Annual Report 2008-2009 | City of Greater Geelong
> Supporting existing businesses and
identifying new growth sectors.
> Brokering major projects and
encouraging investment.
> Leading the way with regional collaboration.
We believe Geelong, Victoria’s second biggest
city, can weather the crisis, emerging ready
for a major growth period. We will be able to
capitalise on our existing assets such as our
industrial and manufacturing base, research
and innovation facilities, education and health
sectors, world-renowned tourism industry and
our proximity to air, rail, sea and road facilities.
At the City we have worked hard in the 2008-
2009 financial year to boost our capital works
program and keep jobs in Geelong. $71.8
million was spent on capital works with projects
such as the Leisurelink replacement facility
at Waurn Ponds, the road construction and
replacement program and the completion of the
Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre.
In June, Council adopted the Indigenous
Statement of Recognition and Commitment
2009. Work has begun in preparing a
Reconciliation Action Plan to guide Council’s
activities and relationships with local indigenous
people. These are important local contributions
to closing the gap between indigenous and nonindigenous
Australians.
In all our activities it is important we keep
abreast of what the community wants. Over the
year we have conducted more than 100 formal
consultation events, providing the opportunity
for the community to have their say.
Recently I was proud to take part in a
ceremony that recognised the many staff
who have given the City of Greater Geelong
20 or 30 years of service. Among them were
Eveleen Sparrow who has been working at the
Settlement Road Belmont School Crossing for
30 years and Len Williams who has spent 30
years maintaining the central areas of Ocean
Grove, Pt Lonsdale and Barwon Heads.
Back to
table of
contents