Annual Report 2008-2009 Summary - City of Greater Geelong

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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
The Bellarine Peninsula is characterised by historic coastal townships and is a popular residential and recreational area. Back to table of contents Their stories about their time with the City and the people they have met were heart-warming, as is their continued dedication. In 2008-2009 we received many awards that reflect the dedication of our staff. These included Geelong Otway Tourism’s three awards at the 2008 Melbourne Airport Victorian Tourism Awards, the 2008 National Award for Local Government for Excellence in Alcohol Management, and the 2007-2008 City of Greater Geelong Annual Report received a Gold Award at the prestigious Australasian Reporting Awards. Council’s Information Technology Manager Andrew Downie also received an award at the Municipal Association of Victoria’s inaugural Local Government Excellence in ICT Awards. During the year Kay Rundle won the SACS award for Local Government Leadership. Her prize money was used to develop the ACCELER8 Emerging Leaders Program which provides an opportunity for eight permanent employees to attain practical leadership skills. This is an important initiative of the organisation’s career succession planning. I particularly want to acknowledge the efforts of our staff in assisting communities affected by the Victorian bushfires. The Municipal Association of Victoria coordinated Council assistance with the City providing services to the Murrindindi and Nillumbik Shires. It is also important to recognise the efforts of those staff who stepped up to cover for those assisting in tackling the bushfires and cleanup, thus ensuring services continued to be provided to the Geelong community. Vale Danny Shepherd, a much admired staff member who tragically died in the bushfires. We will remember him. One of the great traditions here at the City of Greater Geelong is the contribution of over 700 volunteers who help us deliver services, projects and events to the people of the City of Greater Geelong and beyond. Thank you to each and every one of you for making a difference to the lives of others and the environment we all enjoy. Thank you also to all staff, the Mayor and Councillors. Stephen Griffen ! Interim Chief Executive Officer City of Greater Geelong Annual Report 2008-2009 | City of Greater Geelong 11
Page 1 and 2: WWW.GEELONGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU Annual
Page 3 and 4: Welcome to the City of Greater Geel
Page 5 and 6: 2008-2009 Highlights > Geelong name
Page 7 and 8: Back to table of contents Sport and
Page 9 and 10: City of Greater Geelong - at a Glan
Page 11: Geelong serves as a cultural hub fo
Page 15 and 16: Left to right: Cr David Saunderson,
Page 17 and 18: The eastern edge of the Geelong Wat
Page 19 and 20: Staff Profile The City of Greater G
Page 21 and 22: Our Values and Behaviours Council p
Page 23 and 24: Just over $160,000 was donated to 3
Page 25 and 26: Geelong’s major events calendar i
Page 27 and 28: Tens of thousands of spectators enj
Page 29 and 30: New Dog and Cat Control Orders spec
Page 31 and 32: Since opening in December 2008 the
Page 33 and 34: In 2008-2009 the National Wool Muse
Page 35 and 36: Built in 1855, and restored in 1917
Page 37 and 38: More than 100 bollards line the wat
Page 39 and 40: Future plans for the Geelong region
Page 41 and 42: The 2010 UCI Road Cycling World Cha
Page 43 and 44: Summary of Financial Results for 20
Page 45 and 46: The City maintains 300 playgrounds
Page 47 and 48: Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2009 20
Page 49 and 50: Cash Flow Statement for the year en
Page 51 and 52: It is views like this that make Gee

Annual Report 2008-2009 Summary - City of Greater Geelong

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