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WINNER: Wyndham Stadium Precinct
Wyndham City Council
The Wyndham Stadium Precinct, a significant Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Wyndham City Council and Western Melbourne Group, is Australia's first privately funded major sporting stadium. Covering 63 hectares of Council-owned land, it features a 15,000-capacity stadium for A-League matches and various stages of residential and commercial development. The precinct will include diverse housing, retail, food and beverage, entertainment, and office spaces. This $320 million investment creates 1,420 construction jobs and at least 1,380 permanent jobs once fully developed.
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WINNER: Delivering community outcomes through economic participation
City of Whittlesea
Council has formulated an Economic Participation Plan 2023-2026 (Plan) that seeks to enhance economic participation opportunities for residents. The Plan tackles inequality of access by promoting local collaboration, forging partnerships with agencies for better access to employment and training services, ensuring inclusive recruitment and employment of locals, retaining local wealth through targeted procurement, and optimising under-utilised community assets. Efforts to reduce unemployment rates and boost employment for vulnerable groups have shown positive outcomes. The unemployment rate decreased from 7.8 percent in March 2021 to 3.7 percent by March 2023.
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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Fostering Inclusivity in Local Government Programs
Camden Council
Camden Council has expanded accessible volunteering opportunities by partnering with Next Path Continuous Learning, an organization supporting young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Over the past 12 months, Council has provided more than 10 opportunities across various departments, helping over 25 young adults gain valuable skills in event management and operational programs. This initiative offers these young adults crucial on-the-job experience, paving the way for future volunteering and employment opportunities, and demonstrates Camden Council's commitment to inclusivity and community support.
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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Melton Cemetery Reflective Space
Melton City Council
The Melton Cemetery Reflective Space is a newly constructed culturally sensitive space that honours those who were laid to rest in the oldest section of the Melton Public Cemetery, including remains of Aboriginal ancestors who were moved from another local property. Following a co-design partnership with Traditional Owners and the Melton Historical Society, the Melton Cemetery now has a space that appropriately acknowledges its history and stories. The Melton Cemetery Reflective Space pays respect so that the lives of Aboriginal ancestors and the earliest settlers can be remembered.
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Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct: Enhancing Lives, Strengthening Community
City of Playford
The Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct (PHWP), in Elizabeth, SA is a collaborative effort of the Northern Adelaide Health and Wellbeing Partnership (NAHWP). Through the partnership, significant investment has been attracted to the Precinct, including: Playford Health Hub, private Calvary Hospital, UniSA Clinical Education Centre, Mofflin Reserve upgrade, ACH Healthia, and land secured for the Lyell McEwin Hospital’s future expansion and council land released for future investment opportunities.
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Shaping the Future Together: A Landmark Regional Partnership and Historic Joint Council Meeting for Melbourne's North's New City
Mitchell Shire, Hume City & City of Whittlesea
A crucial step towards establishing a new city in the north is the Regional Partnership for Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC) and the groundbreaking Joint Council Meeting. Amid rapid urbanisation, this partnership showcases strategic regional planning and cooperative governance, aiming to address the growing demand for housing, services, and infrastructure. By fostering inclusivity and diversity, the MAC ensures active engagement of stakeholders from government and the private sector. This collaborative model holds promise for leaving a legacy of effective regional planning and cooperation.
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Social and Affordable housing partnership
Cardinia Shire Council
A groundbreaking collaboration between Cardinia's Growth Area Planners and Health and Social Planning team has united private developers and community housing providers to deliver social and affordable housing. The Council's Social and Affordable Housing (SAH) Strategy aimed for five commitments but exceeded expectations, securing over 18 lots and 22 dwellings.
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West Mundijong Industrial Area
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
The West Mundijong Industrial Area (WMIA) is a key industrial site and a major economic gateway. It’s a key long-term link to the Inner Harbour and future outer Harbour. Significant population growth and rising unemployment highlight the need for local employment opportunities. Industrial land is a significant provider of employment, forming a vital part of the economic prosperity of WA. The development of WMIA aligns with the Shire’s vision for sustainable growth and community well-being. The estate will attract business prioritising environmental sustainability and innovation.
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Collaboration for Success in the Blue Economy
City of Cockburn
The Blue Economy entails creating opportunities from the City’s proximity to the ocean, and nearby marine, industrial, and defence industries, whilst simultaneously respecting environmental health. The City of Cockburn is a leader in the Blue Economy, demonstrated by the establishment and management of a working group consisting of 25 diverse members including defence, heavy manufacturing, research, shipbuilding, ocean sustainability, and educational institutions. By facilitating a collaborative and dynamic approach to economic development in the marine space, the City can maximise opportunities for residents, and maintain environmental health.
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City Football Academy Melbourne - Casey Fields
City of Casey
The City Football Academy Melbourne, located at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, symbolizes a 30-year collaboration between the City of Casey and Melbourne City Football Club, revolutionizing the diverse communities of Casey and Melbourne’s southeast region. Through partnerships with Council and Federation University, the academy promotes community engagement via football programs enhancing health and wellbeing, alongside educational initiatives fostering leadership. Featuring elite synthetic fields and purpose-built classrooms, the facility offers schools and communities access to high-level sports and educational spaces, nurturing pathways from grassroots to elite sports participation.
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VPA funded Community Projects Officer Wilton Growth Area
Wollondilly Shire Council
Council entered into a Planning Agreement with a developer to fund a Community Development Officer role to support the new Wilton community. The initiatives already undertaken include events, promotion of community facilities and service, and building connections in the community. The residents are engaging well with all of the officer’s programs, with the Welcome to Wilton website having 562 visits since being established in November 2023. More recently, Wildlife in Wilton is an example of a program that has had a great response from the community.
