Sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

About the sponsor

The Australian Government, through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, contributes to the prosperity of the economy and the wellbeing of all Australians by assisting local governments to manage their own futures. The Australian Government recognises that local governments provide essential services and planning for their communities.

The Australian Government acknowledges the significant contribution of former Christmas Island Administrator Michael John Grimes, who passed away overnight.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr Grimes’ family and friends, and to the wider Christmas Island community.

Sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

About the sponsor

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development supports the Australian Government to respond to emerging, and critical issues affecting the nation, including: growing demand for infrastructure and transport; improving the social and economic outcomes for Australia's regions; dealing with the opportunities and challenges presented by projected population and demographic changes; and increasing Australia's productivity.

[Music plays and text appears: National Awards for Local Government. Pioneer Settlement Redevelopment—Heartbeat of the Murray, Swan Hill Rural City Council, VIC, Contributing to Regional Growth. Category Winner]

[Image changes to show a sign on a fence ‘Heartbeat of the Murray’]

So our project is the Pioneer Settlement Redevelopment. In 2006, about ten, eleven years ago, council essentially looked at the Pioneer Settlement.

[Music plays and text appears: National Awards for Local Government. Creating Change: Social Cohesion Program, City of Greater Dandenong, VIC, Multicultural Australia—Strength in Diversity. Category Winner]

[Image changes to show Katharina Verscharen, Creating Change: Social Cohesion Program, City of Greater Dandenong, VIC]

I coordinate the Youth and Family Services at the City of Greater Dandenong.

[Image changes to show different pictures of CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) male and females]

Sponsored by the Department of Social Services

About the sponsor

The Department of Social Services works to improve the lifetime wellbeing of people and families in Australia, responding to need across people's lives, encouraging independence and participation, and supporting a productive and harmonious diverse society. The department's services are delivered through offices in every state and territory.

Sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

About the sponsor

The Australian Government, through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development contributes to the prosperity of the economy and the wellbeing of all Australians by assisting regions to realise their potential and manage their own futures. To do this, the Department works in partnership with regional, rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

Sponsored by the Department of Social Services

About the sponsor

The Australian Government, through the Department of Social Services (DSS), is working to improve the lifetime wellbeing of people and families in Australia by responding to need across their life course, encouraging independence and participation and supporting a cohesive society.

Sponsored by Woodside Energy Ltd.

About the sponsor

Woodside is an Australian oil and gas company with a global presence, recognised for its world-class capabilities—as an explorer, a developer, a producer and a supplier.

[Music plays and text appears: National Awards for Local Government. Regional Playground, Tamworth Regional Council, NSW, Boosting Productivity through Infrastructure. Category Winner]

[Image changes to show Grant Reeckmann, Regional Playground. Tamworth Regional Council, NSW]

Well we"ve won an award here today for innovation and productivity in the Local Government Awards through building a lifestyle project. It was a regional playground.