The City of Playford has been recognised for its work in diversity, inclusion, economic development and community services at the 25th Local Government Professionals Australia SA Leadership Excellence Awards, taking home three major accolades.
The awards recognise outstanding achievement and innovation in local government and profile the contribution local government professionals make to the communities they serve.
This year, 151 nominations were received from 38 councils, with 42 shortlisted as finalists across 12 award categories.
The City of Playford's Ageing and Inclusion and Business and Activation teams were awarded for their outstanding contribution in three categories:
• Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Awarded for Pathways to Purpose, a program supporting volunteering as a pathway to paid employment and address systemic barriers faced by young people living with disability.
•Excellence in Local Economic Development Awarded for the Northern Adelaide Jobs and Careers Expo, an annual event which connects local job seekers with employment, training and career opportunities.
•Excellence in Community Services and Development Awarded for Kawanta Pirku-ita / Belonging in the North, a project funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing that focuses on building stronger identity and family relationships, reducing isolation, improving understanding of disability and supporting better engagement with services.
The recognition highlights council's commitment to delivering programs that respond to community needs, strengthen inclusion and create opportunities for residents across Playford.
City of Playford Business and Activation Senior Manager Tom Madigan said the Northern Adelaide Jobs and Careers Expo is designed to bring employment opportunities directly into the community.
"The expo connected more than 4000 job seekers with 113 employers and created direct, meaningful connections between people and job opportunities," Mr Madigan said.
"It positions Playford as a proactive, can-do council while continuing to reduce employment barriers for our community."
Mr Madigan said Pathways to Purpose also demonstrates the impact of working with partners to create inclusive employment pathways.
"This program has created an inclusive pathway into employment for young people living with disability by positioning volunteering as a powerful bridge to paid work. It has built confidence, skills and real-world experience while shifting perceptions and strengthening community inclusion," he said.
"The project also demonstrates what can happen when local government uses its role to connect the right partners and create measurable outcomes for the community."
Ageing and Inclusion Senior Manager Erin Findlay said Kawanta Pirku-ita/ Belonging in the North is a community-led program designed to make a meaningful difference for local families.
"By walking alongside community and listening to what families need, we are building something that is culturally safe, practical and meaningful," Ms Findlay said.
"We are also developing a practical toolkit to help councils and community services design and deliver culturally focused programs for Aboriginal people living with disability and their families."
"The City of Playford's success at the annual awards reflects the strength of its people, partnerships and programs in delivering meaningful outcomes for its community," said Mayor Glenn Docherty.
