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Port Augusta City Council Wins Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award for Access and Inclusion Program

Published 13th May 2024
Port Augusta City Council is thrilled to announce its victory in the Local Government Professionals 23rd Annual Leadership Excellence Awards, being awarded the prestigious Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award for its outstanding Access and Inclusion Program, at the Gala dinner last Friday night.
Left to Right – Theressa Hines PACC, Shiela McGreggor PACC, Denham Ellis PACC, Zoe Martin PACC, Hayley Mills PACC, Mikayla Grocke PACC, Melissa Kretschmer PACC, Sponsor Pippa Webb, CEO Maxima, Caleb Reid PACC, Shona Fotiou PACC, Mayor Linley Shine PACC.
Left to Right – Theressa Hines PACC, Shiela McGreggor PACC, Denham Ellis PACC, Zoe Martin PACC, Hayley Mills PACC, Mikayla Grocke PACC, Melissa Kretschmer PACC, Sponsor Pippa Webb, CEO Maxima, Caleb Reid PACC, Shona Fotiou PACC, Mayor Linley Shine PACC.
Leadership Excellence Award
2024 Leadership Excellence Awards Winner in Diversity and Inclusion, City of Port Augusta Human Resources Team
Left to Right – Theressa Hines PACC, Shiela McGreggor PACC, Denham Ellis PACC, Zoe Martin PACC, Hayley Mills PACC, Mikayla Grocke PACC, Melissa Kretschmer PACC, Sponsor Pippa Webb, CEO Maxima, Caleb Reid PACC, Shona Fotiou PACC, Mayor Linley Shine PACC.
Leadership Excellence Award

Port Augusta City Council is thrilled to announce its victory in the Local Government Professionals 23rd Annual Leadership Excellence Awards, being awarded the prestigious Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award for its outstanding Access and Inclusion Program, at the Gala dinner last Friday night.

The Access and Inclusion Program has delivered tangible work skills and job hardening results for people with disabilities. It’s about empowerment in the community, addressing critical issues such as unemployment among individuals with disabilities. "18.2% of the Port Augusta population is unemployed against the state average of 15.6% (ABS 2021 Census), additionally people with a disability are 48% more likely to be unemployed, Council, like all employers, can provide opportunities to change this; I am very proud that our CEO has supported this program from the concept stage," noted Strategy, People, and Culture Manager, Theressa Hines.

Sponsored by Enel Green Power Australia, the program facilitated employment opportunities for ten disabled community members who had been unemployed for an extended period. “These participants underwent intensive training for 26 weeks, equipping them with skills vital for pursuing future employment within the region.” Guilia Scataglini from Enel Green Power Australia expressed pride in their partnership with this commendable program.

Skills were developed within Community Development/Arts, the Library, and the Depot, where participants received substantial support from these teams. The program would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the Community Bridging Services team, who provided social and emotional support to the participants.

CEO John Banks expressed immense pride in the Council's achievement, stating, "This win highlights our commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and our community. It’s terrific to see Port Augusta City Council creating a more inclusive work environment and upskilling participants to be ready for jobs within the broader public and private sector."

Mayor Linley Shine expressed gratitude and excitement, stating, "Winning the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award is a remarkable accomplishment for the Port Augusta City Council. It demonstrates our dedication and hard work in promoting diversity and inclusion, and we are honoured to receive this recognition."

The award was presented by sponsor, Maxima CEO Pippa Edwards at the Local Government Professionals Australia SA 23rd Annual Leadership Excellence Awards ceremony held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Adelaide Convention Centre.