Inner West Council wins prestigious 2023 Bluett Award
Monday 13 November 2023
Inner West Council is thrilled to announce that it has won the highly prestigious A.R. Bluett Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in local government.
Hotly contested by NSW Councils, the A.R. Bluett Memorial Award has been awarded annually since 1945 and honours Albert Robert Bluett, who was instrumental in writing the Local Government Act of 1919.
The award recognises the most progressive metropolitan and rural councils from 128 across NSW.
Chairman of the judging panel, Les McMahon said, “Inner West Council had forged three previous inner west councils into a vibrant, responsive and community focused organisation.
“Customer experiences have outperformed against other like sized councils.
“Environmental leadership is paramount to the success of the council, being the first council to be powered with 100% renewable energy and be 100% divested from fossil fuels.”
“Inner West Council had also delivered $22 million in savings since amalgamation.”
Inner West Mayor, Mayor Darcy Byrne congratulated General manager Peter Gainsford, Council staff and elected Councillors on winning this coveted recognition.
“Winning this award is a real honour and reflects the commitment to improvement and putting our community at the heart of everything we do at every level across Inner West Council,” said Mayor Byrne.
Inner West Council has delivered many new programs in 2022-2023.
“The introduction of our new food recycling service, combined with being the only Council to be 100% powered by renewable energy and 100% divested from fossil fuels, has made us the most sustainable local government in Australia.
“We are delivering new infrastructure projects across the area such as the Leichhardt Skate Park, the new Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, the upgrade of Henson Park and the completion of the Greenway.
“We have massively expanded customer service with ongoing street stalls, town hall meetings and more staff on the phones to make sure we are available to better serve our community.
“All this is possible because of responsible fiscal management that has made the Inner West one of the financially strongest councils in the State.
“We are committed to continually improving the programs and services we offer to the people of the Inner West.
“Winning this prestigious award recognises the hard work of Council at every level and I sincerely thank all our staff, Councillors, the General Manager and Directors. Thanks also to our community who participate in our working groups and engage with us on the issues that matter to them.” said Mayor Byrne.
For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au