CEO’s Report
The CEO’s Report for the 2007–08 year is my seventh and my last as the CEO of the Town of Bassendean, having been appointed in July 2008 to become the CEO of the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River.
Once again the financial reporting year has been a very busy and productive one in moving the Town forward with many improvements within the administration of the Town.
Integration and implementation
The 2007–08 financial year was the first year the Town has had a fully integrated Operational Plan linked to the Strategic Plan for the Future’s key result areas. Each business and activity area of the Council had measurable performance indicators which were reported upon in each quarter and for the year in this Annual Report.
Over the past year Council made a major investment in implementing the Synergy Soft business system into Council’s core operations. Many areas were brought on stream during the financial year including community bookings, electoral roles, records management, building, planning, health, financial information, asset management, plant, dog licences, parking infringements and human resources.
Benchmarking successes
The Town of Bassendean topped the safety statistics for 15 participating Councils in a local government benchmarking scheme run by the EMRC. In the 2007–08 financial year the Town did not have one hour lost through injury and was the best performing Council in this category. In the category of Workers Compensation claim frequency rates the Town was ranked second for the year. It was also the best performing Council in both categories for the six Councils in Perth’s Eastern Region.
WorkSafe, a division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, the Western Australian State Government agency responsible for the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, presented the Town with a 2007–08 Finalist Award for Best Public Sector Leadership for Injury Prevention and Management. The Town of Bassendean was the only local government presented with an award.
Councillor induction
Following the 2007 Council Elections a comprehensive program of Councillor induction was coordinated and undertaken to assist new Councillors to quickly integrate into their new role. The induction program included a complete update of a comprehensive Councillor Information Manual, a full program of in-house training covering key areas of the role of Councillor, a tour of the Town’s facilities and assets, and enrolment in the WALGA training modules.
Helping the helpers
During the year, the Town greatly assisted Technology Assisting Disability WA (TADWA), a non-profit organisation, to be well advanced in its plans to relocate from the Pyrton site in Lord Street to a site on Collier Road adjacent to the Depot. TADWA is an exceptionally worthwhile group assisting people with disabilities to live more fulfilling and inclusive lives and the Town is proud to have been able to retain them in the community.
TADWA was scheduled to relocate in the new financial year.
Systemic Sustainability Study Report
The CEO developed a submission endorsed by Council on the WALGA Report The Journey—Local Government Sustainability into the Future. The Systemic Sustainability Study Report supports the regional model as an alternative to forced amalgamations.
The Town of Bassendean is a successful and sustainable local government, well connected with its community and recognised for its effectiveness through high community satisfaction levels.
There is no reason that the Town should not continue to be a viable, independent and sustainable local government into the future provided that it manages its facilities, services and infrastructure effectively and efficiently.
The WALGA SSS model is an opportunity to retain local representation but, at the same time, to link into regional economies of service delivery and this approach was supported by the Council.
Successful teamwork
As CEO I am proud of the successful achievements delivered during the year and over the time I have been employed by the Town. These outcomes have resulted from successful teamwork between Councillors, staff and the Town’s many stakeholders. I am constantly amazed by the efforts of the dedicated staff members who are strongly committed to serving the residents of the Town. My sincere thanks are owed to all staff for their fine efforts and support they have given me over the year. My Executive Team of Graeme Haggart, Simon Stewert-Dawkins and Michael Costarella formed a well-knit and productive unit. I would like to thank and congratulate Mayor Klein, all of the Councillors and staff for the achievements that have been made over the reporting year.
Gary Evershed
Chief Executive Officer.
