MUSWELLBROOK Shire Council’s acting general manager Fiona Plesman was awarded a High Commendation in the 2018 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
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Announced by the NSW Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton MP at Parliament House on Wednesday, the honour acknowledges her success in bringing organisational change and change management principles to council.
Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush congratulated Ms Plesman on her award.
“The Minister’s commendation is a fitting tribute to Fiona, who has been a remarkable leader of the council organisation over the past 18 months,” he said.
“Her achievements at council have included the establishment of a ‘Citizens Jury’ designed to increase community consultation and collaboration together with enhancements to council’s work, health and safety policies and procedures and ongoing and continuous improvement of staff and community engagement strategies.
“Fiona has also played an integral part in a number of regional innovation initiatives, including the establishment of Muswellbrook’s Innovation Hub, research projects in conjunction with the University of Newcastle, growth of council’s Future Fund and support for local businesses, all of which form part of council’s efforts to diversify and expand the regional economy.”
Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the awards signified the drive and innovation of women in councils in the electorate.
He added they shared the recipients’ accomplishments with the wider community – as a way of saying “thank you”.
“I would like to heartily congratulate Donna Ausling from Liverpool Plains Shire Council and Fiona Plesman from Muswellbrook Shire Council for their contribution to our local communities through local government,” he said.
“These exceptional women [recognised here today] lead by example, not only in their workplaces but also in our communities, and both are better for their contributions.
“I’d like to thank not only the women representatives from our area, but also the hundreds of women in local leadership positions in our Upper Hunter electorate who are achieving so much behind the scenes.”