Thanks to council’s move to Google cloud-computing services over the last few years, Northern Grampians Shire Council has managed to keep almost 100 per cent of staff employed and working during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Council implemented Google-based computing in 2014 and the transition was completed in mid-2017 with the majority of Council devices now utilising cloud technology for flexible working.
When the state and federal governments mandated shutdown to face-to-face services and encouraged people to work from home, council was able to shift a majority of its workforce off-site with minimal disruption.
Essential services to the community have been maintained and no staff have been laid off, stood down, or redeployed thanks to this flexible work arrangement.
Northern Grampians Shire Council won LGPro’s Awards for Excellence, Innovative Management category, for its successful implementation of a mobile workplace that operates smarter and better serves its citizens.
During this shift to cloud-based work, council has also been continually moving services and interactions online which has allowed it to maintain an effective service provider for the Northern Grampians community.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Murray Emerson, said the online services mean during this shutdown, people can still conduct business with council from their homes.
“From rates, animals, and roads to waste, planning and other services, a lot of business with council can be done via our website,” he said.
“If you can’t find what you are looking for online, our customer services team are still in the office and ready to help over the phone or via email anytime.”
Cr Emerson said he is incredibly proud of how council staff have managed to shift to working from home and maintaining high customer service levels.
“Council has not had to layoff or stand down any staff at this stage of the Coronavirus Pandemic due to the flexible working style and digital-first mindset we have implemented over a number of years,” he said.
“Most council staff have been able to either continue with their regular work from a different location with many working from home or are still operating within their position descriptions but from an emergency management perspective rather than a business as usual approach.”
“Thanks to our use of cloud computing, we’ve been able to react quickly to the restrictions and changes established by the state and federal governments to be able to continue to provide almost all our services to the public.”
“The only major changes we’ve had to make is our meals on wheels clients are being cared for by council staff instead of volunteers at this time and depot and maintenance staff are adhering to the mandated social distancing and hygiene protocols.”
Visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for updates to council and community services as well as business support.
The best place for health advice and the latest updates on the response to Coronavirus in Victoria is the Department of Health and Human Services website – www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
If you have specific concerns about Coronavirus, contact the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398.
