Two of the City of Greater Geelong’s key projects have been
shortlisted for the 2019 Economic Development Australia Awards for Excellence.
The Agribusiness Strategy Implementation for the G21 Region and
the Regional Industry Sector Employment program (RISE), both led by the City of
Greater Geelong Economic Development team, have been selected as finalists from
a record field of entries.
The Agribusiness Strategy Implementation project is up for
the Economic Development Initiatives – Over 15,000 Residents award,
highlighting programs or projects that have stimulated economic development
activity and contributed to economic development in larger regions.
RISE is a finalist in the Community Collaboration in
Economic Development award category. This award recognises community engagement
and participation, extensive cross-community collaboration and community
building efforts.
This is the second time the strength of the RISE
collaboration has been acknowledged, with the program named as a 2019 Victorian
Training Awards finalist for Community Collaboration earlier in the year.
Both RISE and the Agribusiness Strategy Implementation
project demonstrate the City’s expertise in leading collaborative programs to
success and bring together an impressive list of stakeholders. The support of funding
partner Gforce Community Fund, along with The Gordon, Master Builders Victoria,
Urban Development Institute of Australia, Geelong Region Local Learning and
Employment Network, Northern Futures, Whittington Works, Hamlan Homes, Dennis
Family Homes and Lyons Construction, is integral to the delivery of the RISE
program.
Similarly, the Agribusiness Strategy Implementation project
has engaged the expertise of stakeholders including the G21 Geelong Region
Alliance, Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Regional
Development Victoria, G21 Agribusiness Forum, Geelong Manufacturing Council,
Geelong Food Cluster and representatives of the agribusiness industry.
The two projects will be showcased in a special edition of
the Economic Development Australia Journal as examples of outstanding
achievement.
