Innovative projects created to support the Shoalhaven communities to recover from and better prepare for natural disasters and health events have been shortlisted for state-wide awards.
The installation and activation of 26 digital screens across the city in response to the Currowan Bushfires where critical communication was severely impacted by power outages, has been nominated as a finalist for the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards along with a series of arts and cultural events that addressed the community’s need to reconnect socially and build resilience following a series of widespread challenges.
Shoalhaven Let’s Celebrate, Create and Laugh focussed on reconnecting the community with events that fostered a sense of connection and belonging and highlight the resilience demonstrated through natural disasters, COVID challenges and the associated isolation.
Mayor Amanda Findley said both initiatives were very different, but both put the community at the heart of their programs.
“The people of the Shoalhaven have done it tough over the past few years and we’ve created some inspiring projects to support and unite the community,” said Cr Findley.
“I’m thrilled that Council and the people driving these projects are being acknowledged for their hard work and contribution towards the region’s recovery,” she said.
“I’ve got my fingers crossed for both our finalist teams and hope the Shoalhaven will be recognised when the winners are announced in June.”
The NSW Local Government Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and promote innovation and continuous improvement within NSW local government. Shoalhaven Council is a finalist in the ‘Special Project Initiative’ for population under 150,000.
About the initiatives
The Let’s Celebrate, Create and Laugh initiative proved to be a resounding success with more than 5000 people taking part. Most events were free, inclusive of different age groups and community sectors and included:
- The Arty Farty Party – a multi-arts family festival
- The Multicultural Comedy Gala
- Casey Donovan in Concert
- South Coast Country – a two-day family friendly celebration of local and nationally recognised musicians
- Shoalhaven Create – more than 800 people created a clay tiles which were displayed as in the major summer exhibition at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.
- Live and Local Micro-Festival – activating Nowra CBD through a live music trail and arts experiences.
Under the Recovery to Resilience project and in a first for Australia, 26 digital information screens were installed across the Shoalhaven to provide authoritative, accurate and timely information to communities at all times of the year, including in emergency situations.
Since the award submission, the Shoalhaven now has installed 44 screens, providing residents with reliable and current information that can be updated in an instant and tailored for each specific community to be an accurate source of truth.
