City’s program shortlisted twice in technology awards

A CITY of Greater Geelong program has been shortlisted in two separate categories in this year’s Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Technology Awards for Excellence.

The annual awards recognise how local government authorities are transforming and serving communities in the digital era.

Each of the five categories is assessed by independent expert judges on how well they demonstrate outstanding innovation, effort and outcomes; advance the digital transformation of the sector; support council business objectives; and influence or assist other councils to improve service delivery.

The City of Greater Geelong council’s “Involve me, Make it Easy, Get out of the Way, Get it Done” program is one of six finalists in the Customer Experience Achievement of the Year, as well as one of six finalists in the Strategy and Planning Achievement of the Year.

Earlier this month, the MAV released the category shortlists, which feature 10 Victorian councils nominated for at least one award.

MAV president Cr David Clark said the award finalists reflected the terrific work across Victorian councils to enable a cultural and technology shift.

“Across the sector, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, councils have embraced digital solutions as a way to maintain high levels of community service in difficult circumstances,” Mr Clark said.

“These awards are an excellent opportunity to share key learnings, as well as congratulate those involved for their innovative thinking and cross-organisational collaboration to move these digital projects from conception to implementation.”

The finalists will compete with councils from the Northern Territory, NSW and South Australia across five categories: Customer Experience, Collaboration or Partnership, Smart City, Strategy and Planning, and Digital Leadership.

Each finalist will also make a 15-minute online presentation of their entry during the MAVTV sessions, which were held between April 7-22.

The winners in each category will be announced at Marvel Stadium today (Thursday, April 29) – part of the MAV Technology Champions of Change National Conference – and winners will then be eligible for the Victorian and Australian Achievements of the Year.