significant contributions . In particular , Beau has led the development of Paramatta ’ s first Night Time Economy Strategy which recently won the 2020 Local Government NSW Planning Award for culture change , innovation and excellence . Beau has also led the strategy to grow the legal and justice sector in Parramatta .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD This award recognises an individual who has displayed dedication and commitment to his / her community as a leader and advocate for economic development . They will have demonstrated sustained and effective efforts to work with community groups and industry leaders in the development of programs and projects .
WINNER Peter Jeffery GrantGuru
Peter Jeffery ’ s work has long demonstrated a commitment to Australian economic development practice . Working as Business Development Manager with the City of Greater Bendigo , Peter was committed to developing and supporting local businesses through projects such as the Bendigo Inventor Awards , Career Horizons and the Business Help Desk . After nine years with the City , Peter moved into the private sector to help develop a digital product to help Councils capture grant opportunities . Peter ’ s work demonstrates sustained commitment to economic development practice , through his foresight , enthusiasm , collaboration and willingness to share what he has learned with other economic development practitioners .
Peter Jeffery
FINALIST Kristie Johnston Glenorchy City Council
In early 2018 , Kristie Johnston was elected as Mayor of Glenorchy City Council . Despite the challenges of limited resources and a socially and economically disadvantaged community , Kristie took on the challenge to grow the local economy , build skills and create a new economic roadmap for the city .
Kristie ’ s leadership is evident in the handson support she offered during efforts to triage the sectors of Glenorchy ’ s economy hardest hit by the COVID19 restrictions . Thanks to Kristie ’ s understanding of economic development and her leadership , drive and energy , in these unprecedented times , Glenorchy is indeed ‘ Open for Business ’ and ready to not only survive but thrive .
PETER CHAFFEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD This award is named for the late Peter Chaffey , the recipient of the economic development Agent of Change Award in 2017 . This category recognises an individual who has demonstrated exemplary performance in the economic development profession .
Successful nominations will have had a significant impact on revitalising communities , and will have been at the forefront of developing and delivering projects that drive innovation and change . They will have played a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development .
WINNER SHAUN MILLER Warrnambool City Council
When Shaun Miller arrived at Warrnambool City Council as economic development manager and investment , the city was facing considerable economic and social disruption . Shaun was directly involved in securing over $ 5.5 million in funding for programs and projects across a range of industries and sectors in the region and he helped drive indirect spending of over $ 100 million in the city over a two-year period . Warrnambool was a changed city by the time Shaun left the role in January 2020 and he was influential in not just stabilising , but revitalising the city .
Shaun Miller
FINALISTS Kevin Van Boxtel City of Greater Dandenong
Kevin ’ s legacy is his stewardship of the Revitalising Central Dandenong ( RCD ) project . Kevin has maintained commitment to , and championed the revitalisation vision within the City of Greater Dandenong , for more than a decade . Kevin brought his unique skill-set and experience to the City . Kevin ’ s leadership style successfully brings people together for a common purpose .
Jordy Bowman Developing East Arnhem
When Jordy Bowman started as CEO at Developing East Arnhem Limited ( DEAL ), she had a vision to build on previous successes by developing a new strategic direction to ensure lasting economic prosperity .
She focussed on developing a strategic plan and a housing policy to support economic and population growth . Jordy has identified the issues for the community and responded with practical solutions , thus supporting the livelihood of many within the region .
EDA was thrilled to recognise the remarkable individuals who demonstrated leadership and excellence throughout this challenging period .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 14 NO 1 2020 15