The Capricorn Coast Food Trail has boosted visitor numbers to the region , who explore and stay overnight , embracing the first class agri-tourism industry .
FINALIST : City of Logan Mayor ’ s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce The team at Logan City Council have been strategically addressing the city ’ s complex challenges and high youth unemployment . The Mayor ’ s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce focuses on delivering practical solutions to address unemployment , job placement , workforce skills , career pathways , training and further education .
CATEGORY 6 . ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE - ECONOMIC RECOVERY & RESILIENCE This award recognises successful economic development programs , initiatives or activities implemented following a disaster , crises or economic downturn . This award also recognises economic development programs which are focussed on resilience building and mitigation .
WINNER : City of Newcastle Lean in Newy ‘ Lean-In Newy ’ was launched in June 2020 as part of the City of Newcastle ’ s COVID Response Package . It was a purposebuilt end-to-end software and servicing solution to nudge , engage and propel local behaviours . The aim of the project was to leverage positive community sentiment to support each other and local business .
The project enabled social actions to be pushed out to the local community , with economic incentives built in . Participants completed challenges and were rewarded with vouchers at over 150 local businesses . Social challenges could range from volunteering for not-for-profits , incentives to supporting local businesses and actions designed to cultivate community connectedness .
The rewards were 100 % funded by the City of Newcastle , resulting in direct financial benefits for the wider community and businesses . ‘ Lean In Newy ’ provided an important vehicle for local engagement , connectedness and economic recovery .
FINALIST : Macedon Ranges Shire Council Bouncing back – it ’ s a collective effort The team at Macedon Ranges Shire Council understand that , recovering from a disaster is reliant on a collective effort and trusting , solid relationships . The effort required and the links between people / groups is greater and even more important when one event overlaps with another .
Spearheaded by an experienced Employment Support Coordinator the taskforce assisted with over 121 job placements , over 130 business engagements , and directly supported 20 young people in the first 8 months .
The ‘ perfect storm ’ occurred in the Macedon Ranges when the Covid-19 pandemic overlapped with the worst storm in decades . This double whammy severely impacted local businesses , residents and visitors and recovery activities continued into 2022 .
Through proactive engagement with businesses , schools and job seekers , the Taskforce is enhancing employment outcomes across the city , filling job vacancies and complimenting Council ’ s Economic Development services to enhance economic prosperity .
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