ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE IN EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
WINNER: Banyule City Council 1000 Jobs for Banyule
In 2020, Banyule City Council launched Victoria’ s first local government-led Inclusive Local Jobs and Social Enterprise Strategies. These bold, innovative plans tackled systemic employment inequity. With a target of creating 1,000 jobs for people facing barriers to work, the strategies focused on inclusive employment, social enterprise growth and sustainable procurement reform. In June 2024, Banyule proudly achieved that goal, one year ahead of schedule. These groundbreaking strategies embedded equity into Council operations, unlocking new opportunities for First Nations people, young people, people with disability and culturally diverse communities. By co-designing programs with community and business, Banyule redefined how local government can drive economic development. The result: a more inclusive local economy, strengthened social cohesion and a nationally recognised model for equitable job creation.
FINALIST: Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Kangaroo Island and Newday Inspired Leadership 2024 Inspired Leadership 2024 was developed to address the lack of inclusive, place-based leadership pathways across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. Regional leadership programs often fail to reflect cultural diversity, lived experience of disability, or First Nations perspectives. This program was designed to increase economic equity by empowering underrepresented individuals to lead with confidence and purpose. Through a framework centred on cultural awareness, wellbeing and regenerative leadership, Inspired Leadership 2024 fostered meaningful participation from diverse voices shaping the region’ s economic future. The program supported participants to build networks, gain recognition, and launch community initiatives that contribute to local economies. Outcomes include new peer networks and partnerships, inclusive events, and strengthened community engagement.
FINALIST: Cumberland City Council Open Access, Equal Outcomes: The Guildford Laneway Dashboard Guildford Laneway, a thoroughfare between Guildford Town Centre and the Council Carpark, had long suffered from lack of amenity and safety. Additionally, reports of anti- social behaviour had worsened negative perceptions, impacting footfall to the local businesses.
In response, Cumberland City Council partnered with Transport for NSW through the Safer Cities: Her Way Program, delivering holistic place revitalisation including a community-focused Guildford Laneway Dashboard, amenity upgrades and the‘ Back to Guildford’ street festival.
Council went beyond legislative engagement requirements to co-design place-based solutions with the community and the Dashboard has helped to close the engagement loop by reporting the outcomes of engagement through economic and social impacts. The Dashboard also provides real-time usage information, ensuring the laneway remains welcoming, visible, and safe for the community.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES
WINNER: Bass Coast Shire Council Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program
The Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, designed and delivered by Bass Coast Shire Council, was a pioneering initiative built from the ground up to help local businesses embed circular economy principles into their operations. In response to mounting challenges around climate change, waste, food insecurity and biodiversity loss, the program provided expert mentoring and strategic support to develop practical, scalable circular solutions. It led to the creation of 28 new circular products and services, measurable reductions in CO2e and waste, and the publication of five business case studies. Insights from the program have underpinned the development of Council’ s Circular Economy Framework 2025 – 2035 and the inaugural Regional Circular Economy Summit, ensuring the legacy of this initiative continues to shape long-term economic and environmental outcomes.
FINALIST: City of Greater Geelong Clean Economy Grants Since 2014, the City of Greater Geelong has been providing the Clean Economy Business Support Program which offers grants, industry collaboration, and market stimulation to businesses with a vision to establish Geelong as a national Centre of Excellence for clean economy in Australia. Since then, the program has supported over sixty businesses in developing and commercialising clean technologies, creating 678 jobs, and generating $ 20million in sales. This initiative emerged in response to the decline of several traditional manufacturing industries and a growing interest in an alternative industry that creates employment and reduces environmental impact through innovation. It aligns with Geelong’ s status as a UNESCO City of Design, promoting clever and creative approaches to building more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities.
VOL 18 NO 3 2025 42 www. edaustralia. com. au