Celebrated for championing workplace change
Tweed Shire Council’s Manager Human Resources Suzanne Richmond has been announced as the winner of the Champion of Change Award (Regional/Rural) at the annual NSW Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
At a virtual ceremony held this week (Monday 31 August) the Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, Minister for Local Government commended Ms Richmond for her work in increasing workforce diversity and inclusivity at Council.
This has included promoting the benefits of flexible working hours at Council, developing learning opportunities to progress more women into leadership roles and supporting the annual International Women’s Day event.
In addition, she is developing strategies to increase the employment of women at Council, in particular in non-traditional roles. This includes the Young Women in Construction Pilot Program - a partnership scheme to increase opportunities for young women locally.
On receiving the award, Ms Richmond acknowledged the women of Tweed Shire Council, and across the local government sector, that had supported and inspired her.
“My advice for all women in local government is to follow your dreams and know they can be achieved. We can all do this through supporting each other along the way and recognising we are strongest when we work with our male colleagues,” she said.
Earlier this year, Ms Richmond also spearheaded work to develop the Local Government (COVID-19) Splinter Award which provides council employees, across all signatory councils in NSW, with increased job security during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working alongside Local Government NSW and the United Services Union, the Splinter Award was developed to provide council employees with an allowance similar to JobKeeper should insufficient work be available for all employees at any point during the pandemic.
“My contribution to the Splinter Award is the proudest moment of my career to date and is testament to the innovation and leadership of the local government sector,” Ms Richmond said.
General Manager Troy Green said that Ms Richmond was a role model to women throughout Council, and the local government sector as a whole.
“Suzanne will always go that extra mile and inspires others to do the same. She has made Council a more inclusive organisation and I value her contribution and commitment to Council and our employees, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The awards celebrate the invaluable contribution women make to the local government sector in NSW.
For more information on the Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, visit www.olg.nsw.gov.au