Stephen Clarke named inaugural Central Coast Town Crier

Australia’s top town crier, Mr Stephen Clarke, has cemented his place as a regional identity, following a decision at last night’s Council meeting to crown him the inaugural Central Coast Town Crier.

Working as the Gosford City town crier for the past 26 years, Mr Clarke took out the nation’s top town crying accolade last year, when he contested the 25th National Town Criers Championships in Redland, Queensland, and landed three awards for Best Dressed Crier, Best Cry and Champion of Champions.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the change in title officially recognises Mr Clarke’s contribution to the region and formalises his role at official Council ceremonies and events.

“Stephen Clarke has been an amazing ambassador for Gosford City and his numerous accolades and national awards are testament to his talent and experience,” Mr Reynolds said.

“As the Central Coast has become a region in its own right, it is only fitting that someone who has been such a tremendous asset to his local community can be recognised for his representation across the entirety of our new local government area.

“Previously, Stephen formally commenced all citizenship ceremonies at Gosford and he will now appear at Central Coast citizenship ceremonies across all venues.”

For Mr Clarke, being the official Central Coast Town Crier is an opportunity to showcase his passion for the wonderful place he calls home.

“I have always had an incredible passion for our hometown and I believe we are all so lucky to be a part of this amazing community,” Mr Clarke said.

“I am exceptionally proud of where we live and whenever I have the chance to tell people about the natural beauty, friendly atmosphere and marvellous advancements happening in our local area, I do.

“It is an honour to officially represent the Central Coast and now I have the opportunity to sing the praises of our entire region wherever I go.”

Having lived on the Central Coast since 1958, Mr Clarke is a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and is passionate about promotion and advancement of the Central Coast region.

Even Mr Clarke’s town crying robes are representative of our region’s local identity; with the yellow trim representing golden beaches, the green denoting the scenic local hinterland and the extensive blue commemorating the surrounding ocean.

Establishment of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

Council has resolved to establish an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee to promote effective and efficient service delivery under a framework of openness, transparency and accountability.

The purpose of the committee is to review aspects of council’s operations including risk and financial management, fraud control, governance and compliance, and collection of performance measurement data. The committee will also provide information to assist in continuous improvement of council functions.

Consisting of five voting members (two councillors and three independent external members), the committee will help council achieve its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the committee has an important and timely role in council’s governance framework.

“Formation of the committee at this time helps to set strong foundations and will assist in a controlled transition to new arrangements, following the election of the new council in September,” said Mr Reynolds.

“The committee will hold a three-year tenure, meeting at least four times per year, with meetings to include review and endorsement of annual audited financial reports and external audit opinion.

“We will be seeking a diverse skill set of committee members who collectively demonstrate desirable leadership behaviours, and can be a positive force for change and improvement across the organisation.”

Council has requested that the CEO undertake an open recruitment process to identify potential independent committee members, with a report on the appointment of these members to return to council on 22 March.

Have your say and engage with Council

Central Coast Council has adopted a new Engagement Framework following its meeting on Tuesday 24 January 2017.

As part of council’s commitment to strengthening the way it relates to its community, the new framework will feature a diverse range of avenues for the community to have their say on important local issues. Including the Your Voice – Our Coast online platform, social media, Community Think Tanks and the Out & About program.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the adoption of a new Engagement Framework was a significant step forward for the organisation.

“This will guide our approach, purpose and principles when engaging with residents,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Our community is a valued partner in our decision making across things like planning, major projects and service delivery.

“This framework will allow everyone to have their say as we develop a shared vision for the Central Coast.”

The new Engagement Framework is based on internationally recognised principles from the International Association of Public Participation.

As part of this new approach, Council will also move toward a place-based engagement model, seeking to make families and communities more engaged and connected by fostering a greater sense of neighbourhood.

Council will shortly be calling for expressions of interest for residents to participate in an advisory group to support the development of the first ever Central Coast Community Strategic Plan – a first under the new framework.

Mr Reynolds added that the focus of new engagement activities will be around creating a greater understanding of the complex nature of Council’s work.

“This new approach is about bringing consultation to the community and will see us become more open, accessible and transparent.

“It will see more staff, including myself and the Executive out and about asking and answering questions and getting feedback to ensure our service delivery is meeting the community’s needs and expectations.

“Multiple online platforms will also be available to give residents the opportunity to engage with Council 24/7.

“Ultimately, we want people to be able to communicate with Council as easily and effectively as possible, building trust in what we aim to be a collaborative and fruitful relationship,” Mr Reynolds said.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

Council has approved the consolidation of corporate systems by implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, future-proofing service delivery and supporting a united, effective and efficient organisation.

Following a review of structures, processes, people, culture and customer focus; the ERP aims to improve the way Council interacts with the community.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the project was about Council serving the community to the best of its ability.

“The implementation of this ERP will see an improvement to our systems and the overall customer experience, promoting self-service and 24/7 access to Council,” Mr Reynolds said.

“A project of this nature had been planned and budgeted for by both former-organisations and we now have the opportunity to achieve better outcomes as a single entity.

“The creation of the new organisation has seen a wonderful collaboration of ideas, experience and approaches to streamlining and updating our systems.

“The project we will enable improved planning and management of Council assets, improved customer experience and more accurate and effective data collection.”

The project will be rolled out in stages and will in no way impact any of Council’s current service delivery.