Shire of Manjimup Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Campbell was recognised for his outstanding contributions made to Local Government receiving the 2019 Western Australian Local Government Association "Distinguished Officer Award". The Distinguished Officer Award is presented for outstanding contribution to the local government sector including leading by example, sustainable performance, highlighting best practice operations for the sector, and outstanding achievements, both professionally and personally, in the advancement of the local government sector.
Mr Campbell said "Whilst I am honoured to receive such an award this would just not be possible without strong working relationships with the Council, the dedication of my employees and the support of my family."
Manjimup Shire President Paul Omodei, said "Mr Campbell was a worthy recipient of the award having given 26 years of service to the organisation. Andrew's management style is consistent and straight forward. He constantly strives to facilitate the best in everything and everyone around him, for and on behalf of the organisation and its communities."
After taking over the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2014 Mr Campbell has provided strong leadership through some major organisational challenges most notably including the 2015 O'Sullivan Bush Fire, and the strategy, funding and delivery of the Shire of Manjimup's $35M Revitalisation of Manjimup's Town Centre Project which was awarded a 2017 National Economic Development Award and is currently in the concluding stages.
Cr Omodei added that "Mr Campbell dynamically promotes the competitive advantages of the district through facilitating potential economic development opportunities plus strategic marketing to create excellent exposure in the wider community, and this has on numerous occasions resulted in the attraction of investment and jobs for the local community."
Mr Campbell said "To be able to deliver a built environment like we have been able to achieve in all of our towns is very satisfying. It is not often a CEO would be provided an opportunity to transform a CBD on the scale like we have in Manjimup and I am very proud of our team that has delivered an outstanding outcome that has, and will continue to, provide a point of difference that attracts investment."
Asked about living and working in a rural community for such an extended period of time Mr Campbell stated "It is very challenging living and working in the same community however decisions that are made need to be fair, reasonable, lawful, and in the best interests of the whole community, not just to please minority interests. Not everyone will be happy with decisions that are made and people do have the right to express a view, however the proliferation of social media attacks on people within our organisation who are just doing their job is becoming unacceptable."
Mr Campbell further added "Our people and their families are an integral part of the community and the escalating impact social media is having on mental health and wellbeing is deeply concerning. I do not tolerate the bullying or harassment of my people and social media provides a "faceless" platform that often propagates this. The time has come for all of our community leaders in collaboration with the social media moderators to start calling out this abhorrent and gutless behaviour from a few individuals in the community."
Andrew received his award from Lynn Craigie, President of WALGA during the Local Government Convention at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 7 August 2019.
