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Teamwork the key to success

The Town of Bassendean has experienced ongoing success in achieving awards for a variety of its programs, which include a major Western Australian Municipal Association Best Practice Award within the 'Whole Organisation' category.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Evershed, attributes Bassendean's success, despite competing with much larger and often better resourced Councils, to integrated management systems that promote strategic alignment and a team approach.

"We have worked hard over the past few years to integrate our organisational structure, strategic planning, performance development systems and work processes to focus our energies more sharply and effectively on the achievement of corporate goals," said Gary Evershed.

"We want to ensure that, while devolving responsibility and encouraging business units to operate independently, we continue to work as a close knit team to fulfil our mission of providing the best mix of services for our community."

He said Council jealously guards the village lifestyle that Bassendean residents enjoy in the Perth metropolitan area, only nine kilometres upstream from the CBD. Over the past five years Council has revolutionised the way it does business without losing the strong community services focus and sense of belonging which makes Bassendean the envy of other locations.

Quality of community life is enhanced by Council annually undertaking a comprehensive program of cultural and community events and the 'hands on' provision of youth and aged care services. Volunteerism is fostered as part of an overall community participation strategy.

"The town has opted for a 'semi autonomous business units' approach based on national, and international, quality assurance accreditation systems," Gary Evershed said.

"A performance management system developed 'in house' evaluates the performance of managers against corporate objectives."

"We are looking forward to continuing our 'Best Practice' success stories when this year's awards are presented next month."

For further information contact Gary Evershed, telephone (08) 9377 8016.

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