Council has been shortlisted in the Community Voice Award for Inclusive Democratic Engagement category, recognising its extensive community consultation and engagement undertaken as part of the development of the 2025-2029 Council Plan.
This category celebrates innovative and impactful community engagement programs that strengthen democratic outcomes, build trust and amplify diverse and often unheard voices.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the recognition was a testament to both Council staff and community members who contributed to shaping the strategic direction of Greater Shepparton.
"The Council Plan sets the strategic direction of Council for a four-year period. The development of the Plan is no small task, and this recognition is well deserved for the staff involved in its preparation and delivery," he said.
"The community play a key role in the Council Plan. Everything we do should reflect the community's priorities and expectations, and I am extremely grateful to the community members and representatives who took part in the consultation process."
Council's engagement process for the Council Plan began with an online survey and community pop-up sessions between May and September 2024. A Community Panel was then established for deliberative engagement, bringing community members together over several sessions to share ideas and help shape the Plan.
Workshops with Council staff and Councillors followed before the draft Council Plan was released for public consultation, providing the community with a final opportunity to review the document and have their say.
Winners of the 2026 MAVlab Innovation Awards will be announced at the Awards Celebration on Thursday 17 September 2026.
A dedicated Council Plan webpage has also been developed, providing information about the Plan's strategic themes, key actions and community benefits, as well as a visual dashboard allowing residents to track progress over the life of the document.
