Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) has won first place in the Southern Queensland Rural Management Challenge for the second year in a row.

The Rural Management Challenge is a development program that challenges teams made up of local council staff to work together and come up with practical yet creative ways to solve problems facing local councils. Local Government Managers Australia Queensland held the challenge with host Western Downs Regional Council in Dalby on 24 October. SDRC won against five other teams representing local councils from around the Southern Queensland region.

Southern Downs Regional Council CEO David Keenan said the Rural Management Challenge provides a unique opportunity for Council staff to develop and hone their skills while also showcasing their talents. “Winning the Southern Queensland Rural Management Challenge two years in a row highlights that Council benefits from having some of the region’s best and brightest employees,” he said. “I am proud of what our staff members have achieved over the past two years and the amount of skill and talent they have displayed in winning these challenges.”

SDRC placed ahead of teams from Murweh Shire Council, Quilpie Shire Council, South Burnett Regional Council and two teams from the Western Downs Regional Council to take first place. The team consisted of staff members Sean Beck, Logan Carrie, Kieren Locke and Carly McMonagle with Julie Schmidt serving as the team’s mentor.

Judges scored each team’s skills in communicating, presenting, negotiating and how they managed time and resources. Judges also scored each team on teamwork and the quality of the products they produce.

Local Government Managers Australia Queensland hold Rural Management Challenges in three areas around Queensland during September and October each year.

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