A COUNCIL employee who saved Balranald Shire Council $100,000 in external professional fees has been rewarded for her efforts.
Balranald Shire Council rates and finance officer Janelle Dalton has been awarded council’s inaugural Norma Male Excellence Award.
Norma Male was the first female town clerk in New South Wales, working for council for more than 30 years.
Council awarded Mrs Dalton the accolade for her role in reviewing council’s rating structure.
Mrs Dalton said she was overwhelmed to receive the first award of its kind.
“To receive an award named after Norma Male is an honour as she was an extraordinary person of her time,” Mrs Dalton said in her acceptance speech.
“Norma Male was reputed for being kind, caring and always finding time to assist fellow staff.
“She was instrumental in overseeing the development of Balranald in a pioneering phase.”
Mrs Dalton was born in Maryborough, Queensland, moving to Balranald in 2001.
She commenced employment with Balranald Shire Council in 2001, working in various roles until 2010, returning to council in 2018.
Mrs Dalton said working as part of a team in council was a team effort.
“I believe that no-one ever achieves anything of themselves, but with the help of your peers, past and present, and experience you have gleaned with various roles,” Mrs Dalton said.
“I am grateful for the support and help of management and fellow staff who have been wonderful and supporting to work with.”
Mrs Dalton said in her role, she saw the need for a considerable rates and charges review, to “ensure a more fair and equitable collection of all rates and charges”.
“Balranald shire has become host to many new industries, including solar farms, large scale horticulture, for example, almonds and pistachio plantations, large scale accommodation facilities and substantial mining development,” she said.
“These industries bring excellent opportunities to businesses and residents, however the extra cost of repairs and maintenance to council’s infrastructure that these industries cause, need to be recognised in council’s rating structure.
“One of the biggest challenges was ensuring an equitable inter-generational distribution of costs to ensure those having the biggest impact and benefit, contribute their fair share.”
Mrs Dalton said the rating review was backed by what was identified in a performance order handed down to council.
The improvement order was given to council in November 2016 when the then-Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton notified council of her intention to issue a business improvement order against them.
“You can face the brunt of ratepayers’ angst, but it’s very fulfilling to work for council when the work you do directly contributes to the community,” Mrs Dalton said.
“I recognise the significant contribution of my fellow staff to the current exciting developments in Balranald shire, so I am very humbled and grateful to be the recipient of this award.
“Council has received more grant funding in a short period of time than ever before,” she said.
Mrs Dalton said the staff involved in applying for grants had done a tremendous job.
She also cited all the additional rural roads works, which have been completed by council, and the challenge of providing safe drinking water with the algae bloom in the river last summer.
“They have all excelled with their extra workload,” she said.
Mrs Dalton said having received the award in a non-managerial role, showed anyone in any role could be recognised for their work.
“This has set the precedent that anybody can be chosen for the award if they are passionate about their role and give it everything they have,” she said.
“I think that’s a really nice message to the rest of the staff.
“This award is a positive way forward, to recognise the work that goes on behind the scenes in local government that people may not be aware of.”
Council said Mrs Dalton received the award for her “outstanding dedication, attention to detail and professionalism was recognised for her role in reviewing Balranald Shire Council’s rating structure”.
“Her efforts ultimately reduced the review process by 12 months and saved Balranald Shire Council approximately $100,000 in external professional fees,” council said.
“Janelle consistently exceeds expectations and willingly gives of her own time for the benefit of council and the wider community.
“A friendly, jovial and positive influence in the workplace, Janelle is a team player willing to support others during peak periods.”
