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Whitehorse City Council and Deakin University have been recognised for their extremely successful Tertiary Business Skills Program at the prestigious National Local Government Innovation Awards.

Whitehorse Mayor Councillor Andrew Davenport said Whitehorse took the silver medal for the program, which teams students from Deakin University with local Whitehorse businesses in a competitive 12 week internship.

“Council’s Investment and Economic Development department was very proud to receive the award for putting this successful program together,” Cr Davenport said.

The National Local Government Innovation Awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of local government projects that focus on providing services in a more efficient and useful way and who have demonstrated an efficient use of resources.

“These awards recognise best value and practice, with finalists assessed on their outstanding innovation, effort and outcomes,” Cr Davenport said.

"Judging criteria included the ability of projects to positively impact Council business objectives and assist other councils through sharing their results and experiences.

“This year, the Whitehorse Tertiary Business Skills Program will celebrate 10 years of collaboration between Whitehorse City Council, Deakin University, local businesses and students – a milestone we can all be proud of."

The program has successfully supported, developed and marketed local businesses and has helped our key education institutions to play a larger role in local business development.

Cardinia Shire Council and the City of Greater Dandenong also award winners.

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Originally published on Whitehorse News (June 2018).