A word from Brent, our Managing Director & CEO

Wow, it has been a busy couple of months – lots on in local government! Like you, I am keen to get the budget cycle out of the way and get on with delivering for our customers.  

So, what is happening in the world of Peak Services? 

I am excited to announce that nominations are now open for this year's Butch Lenton Memorial Innovation Award and we look forward to receiving some amazing submissions highlighting the work councils are doing across remote and regional Queensland.  

Our esteemed judging panel is made up of representatives from our rural councils, including Mayor John Wharton AM of Richmond Shire Council, the longest serving mayor in Queensland with 24 years under his belt (plus another six as a councilor), and from the south-west, Mayor Sam O’Toole of Balonne Shire Council. They will join LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam AM and me in evaluating the submissions and picking the winner, who’ll not only receive well-deserved recognition but also a $10,000 bursary to support their innovative idea or activity. To apply, click here.

Another busy LGAQ Elected Member Update (EMU) cycle lies ahead over the July/August period that we are continuing to support. Whilst we cannot get out to all councils this year, we will be sure to deliver some important messages around the work Peak Services and Local Buy are doing, and provide valuable insights that will benefit your council. Our focus this year is on moving local government forward and looking to see what we can do together to support this.  

We have also been madly busy planning this year's Long Drive for Drought, which kicks off on 27 August. With over 30 participant vehicles and approximately 60 people taking part, this is already turning out to be a big event. Excitingly, we have also had several big sponsors come on board, including Hastings Deering and Toyota Fleet Management; they're both big supporters of local government and Queensland communities and we are very happy to have them with us. We are also talking to a number of other potential partners, and I look forward to sharing those with you soon. In addition, the local governments involved in this year's run are gearing up with lots of great community events along the way, and I thank you all for your great support of this important initiative – keeping drought front of mind and raising much needed funds to support the wonderful work that Drought Angels do for Queensland communities that are doing it tough.  

I’m also very grateful for the continued support Peak Services and LGAQ provide for this event.  

Lastly, the team and I look forward to catching up with some of you at the upcoming Bush Councils Convention, being held in Barcaldine 3-5 August. It will be a great couple of days and (going on previous events) that there will be many stories shared afterwards. The Barcy tent city will be sure to create some laughs and most importantly a wonderful atmosphere that will truly showcase the beauty of the bush – I also promise to pack my pink hat!  

See you out there, 

Brent