Narrandera Shire Council is proud to announce it has been recognised for outstanding risk management practices in the delivery of the Lake Talbot Skywalk, receiving the Operational Risk Initiative Award from StateWide Mutual at the April Ordinary Council Meeting.

The award was presented by Mr Damien Connell from StateWide Mutual, who commended Council on its thorough and innovative approach to managing risk throughout the lifecycle of the Lake Talbot Skywalk project.

“The Lake Talbot Skywalk project was an exceptional project,” said Mr Connell. “What stood out to the judges was the detail and structure in the risk management plan – how the risks were identified, assessed, mitigated, and ultimately closed out at the completion of the project.”

Mr Connell highlighted the project’s approach to assessing a broad range of risks – from financial to operational, and particularly reputational.

“One of the risk areas they (the judges) looked at was reputational risk,” he added. “This has been really well reflected in this project with the community engagement through consultation, knowing that this project started as plan A and turned into plan B.”

The project, initially met with challenges, was transformed through careful planning, innovation, and collaboration with the community into a standout recreational and tourism asset for the region.

Mr Connell also acknowledged the efforts of key individuals behind the success of this project.

“I would like to congratulate Shane Wilson and his team for delivering such a successful project, and Amanda Collins for her risk management engagement and the submission of our award.”

Narrandera Shire Council is honoured to receive this recognition and extends its appreciation to StateWide Mutual for highlighting the importance of risk management in local government projects.