Members of the local government community are invited to put down in writing why local government matters to be in with the chance of winning $2000.
The purpose of the inaugural Erica Bell Local Government Essay Prize 2015 is to elicit new and innovative ideas about advancing local government and preparing the sector to meet the challenges of 21st century Australia.
ACELG named the competition in memory of the late Associate Professor Erica Bell, a valued and active member of ACELG’s Research Advisory Committee.
“Local governments face a range of challenges in ensuring that the services they deliver meet the needs of their communities today and for future generations,” said an ACELG spokesperson.
“These challenge include, for example, financial sustainability, the ability to work strategically with other local governments and with state agencies to name only a few. This competition aims to capture the creative ways local governments go about dealing with these challenges and serving their communities.”
Essays must be between 3000-4000 words in length. Entrants are invited to write on the topic of “Why Local Government Matters”. The essay could focus on a specific local issue or council or be a commentary about the national government sector while showing originality and flair in their argument.
The judging panel will include the Director of ACELG and members of the ACELG Research Advisory Committee. Shortlisted entries will receive a certificate and their entry promoted by ACELG.
The winner of the competition will receive funding of $2000 to undertake a relevant professional development or study opportunity, have the work published on the Centre’s website, and the opportunity to be mentored to through the process of readying their writing for consideration by national and international sector publications.
“This is a great opportunity to put down in writing, your ideas or thoughts about the value or ‘why local government matters’,” said the spokesperson.
The competition closes 16 October 2015 and a shortlist will be announced the following month in November. A winner will be announced at the end of the month.