Council team wins national award

Published on 02 July 2026

Moorabool Shire Council's People & Culture team has been recognised on the national stage, taking out the Innovator of the Year – Best Use of AI award at the prestigious National HR Innovation Awards.

The national recognition celebrates three key initiatives developed in-house by Council's People & Culture team: Maddi, an AI-powered People & Culture assistant; the Section AI Academy; and the Smarter Ways of Working program. Together, these projects help streamline administrative tasks, build staff capability and create more opportunities for strategic, creative and community-focused work.

Mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said the award was a significant achievement for Council and reflected its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

"This is a fantastic achievement for our People & Culture team and one that should make the entire organisation proud," Cr Venditti-Taylor said.

"To receive national recognition for innovation demonstrates that Moorabool Shire Council is leading the way in how local government can embrace technology while keeping people at the centre of everything we do."

"These initiatives were developed by our own staff and showcase the creativity, expertise and forward-thinking culture that exists within our organisation."

"Importantly, this award also highlights Moorabool Shire Council as a great place to work. We are investing in our people, building their skills and creating an environment where innovation is encouraged and supported. That not only benefits our employees but ultimately delivers better outcomes for our community."

The award-winning initiatives were designed to use technology to reduce administrative burdens, enabling staff to dedicate more time to strategic planning, creativity and service delivery. The projects were developed with a strong focus on building trust, empowering employees and fostering a culture of innovation across the organisation.

To see employment opportunities at Council: Vacancies | Moorabool Shire Council