Mayor Jennifer Whitney said it is a remarkable reflection of Graham’s great work in the
procurement area over the past 14 months for him to receive such an important award in the Local Government sector.

“Graham was one of two recipients who received the award for his innovative policies and
procedures in the procurement area,” Mayor Whitney said.

“Early last year Graham initiated a project to improve the procurement practices across the
Whitsunday Regional Council.

“The project embarked on a systemic and operational review of procurement practices delivering a range of benefits, most notably cost reductions and improvements to internal systems and procedures.

“At a time when Council is operating under tight financial constraints Graham has delivered an
innovative policy which saves money, while also delivering better services.

“Graham was awarded a bursary with this award which Robertson McCullough has committed to
match.

“To demonstrate the commitment Graham has for delivering this project, he is proposing to
contribute the awarded bursary back into the Council to benefit staff training and personal
development.

“Over the next few months Council will be rolling out a new procurement manual, contracts and
training for staff.

“Graham would like to acknowledge and thank all the staff for the work they have done on the
project,” she said.

The Government Procurement Professionals Awards are designed to recognise the significant
contribution that staff make within the Local Government sector.

Ends

For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Lennox, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.lennox@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au