The Hilltops Council Rural Management Challenge Team has taken out the state award for the pre-challenge task which was to identify how council can use technology to maximise efficiencies at Council. The team came up with a conceptual design for an app which could be used by residents, tourists and staff. The app would provide a web based portal for tourists travelling in the region, a platform for residents to receive quick update and a mobile front-end for council field and office staff.

Team members came up with the idea through talking to staff members throughout Council asking them to tell the team about the things they would like to see in an app.

“Staff were really helpful with their ideas” says team member Myrka Robichaud. Council staff know what the community wants as the Council is often the first port of call when people want information.” “Also with the new amalgamated Council it will become important that there is one platform where all staff can be communicated with”.

The team competed in Blayney over 2 days where they had to undertake several tasks which tested their leadership, critical thinking and team skills. They were mentored by Hilltops Executive Director Corporate and Community Lee Furness.

Council Administrator Wendy Tuckerman says “we are extremely proud of the team as their idea was judged the best out of all of the teams competing throughout the state”.

“The team are great ambassadors for the Council and will be representing the Council at the National Civica Congress in Sydney this week. At the Congress the team will b