Published on 09 August 2023
Lismore City Council’s Manager of Liveable and Active Communities, Tony Duffy, was Highly Commended for his leadership role in organising the recent Opening our Heart series of events at the recent Local Government NSW Dougherty Awards for Events and Communication. The series of events to mark one year since the February 2022 natural disaster was designed to help the community reflect, heal and look to the future, attracting more than 60,000 residents and visitors. Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons congratulated Mr Duffy on his commendation. “With little lead time once funding for the events was confirmed, Tony led a small team from across Council to stage six events over four weeks. What makes this even more impressive is the fact that much of Council’s infrastructure normally used for events, was still damaged from the disaster,” he said. The events included the Recognition of Boaties BBQ, the Gathering of Reflection and Healing, Music From The Heart in the CBD, From the Heart community concert, Heart of Sport legends 20/20 Cricket Day and Opera From the Heart. Mayor Steve Krieg also congratulated Mr Duffy and his team. “It was clear from the community that they didn’t want a celebration. What was needed was a safe place to reflect on what had happened to our community and a chance to come together and start to think about what we want for Lismore’s future,” he said. “Given the large number of people who came to all of the events, and the many thousands of smiling faces, it is fair to say this was achieved.” Mr Duffy said he was humbled by the Award, adding that it was a team effort not an individual one. “Six events in four weeks cannot be done, let alone successfully, unless you have a dedicated team behind you,” he said. “I was fortunate to have a team that spanned across all Council departments and made up of people who live in our community and wanted nothing other than to help our community. I pay tribute to each and every one of them. “They all worked long hours and freely gave up their own time to make these events as successful as they were. I truly believe that in some way these events helped our community to heal.”
Caption: Mayor Steve Krieg shakes hands with Tony Duffy as General Manager Jon Gibbons looks on.