Council celebrates major recognition for AI innovation
Published on 18 September 2026
Gannawarra Shire Council has won a prestigious award for its innovative use of artificial intelligence.
Council’s groundbreaking From Compliance to Insight: AI-Powered Gender Impact Assessments project took out the Skilled to Serve Award for Capability Uplift category at the 2026 Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) MAVlab Innovation Awards, announced last night in Melbourne.
The achievement follows Council's success in the Skilled to Serve Award for Capability Uplift category with its project, From Compliance to Insight: AI-Powered Gender Impact Assessments.
The award recognises initiatives that strengthen organisational capability and improve service delivery, highlighting Council's commitment to embracing technology to deliver better outcomes for the community.
Developed internally through collaboration between Council's Community Wellbeing, Infrastructure and ICT teams, the innovative solution uses artificial intelligence to streamline the preparation of Gender Impact Assessments (GIAs), a requirement under the Gender Equality Act 2020. A process that previously required significant staff time can now be completed in seconds, helping employees incorporate gender equality considerations into policies, programs and services more consistently and effectively.
"Council is honoured to receive this recognition for our innovative approach to streamlining the preparation of Gender Impact Assessments and meeting the requirements of the Gender Equality Act 2020," Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
"This staff-driven solution demonstrates how local government can harness emerging technologies to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making and deliver better outcomes for communities. We are particularly proud that this project was developed internally and without the need for additional project funding."
The award-winning solution, which was developed in six weeks and required no additional budget, has already been applied to major initiatives including the Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan, Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2030, financial policies and Gannawarra Library Service planning.
“Our innovative approach to using AI to reduce a time-consuming legislative requirement from days to seconds demonstrates how rural councils can embrace innovation and leverage technology to build capability, create efficiencies, and enhance services for their communities,” Council’s Director Infrastructure and Development, Wade Williams said.
Close to 70 projects and individuals from 27 councils were in contention for the 13 categories recognised as part of the awards program that showcases outstanding projects, approaches and leadership that are transforming local government and helping build thriving, inclusive and resilient communities
"Council congratulates all finalists and award winners recognised through this year's MAVlab Innovation Awards," Mr Rollinson said.
"The breadth of innovation being demonstrated across local government is truly impressive. These projects showcase how councils are finding new and creative ways to improve services, strengthen their organisations and respond to the evolving needs of their communities.
“It is a privilege for Gannawarra Shire Council to be recognised alongside so many outstanding initiatives from across Victoria."
TOP: Director Community Wellbeing, Paul Fernee (left), Manager Community Health, Narelle O’Donoghue and Coordinator Inclusive Communities, Jodie Hartley, represented Council at the 2026 Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) MAVlab Innovation Awards ceremony.