A passion for open spaces has seen Waipā District Council’s Group Manager – Customer and Community Services, Sally Sheedy, awarded the Ian Galloway Memorial Cup for services to the wider parks industry.
Recreation Aotearoa presented the 2020/2021 Recreation Awards online, after being delayed for two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The award recognises excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the wider parks sector. It celebrates the innovative and pioneering contribution made to the parks management sector by Ian Galloway, who worked for Wellington Council.
Ms Sheedy was one of four industry professionals to receive an Individual Award from Recreation Aotearoa and was recognised for her work throughout her career as a manager of community services.
Council Chief Executive, Garry Dyet said it was great to see Sally recognised for the hard work she puts into the industry and community.
“We are very fortunate to have Sally at Waipā. Our wider team, and the community we serve, have benefited positively from Sally’s contribution and experience,” he said.
Ms Sheedy has led significant achievements in parks across Waikato and Auckland regions for regional and urban parks.
Under her leadership, Wāipa District Council, Auckland Council, Hamilton City Council and Auckland Regional Council have achieved and built great portfolio platforms and projects for parks and community, including extensive Service Delivery improvements where innovations focused on getting the best out of people was achieved.
“Sally’s exceptional leadership has contributed towards the successful integration of Te Awamutu Museum and Heritage into the Community Services Unit,” Mr Dyet said.
“Over the last 18 months she has led 70 staff members through unprecedented times, with COVID-19, always ensuring the sustainability of community services and the well-being of all staff.”
Ms Sheedy said receiving the award was very special.
“I never had the pleasure of meeting Ian but I appreciate the legacy he left behind and those who have received this award before me,” she said.
“I have been very lucky to have had so many experiences that have taught me, taken me outside my comfort zone and given me the warm fuzzies of ‘we got that right’. I have passed on these experiences and learnings to my various teams and colleagues, which is something great with this industry.”
“I look forward to many more years supporting our industry to grow and adapt as we need to, to keep providing for future generations. The future is exciting and I am thrilled I get to be part of it.”
The New Zealand Recreation Awards have been running for over 20 years and have become an important way for Recreation Aotearoa and the rest of New Zealand to celebrate the work and people within the various recreation fields.
