PORT Stephens Council has taken out the top gong for its staff wellbeing program PSCare at the StateCover Awards 2023.

The industry awards acknowledge excellence in keeping people safe, well and working and are contested by 134 local government entities.

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“If the last few years of pandemic disruption have taught us anything, it’s that if employers aren’t providing a workplace that supports mental and physical wellness, then staff will start looking elsewhere,” Council’s General Manager Tim Crosdale said.

“Looking after our people and keeping them well, means we can continue to support our community,” he added.

In awarding Port Stephens Council, the judges commented that PSCare was a standout submission for its development, implementation and results.

“The program showed a reconsidered and planned strategic approach, demonstrated a collaborative effort amongst staff and was well supported by the organisation.

“PSCare has proven its success to date, ensuring its potential to be a sustainable initiative at Council.

“Port Stephens Council is to be applauded for all their work in the wellbeing space for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of their people.”

The program is internally developed and centres around three pillars of health and wellbeing – mind, body and culture.

The focus on wellbeing is paying dividends with employee engagement steadily improving over the last decade.

“Our employee engagement data shows an increase from 39 percent in 2011 to 83 percent in 2022 and our staff retention is strong with the average length of service sitting at just under eight years,” Mr Crosdale said.

“Programs like PSCare are a key part of our strategic approach to recruit, retain, develop and inspire our people,” he added.

The latest recognition follows PSCare winning the Best Health and Wellbeing for Large Organisation in the 2023 Hunter Safety Awards and being named a finalist in the 2021 Hunter Business Awards Outstanding Employer of Choice.

Port Stephens Council has also recently been shortlisted in 4 categories for the Local Government Excellence Awards, with winners being announced at the Local Government Excellence Awards on 1 June 2023.