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Community and Sport Committee — 2026-09-15
2. Community and Sport Report Card 2025-2026
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting Agenda
15 September
2026
Doc ID No: A13217545
ITEM: 2
SUBJECT: Community and Sport Report Card 2025-2026
AUTHOR: Community and Sport Manager
DATE: 10 August 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the Community and Sport Report Card 2025-2026 delivered by the Community and Sport Section.
The Report Card highlights the significant contribution of the Community and Sport Section in strengthening community wellbeing, participation and connectedness across Ipswich. Through community development, community investment, sport and recreation programs, youth leadership initiatives, facility activation and strategic partnerships, the Section creates opportunities for residents to connect, belong and thrive.
Attachment 1 showcases the key achievements, outcomes and deliverables delivered throughout the reporting period, reflecting the collaborative efforts of teams across the Section to support a more active, inclusive and resilient community.
Key achievements during 2025-2026 included the delivery of more than 1,900 Active and Healthy activities, investment of $1.07 million through community funding programs, capacity building with 77 community organisations, growth of the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council to 80 members, and the completion of 28 sport and recreation infrastructure projects with a combined value of $1.4 million.
Recommendation/s
That the Community and Sport 2025-2026 Report Card be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no discernible related party conflicts of interests associated with this report and its recommendation.
CORPORATE PLAN Theme
Safe, Inclusive and Creative
Purpose of Report/Background
The purpose of this report is to present the Community and Sport Report Card for the 2025-2026 financial year and provide an overview of the key outcomes achieved by the Community and Sport Section.
The Community and Sport Section plays a significant role in fostering healthy, connected and resilient communities across Ipswich. Through community development, sport and recreation, community investment, youth engagement, facility activation and place-based initiatives, the Section works alongside residents, community organisations, volunteers and sporting clubs to strengthen participation, belonging and community capacity.
The attached Report Card demonstrates the scale and impact of this work, highlighting how council investment, partnerships and services contribute to enhanced community wellbeing and quality of life for Ipswich residents.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Not Applicable
policy implications
There are no discernible policy implications associated with this report and its recommendation
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Based on the general nature of this report it is deemed that there are no risks associated with the recommendation.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Community and Sport programs, services and initiatives were delivered within the budget and resource allocations adopted for the 2025-2026 financial year.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
The outcomes outlined in the Report Card reflect extensive engagement and collaboration with community organisations, sporting clubs, volunteers, residents, funding recipients, government agencies and other stakeholders. The achievements presented have been informed by ongoing partnerships and community participation across a broad range of programs, services and initiatives delivered throughout the reporting period.
Conclusion
The Community and Sport Report Card 2025-2026 demonstrates the significant contribution council makes to building a vibrant, active and connected Ipswich. Through community investment, sport and recreation opportunities, youth leadership development, place activation and community capacity building initiatives, council continues to create opportunities for residents to participate in community life and strengthen their sense of belonging.
The achievements outlined in Attachment 1 reflect the dedication of staff, volunteers, community organisations, sporting clubs and partners who work collaboratively to deliver positive outcomes for the Ipswich community. The report provides a valuable snapshot of the impact of these collective efforts during the 2025-2026 financial year .
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT
The Recommendation states that the report be received and the contents noted. The decision to receive and note the report does not limit human rights. Therefore, the decision is compatible with human rights.
Attachments
1.
Community and Sport Report Card 2025-2026 ⇩
Melissa Dower
Community and Sport Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Don Stewart
Manager, Community and Cultural Services
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager (Community, Cultural and Economic Development)
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting AGENDA
15 September
2026
Item 2 / Attachment 1.
Mentions: Ipswich
3. Customer Services Report Card 2025-2026
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting Agenda
15 September
2026
Doc ID No: A13251424
ITEM: 3
SUBJECT: Customer Services Report Card 2025-2026
AUTHOR: Customer Strategy and Experience Manager
DATE: 19 August 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the Customer Services Report Card 2025-2026.
Recommendation/s
That the Customer Services Report Card 2025-2026 be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no discernible related party conflicts of interest associated with this report or its recommendation.
CORPORATE PLAN Theme
A Trusted and Leading Organisation
Purpose of Report/Background
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of Customer Services performance, including service volumes, key achievements and priorities for the year ahead. During 2025-2026, Customer Services maintained consistent demand across all channels while delivering improvements in service efficiency, responsiveness and workforce capability. Strategic investments in systems, process improvements, and employee development have contributed to faster response times, improved staff resilience, and stronger service consistency.
The year was marked by strong operational performance and successful delivery of key strategic initiatives. Customer Services not only maintained consistent service delivery across multiple channels but also strengthened its capability through technology upgrades, industry-recognised performance, and enhanced after-hours service arrangements. These achievements position the service well to continue delivering a more responsive, efficient, and consistent customer experience for the Ipswich community.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Not Applicable
policy implications
There are no discernible policy implications associated with this report or its recommendation.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no discernible risk management implications associated with this report or its recommendation.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
There are no discernible financial or resource implications associated with this report or its recommendation. Customer Services is budgeted and resourced in accordance with the Council budget and business planning process.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
The following stakeholders have been consulted for this report:
· Ben Pole, General Manager CCED
· Samantha Chandler, Manager, Libraries and Customer Services
· Lauren Woodrow, Customer Services Coordinator
Conclusion
The attached report is an overview of Customer Services performance for the 2025-2026 financial year. Statistics included in this report have been reviewed and refined to provide a simplified picture using up to date and relevant customer data.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT
The Recommendation states that the report be received and the contents noted. The decision to receive and note the report does not limit human rights. Therefore, the decision is compatible with human rights.
Attachments
1.
Customer Services Report Card 2025-2026 ⇩
Jennifer Gisler
Customer Strategy and Experience Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Samantha Chandler
Manager, Libraries and Customer Services
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager (Community, Cultural and Economic Development)
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting AGENDA
15 September
2026
Item 3 / Attachment 1.
Mentions: Ipswich
4. Report of Multicultural Advisory Committee No. 2026(02) of 25 August 2026
Resolution: Moved by Chairperson Pye Augustine:
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting Agenda
15 September
2026
Doc ID No: A13318897
ITEM: 4
SUBJECT: Report of Multicultural Advisory Committee No. 2026(02) of
25 August 2026
AUTHOR: Meeting Coordination Manager
DATE: 7 September 2026
INTRODUCTION
This is the report of the Multicultural Advisory Committee No. 2026(02) of 25 August 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations of the Multicultural Advisory Committee No. 2026(02) of 25 August 2026 .
Attachments
1.
Minutes of Multicultural Advisory Committee no. 2026(02) of 25 August 2026
2.
Assessment of Expression of Interest Applications - External Advisors - Confidential Attachment outlining preferred candidates and recommendations to Council - Confidential
25 August 2026
UNCONFIRMED REPORT OF Multicultural Advisory Committee NO. 2026(02) ]
UNCONFIRMED REPORT OF Multicultural Advisory Committee NO. 2026(02)
25 August 2026
Report
COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE:
Councillor Pye Augustine (Chairperson); Councillors Jacob Madsen (Deputy Chairperson), Andrew Antoniolli, David Martin and Jim Madden (Observer)
COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES:
Councillor Marnie Doyle
OFFICER’S ATTENDANCE:
Senior Policy and Communications Officer (Linda Clayton)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Councillor Pye Augustine (Chairperson) delivered the Acknowledgement of Country
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA
Nil
BUSINESS OUTSTANDING
Nil
Confirmation of Minutes
1. Confirmation of Minutes of the Multicultural Advisory Committee No. 2026(01) of 23 March 2026
Recommendation
That the minutes of the Multicultural Advisory Committee held on 23 March 2026 be confirmed.
Move into Closed Session
Recommendation
Moved by Chairperson Pye Augustine:
Seconded by Councillor David Martin:
That in accordance with section 254J(3)(i) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 , the meeting move into closed session to discuss Item 2 titled Assessment of Expression of Interest Applications – External Advisors.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Augustine Nil
Madsen
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
The meeting moved into closed session at 9.07 am.
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli arrived at the meeting at 9.13 am.
Councillor David Martin left the meeting at 9.31 am.
Adjourn Meeting
Moved by Councillor Pye Augustine
That the closed meeting be adjourned at 10.24 am.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Augustine Nil
Madsen
Antoniolli
The motion was put and carried.
The closed meeting reconvened at 10.43 am.
Councillor David Martin returned to the meeting at 10.57 am.
Move into Open Session
Moved by Councillor Pye Augustine
That the meeting move into open session.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Augustine Nil
Madsen
Antoniolli
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
The meeting moved into open session at 10.58 am.
During closed session, the committee considered the applications received from applicants for the position of External Advisor to the Multicultural Advisory Committee and agreed on recommendations for preferred applicants to be considered at the Council Ordinary Meeting of 27 August 2026.
Officer’s Reports
2. Assessment of Expression of Interest Applications - External Advisors
This is a report concerning the Expression of Interest for External Advisors to the Multicultural Advisory Committee. Applications for Expressions of Interest opened on 31 July and will close on Sunday 23 August 2026.
The applications will be presented to the Multicultural Advisory Committee meeting on 25 August 2026 for assessment as a confidential late attachment to this report.
“The attachment/s to this report are confidential in accordance with section 254J(3)(i) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 .”
Recommendation
A. That the Multicultural Advisory Committee receive and assess the applications (Attachment 3).
B. That the Multicultural Advisory Committee form recommendations to Council regarding:
(a) appointment of up to five (5) applicants as External Advisors to the Multicultural Advisory Committee, and
(b) the fixed term of their appointment.
RECOMMENDATION
A. That Council approve the appointment of the preferred applicants as identified in Confidential Attachment 1 as external advisors to the Multicultural Advisory Committee (subject to a satisfactory background/reference check and a completed volunteer agreement).
B. That Council approve the applicants as identified in Confidential Attachment 1 for an Order of Merit, to be offered appointment in the event one (1) of the preferred applicants declines the offer of appointment or ceases to continue their appointment for any reason at any point during the term.
C. That Council approve the term of appointment of external advisors to align with the remaining 2024-2028 term of council.
D. That Council approve an amendment to the Ipswich City Council Standing and Advisory Committee Terms of Reference annexure 3.3 (Attachment 2), to enable the appointment of up to six (6) external advisors to the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
E. That pending approval of Recommendation D, Council approve the appointment of the preferred candidate as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1.
Attachments
1. Confidential Attachment outlining preferred candidates and recommendations to Council - Confidential
3. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is to be advised.
4. GENERAL DISCUSSION (within the purpose and scope of the committee)
PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS
The meeting commenced at 9.04 am.
The meeting closed at 11.00 am.
Mentions: Ipswich
Source: Ipswich City Council meeting agenda (CC BY 4.0).