Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

National Business Award to Council Manager

Robin Batt, Cultural Centre Manager at Frankston City Council in Victoria, has won the 1998 Mobilenet Corporate and Government Award as part of the 1998 Telstra Business Women's Awards.

Robin's role in establishing, managing and directing the Frankston Cultural Centre has seen it develop an impressive record of achievement, growth, creative programming and financial credibility.

She said managing the $17 million complex has provided her with an exciting and challenging time.

"Many people are wary of Local Government allocating this sort of money to an Arts complex," she said. "Part of the challenge was to turn their fears around and ensure that it is not elitist but truly a 'people' place.

Robin said much of the credit for the success of the venue must go to the Frankston arts community, and Council, which has been highly supportive of the complex.

"She said winning the Award has been fantastic personally, but is also great for the Centre and the local community.

"It is great for Frankston," she said. "It is a great source of community and Local Government pride. All the stakeholders including schools, the local arts community and Council can take heart from the Award."

Robin's work was previously acknowledged when the Frankston Centre won the Victorian Government's prestigious Arts 21 Award for Best Practice Management of a Cultural Facility.

For further information contact Robin Batt, telephone (03) 9784 1051.

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