Shannon Gibbs, Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for her outstanding public service to local government in Queensland on Australia Day this year.
While working at Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council, Shannon has transformed the Council from an organisation with difficulties in operating sustainably and meeting its statutory reporting obligations into one which is now a leading example of sound financial management.
Shannon’s efforts have enabled Hope Vale Aboriginal Council to significantly reduce its reliance on grants and to increase employment and training opportunities in the Hope Vale Shire. Through her innovative approach to resource management, Council is now able to pursue numerous important priorities including the provision of housing and other services.
The investiture ceremony was held last month in Cairns and Shannon attended with Hope Vale Mayor Jason Woibo to receive her award from Queensland Governor, His Excellency Paul de Jersey AC.
Shannon said, “It was an incredible honour to be personally acknowledged. My core principles of honesty, transparency, consistency and respect, aligned with Hopevale Aboriginal Shire Council’s vision of excellence, innovation, honour and integrity. I have been privileged to be a part of this vision, and I view this recognition as a reflection of the whole team.”
Most finance professionals would consider accomplishing established quantitative goals that can be calculated by a metric or statistic as their measurement of professional achievements. Rather than numbers and statistics, Shannon believes genuine success lies in qualitative goals, that are measured by quality – rather than quantity.
"I consider my most instrumental professional achievement to be shaping a solid foundation within the Finance Team which unlocked limitless potential,” Shannon said. “This foundation has stood the test of time, and Council continues to build on it today. Though, the truth is that being considered a leader and not the boss is at the heart, my greatest achievement.”
Shannon believes the community’s future will be directly tied to the quality of people it can attract.
Congratulations to Shannon on this wonderful achievement and commitment to the community of Hope Vale.
Hope Vale Mayor Jason Woibo and Shannon Gibbs PSM