
Coffs Harbour jetty fall
In September 2011, five-year-old Tedmund Polglase fell more than four metres through a jetty railing at Coffs Harbour and sustained “catastrophic injuries” after landing on sand.

In September 2011, five-year-old Tedmund Polglase fell more than four metres through a jetty railing at Coffs Harbour and sustained “catastrophic injuries” after landing on sand.

An old philosophical question asks – if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? In the indemnity business, the question is more likely to be when a tree falls, who is likely to pay?

Here are some ways LGIS can help: Lessening professional risks and negligence, help with professional indemnities, lease and contract wording. Supporting local government members with corporate governance and informed decision-making.

Last financial year, there were 29 safety assessments performed at pools and more than 360 safety assessments completed between 2010/11 and 2019/20.
The recently released Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report revealed that 33 drowning deaths occurred in WA in 2019/20.

LGIS has supported member initiatives to change in response to community needs. Community spirit is ephemeral, but a part of it is creating spaces, which allow people to come together and share experiences.

Great Eastern Wheatbelt RRC Chris Gilmour tells a story about a local grader operator who had a near miss with a small child. “The (grader) driver was a grandfather and it really shook him up,” he said.

LGIS WA has a new board member in Claremont councillor Paul Kelly.
Cr Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to the role – with previous experience as board member and chairperson of the board at LGIS.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly half of all Australians were working from home at the start of May.
Many local government employees found they were also either working from home, stood down or redeployed into different departments.

Globally, every organisation has been hit by the pandemic and the resulting economic fallout – from local governments here in WA to the world’s insurance market.

Following COVID lockdowns expect people to flock to outdoor areas and other local government facilities. Prior to opening these public spaces as part of Phase 3, local governments should make sure they are ready to be used.