Oven scoops award

Published 16 September 2009.

AlburyCity's community wood fired oven has scooped a national award which recognises the significant role it plays bringing neighbours and communities together.

The Parks and Leisure Australia Award was presented to Cr Daryl Betteridge in Darwin yesterday. The national recognition followed the wood fired oven wining the equivalent award at state level in August.

Cr Betteridge, who gave a presentation to 300 conference delegates on the history of the oven, has been overwhelmed by the number of people who have since approached him, enthused by what AlburyCity has achieved.

"People from much larger councils are really impressed with what we have done," he said.

"They're impressed that it has cost so little to achieve something that has such great social benefits for the community."

"Winning this award has really had an impact on Albury being perceived as a resourceful, creative and clever community that has created something quite groundbreaking with a minimal financial outlay."

He said other councils were particularly impressed with the way Albury had overcome safety concerns and ensured that the baking process resulted in high-quality food.

"There are many other councils who are looking to replicate what we've done," he said.

AlburyCity scooped the national award in the Inclusive and Connected Communities category, where it was competing against finalists ranging from a Perth-based initiative that trains young Indigenous people to be lifeguards to a Melbourne-based skate and BMX park.

The community wood fired oven attracts about 100 people to its bakes, every second Sunday. It has also become a destination for larger community events such Harmony day and is hired for private functions.

AlburyCity Mayor, Patricia Gould, said Albury residents could be very proud that their oven had won two prestigious Parks and Leisure Australia awards.

"It brings great kudos to our city and reflects well on the quality of staff we have here at AlburyCity. This was a fabulous idea from the outset, so it is wonderful that it is now achieving such high-level recognition."

The Albury community wood fired oven was launched as a community facility in October 2006.

Parks and Leisure Australia is the key professional association providing services to members of the parks and leisure industry.