From the Basement to Centre Stage

Katrina Windebank from the City of Unley talks about her team winning the RIMPA Global Pamela Hall Outstanding Group Award at RIMPA Live in 2024. This is what she had to say about the experience...

"Winning the 2024 RIMPA Pamela Hall Outstanding Group Award was the icing on the cake for our hardworking, high-output Information Management (IM) Team. With just 3.6 staff supporting 272 council employees across 58 teams, we've consistently delivered big results, from our basement office.

Over the past two years, we’ve led transformative projects like the Subject ECM Project (reviewing and reinventing our BCS), cutting 5,300 file locations down to 1,300, creating 900 Quick Add Profiles, and producing 51 training videos. We saw capture rate increases of up to 800% in some teams, and we’ve empowered staff to manage their records confidently and compliantly.

We didn’t stop there. When State Records decommissioned FOIMS, we co-designed a new system with VendorPanel that now serves our FOI, copyright, and high-level request needs.  An innovative solution now attracting interest from across the sector.

This award recognised more than successfully completed projects, it validated the team’s adaptability, creativity, and resilience. It lifted our visibility, boosted morale, and reinforced our place at the table. The recognition energised us, reminded others of our value, and inspired further innovation.

Winning didn’t create our success, but it shone a light on it. And now, that light keeps us motivated to push forward and be seen within our organisation.

The moment our team was announced as the winner is one we’ll never forget.

The Gala Dinner was spectacular, an evening of elegance and celebration. Dressed to impress, we stepped into a beautifully styled dining room, enjoyed a fantastic meal, and waited in anticipation for the award announcements.

When the shortlist was read out, we honestly didn’t think we stood a chance. So, when our team’s name was called, we were stunned, then instantly erupted in cheers, joined by a wave of applause across the room. I’m rarely lost for words, but in that moment, I was speechless.

It was a truly special experience. In our line of work, recognition at this level doesn’t come often, making the moment all the more meaningful.

Since our win, the ripple effects have been significant.

One team member was promoted into the Business Systems and Solutions team to contribute to a major system upgrade for the organisation. Another was handpicked and appointed by the CEO to lead a new, high-profile Information Management project, reshaping our SharePoint environment and implementing governance and compliance through TechnologyOne ECM SharePoint Connect.

We also attracted exceptional interest during recent recruitment, with applications coming from across Australia and New Zealand. We’re thrilled to have welcomed a talented new team member who’s eager to build on our momentum and help drive the next phase of our success."

There is still time to apply for the Company Achievement Awards, click here for more details.