Top award for Council finance manager

Noosa Council Financial Services Manager Wayne Jensen has earned a top award for outstanding performance.

Mr Jensen beat peers from across the state to be named the 2014 Local Government Finance Professional of the Year.

The Finance Professional of the Year Awards recognise outstanding commitment and leadership of finance professionals whose performance is worthy of special recognition.

Mr Jensen, who played a lead role in establishing Noosa Council’s financial systems following de-amalgamation, says he’s humbled by the praise.

“I was shocked to win the award but I was pleased to be able to accept it on behalf of our Noosa Council Finance team. It recognises all of our hard work,” he said.

The Awards are hosted annually by the Local Government Finance Professionals Association of Queensland.

Mr Jensen’s local government career spans more than two decades. He began as a junior rates clerk in 1979 and he has worked at councils in both Queensland and New South Wales.

He joined Noosa Council in 2007 and he says helping re-establish it following de-amalgamation has been a highlight.

“Being stopped by people in the street and congratulated for getting the new Noosa Council up and running and restoring the ‘local’ in local government has been really rewarding,” Mr Jensen said.

“I’ve been blessed to work with some great people, and to have been able to help lay the foundation for the financial prosperity of our region.”

Noosa Council CEO Brett de Chastel said the award was testament to Mr Jensen’s professionalism and expertise.

“With Wayne’s involvement, our community can have confidence that Council’s finances are in great hands,” he said.

8 December 2014