Rob Manton, Local Recovery Coordinator, Kangaroo Island

I am the South Australian Government appointed bushfire Local Recovery Coordinator – Kangaroo Island.

I write to offer my strong support for WSP’s nomination for the Business Council Australia annual awards, ‘The Biggies’.

Kangaroo Island was severely impacted by the bushfires that commenced on 20 December 2019 and affected approximately 49 per cent of the Island. Tragically two people lost their lives.

Recovery from such a catastrophic event requires a resilient community, support from all levels of government, engaged non-government organisations and a can do attitude by all involved. WSP’s Adelaide team of

Jennifer McDonnell, Stacie Reeves and Jodie McPhee have epitomised this approach. They have been supported by WSP’s management to deliver project management services pro bono to a series of projects that are now either underway or under funding consideration including the West End Community Recovery Project at the Western Caravan Park, KI, an upgrade to the Parndana Community Hall, energising the Kingscote

Farmer’s Market proposal and assisting the Kangaroo Island Local Government authority to progress businesses cases identified in Council’s Prospectus and Bushfire Response.

The WSP team have added considerable value to Kangaroo Island’s recovery and their efforts have been widely appreciated by all Islanders.