Council Faces Backlash for Awarding Contracts to Businesses Outside Wyndham Despite Promoting Local Spending
Wyndham City Council recently launched the ‘Love Your Local’ campaign, aiming to encourage residents and businesses to keep their spending within the community. Mayor Cr Jennie Barrera emphasized that local spending strengthens the economy, with a significant portion of the money spent locally remaining in Wyndham. The campaign urges residents to support local enterprises, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
However, the Council’s own actions have been called into question, with critics accusing the Council of virtue signalling—publicly promoting local spending while simultaneously awarding significant contracts to businesses outside the Wyndham area. This disconnect between the Council’s messaging and its practices has sparked frustration among local businesses and residents.
Outsourcing of Key Services to Non-Local Firms
The Council has been criticised for outsourcing a range of services to companies outside Wyndham. For example, Painting Services were contracted to a firm in Pascoe Vale, and the Mossfiel Reserve Development Landscape & Sporting Ovals project went to a company in West Melbourne. Similarly, Snake Removal Services were sourced from Bacchus Marsh, and Meeting Room Technology Implementation was awarded to a Tullamarine-based firm.
Additionally, Insurance Brokerage Services were handled by a company in Sydney, while Printing Services were contracted out to a business in South Australia. Even the Carbon Offset Portfolio Manager was selected from New South Wales, and Green and Timber Waste Collection Services came from Moolap, Victoria. Although some local services, such as rural roadside mowing and boat ramp cleaning, are based in Werribee, these instances are overshadowed by the number of contracts given to non-local companies.
External Artists Over Local Talent
The Council’s decision to hire external artists for large mural projects has also raised concerns. Local artists, who play a vital role in Wyndham’s cultural landscape, have been overlooked in favour of outside talent. This move has been seen by many as further evidence of the Council’s virtue signalling—publicly championing local businesses while failing to support local creatives.
Advertising Spend on Global Platforms
Further fuelling the controversy is the Council’s allocation of a significant portion of its advertising budget to Facebook, a global platform. This decision has sidelined local media outlets, which could have benefited from these funds. Critics argue that spending on global platforms, while promoting localism, is another example of the Council’s virtue signalling.
A Call for Genuine Support of Local Businesses
While the ‘Love Your Local’ campaign is a positive step towards encouraging local spending, the Council’s inconsistent actions have cast a shadow over its effectiveness. For the campaign to truly resonate with residents, critics argue that Wyndham City Council must back up its words with consistent actions. This means prioritising local businesses and talent in its own operations, rather than merely projecting an image of support.
As the campaign continues, the pressure is on the Council to demonstrate genuine commitment to its message, ensuring that its spending practices align with the values it is promoting. Only then can the Council truly claim to be leading by example in supporting Wyndham’s local businesses.
