CITY Works Manager Ian Goodbody has been named inaugural Council Officer of the Year by the Northbank Residents & Ratepayers’ Association. Northbank Residents & Ratepayers’ Association President and Secretary Colin Jameson made the announcement in the organisation’s latest newsletter, highlighting the "can-do" approach of Mr Goodbody and his team. "The Northbank subdivision (in North Fremantle) was left in a poor state, after the development company collapsed a few years ago, and this necessitated a large amount of remedial work from the council and community," he said. "Many of the projects willingly involved the physical efforts of the community in support of Ian and his team. This meant close liaison between the council and our association was required, in a bid to deliver some positive outcomes. Mr Jameson said Council Officer of the Year was simply a way of acknowledging Mr Goodbody and his team’s efforts for a job well done. Mr Goodbody said it was all part of good community relations and trying to deliver a beneficial outcome for all involved. "Once again, it shows what can be done when people work as a team and take on board community concerns," he said. "The Parks & Garden staff have played an integral role in helping to make Northbank and its surrounds a more pleasurable place to be." Chief executive officer Graeme Mackenzie said this recognition was testament to the City of Fremantle’s commitment to professionalism and listening to the needs of its community. "The Northbank Residents & Ratepayers’ Association should be applauded for taking the time to give credit where it’s due and letting the city know it’s doing things right," he said.