Parks and Service Review
Xyst was brought in to undertake a service review of the Parks and Environment section based on a Council resolution of November 2018. We reviewed Kalamunda’s information with other Australian councils’ park provision, using Yardstick to produce a wide range of performance metrics to assess relative levels of service, performance and efficiency. We were also […]
Performance Analysis Report and Improvement Plan
Xyst looked at the City of Kingstons park information and management processes and compared these against other Australian organisations. These comparisons provided Xyst with information which helped guide the City of Kingston to make decisions surrounding areas of improvement.
Performance Analysis Report and Improvement Plan
Xyst looked at the City of Karratha’s park information and management processes and compared these against other Australian organisations. These comparisons provided Xyst with information which helped guide the City of Karratha to make decisions surrounding areas of improvement.
Parks User Survey
Visitors’ expectations for levels of service are measured by asking them to rate the importance of various park features. The results are compared with visitor satisfaction for the same features. Measuring this satisfaction gives an indication of performance of levels of service against their expectations. The difference between importance and satisfaction gives a measure of […]
Staff Resource Benchmarking Exercise
Xyst used data from Yardstick to create benchmarking metrics to compare four other Victorian councils to Macedon Ranges. Using this data Xyst was able to provide recommendations to Macedon Ranges on modifying the Structure of the Open Space and Recreation Department going forward.
Open Spaces and Tree Management Market and Service Delivery Assessment
Xyst worked with City of Melbourne staff to develop an understanding of how the current delivery model is performing and, importantly, what changes are recommended to meet the City of Melbourne’s future requirements. Xyst carried out interviews with staff and service providers; questionnaires and data from Yardstick were all used to provide the City of […]
Park Observation Study
Xyst developed a methodology including a set of observation criteria. Merri-bek City Council used its own labour force to observe people in 230 parks and, combined with Xyst’s observation criteria, data surrounding park usage was developed. Xyst collated, analysed and presented this data to Merri-bek City Council.
Parks and Gardens Service Review
Xyst undertook a performance quality assessment of operations and maintenance standards across a sample of different parks categories with a geographic spread across the shire. This assessment enabled us to develop an overall result of 90% for parks within the Council’s authority. Following the assessment, key areas of improvement and success were identified. From this […]
Contract Management and Contract Auditing
Xyst was engaged to manage the Amenity Tree Maintenance Contract and Open Space Maintenance contract for the City of Port Phillip from May 2023 through to March 2024. This included providing a dedicated contract manager working within the City of Port Phillip on placement. Particular emphasis was focused on improving contractor performance, systems improvement, reviewing […]
Social Housing CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Assessment
Xyst conducted interviews with properties and stakeholder relationships staff, and inspected the site both at day time and night time to make site observations on aspects such as natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, lighting and maintenance. We also conducted crime analysis and investigated demographic data. A comprehensive list of recommendations were made to […]
Charlotte Blakey
I am responsible for working on a wide range of consultancy projects with local authority clients. I have a wide range of experience from procurement and contract management, to developing tree inventories and tree management planning. You can contact me for help with Asset management – GIS mapping and data collection Tree assessments – condition, […]
Eykolina Benny
As a consultant, I am involved with a mixture of parks planning, asset management, capital works delivery and programme management projects for councils. My role often requires a high degree of meaningful consultation and engagement with the public and key stakeholders. I am supporting the Yardstick Parks Surveys project while also providing GIS support for […]
Nicki Malone
I am a highly experienced open space and local government professional, with more than 15 years’ experience in open space planning, including reserve management, master and concept planning, capital work programme development, project planning and management and community engagement. I have experience in developing relationships and partnering with mana whenua. You can contact me for […]
Scott Whelan
I put my all into every opportunity and am always open to learning. I am involved in parks audits for Xyst and its associated Yardstick benchmarking program, assessing park assets, conditions and maintenance requirements. I have a passion for gardening and landscaping, enjoying the opportunity to be in the great outdoors and engaging with our […]
Jenn Benden
As a Director, my focus at Xyst is across parks and recreation consulting, business development, managing staff, and strategic direction. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, have lived and worked in Australia, and now live in New Zealand. My specialist areas are strategic planning for parks, sport and community facilities, as well as project management […]