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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Research
Along with Yardstick, our international benchmarking program for local government, if you need research to make good decisions, we can get it for you
Mark Smith
As a Director, I am able to support clients in many ways with my specialities in asset management, procurement, maintenance contract options, service reviews and project management support. My experience allows me to be flexible in the options I provide for client support. I take a pragmatic and diligent approach to client queries, and having […]