When I stepped back from Council, I did so with clarity and optimism — not just about where our cities were headed, but about the role planning could play in shaping our future. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of planning, politics, and community, as a mayor, consultant, and researcher. I’ve seen the power of good planning to create liveable, inclusive, future-ready places. I’ve also seen how easily it can be derailed by short-term thinking — and how costly that can be for clients, communities, and councils alike. Greiss Planning exists to bring clarity, rigour, and steady leadership to the approvals process, so good projects can move forward with confidence.
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This article reports on one of Mayor George Greiss’ final major civic events before leaving office, where he presented Keys to the City — described as among the highest honours a mayor can bestow — alongside a series of Community Service Awards. Held at Campbelltown Arts Centre with CEO Lindy Deitz, the event recognised a mix of civic, community and public-sector leadership. The story frames it as another example of Greiss continuing to introduce meaningful initiatives even in the closing period of his mayoral tenure.
The Keys to the City were awarded to solicitor Jim Marsden, former NSW Premier Morris Iemma, and former Senator and Foreign Minister Marise Payne. The article also lists eight Community Service Award recipients spanning first responders, educators, healthcare leaders and community advocates, including representatives from Fire and Rescue NSW, Campbelltown Police, and First Nations cultural leadership. Greiss’ remarks emphasise that these contributions often occur behind the scenes and that recognising them is part of strengthening Campbelltown’s civic identity as the city enters a new phase of growth.
Read more → Campbelltown mayor brings out keys to the city for trio