A different kind of engagement in 2020

The team at Longford Plants recently held an online community meeting in place of its usual annual community dinner.

“Each year the dinner provides us with a terrific opportunity to connect with key community stakeholders including local government officials, regulators, schools and other important community group members,” said Longford Plants Manager, Kartik Garg.

“During the event we share information and updates about our Gippsland operations and their contribution to the local area, as well as answer any questions that community members may have about our business.

“Importantly though, the dinner also provides us with an opportunity to talk informally and network with our most valued community members and show our appreciation for their ongoing support.”

While the online nature of this year’s event meant the absence of dinner and informal discussions, it still provided a very useful opportunity for the team to touch-base with the community and provide an update on Esso Australia’s Gippsland business.

“During this extraordinary year we’ve had to overcome many challenges to maintain our reliable supply of gas to our customers,” said Kartik.

“The virtual meeting provided us with a chance to talk to our community about how we overcame all of those challenges, ensuring we kept our people, and our processes, safe throughout the height of the COVID19 pandemic and beyond.”

Feedback from the meeting participants was very positive, with many people appreciating the opportunity to catch-up, even if it was virtually.

“It was great to connect with our community online,” said Kartik.

“But at the same time, I very much hope that we will be able to reinstate our face-to-face meetings during 2021.”