Bega Valley Shire Council Water and Sewer Services Project Officer, Dillon Aldridge, has been awarded the 2026 Councillor Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarship at the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Awards.
The scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councillors and council staff to undertake further study, professional development and research.
“Dillon has been a valued member of our team since joining us as a trainee in 2011 and it’s great to see recognition for his commitment to learning and professional growth,” said Council CEO, Anthony McMahon.
“The scholarship will enable Dillon to complete an online associate degree in engineering through the University of Adelaide while continuing to work full-time with Council and raise his family.”
Mr Aldridge said receiving the scholarship was a proud milestone in his career with Council.
“Studying online means I can keep working, stay connected to my community and family and gain the skills I need to keep growing in my career,” he said.
He hopes his achievement will inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to consider a career in local government.
“My advice is to have a go. Council is a supportive place with plenty of people who want to see you succeed,” he said.
“There are opportunities out there if you’re willing to put yourself forward. I hope more young Indigenous people see careers like this as something they can achieve too.”
Mr McMahon said Mr Aldridge’s achievement was a testament to his determination and reflected the value of investing in people through training and provision of opportunities.
“We’re incredibly proud of Dillon and everything he has achieved since joining Council. He has moved from a trainee into team member, then team leader roles before moving into project delivery,” Mr McMahon said.
“His commitment to continuing his education while balancing work and family is inspiring and this scholarship is well-deserved recognition of his dedication.
“Dillon has been someone I have personally leant on as a role model and leader for other young people in our community and he has regularly come along to school visits to help inspire our next generations to join Council.
“Dillon’s journey shows what’s possible through hard work, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Starting out as an engineer myself, I don’t think he could have chosen a better field to progress his studies in to make a difference to our community.”
The Local Government NSW scholarship honours the legacy of the late Councillor Pat Dixon, a Dhanggati woman who in 1983 became the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in NSW.
LGNSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne congratulated Mr Aldridge on his achievements.
“Supporting the next generation of Aboriginal leaders in Local Government is vital, and I am proud LGNSW helps administer this scholarship on behalf of the trustees,” President Byrne said.
“Dillon’s commitment to furthering his career in Local Government embodies the values that this scholarship was created to recognise and celebrate.”
Councillor Pat Dixon’s family representative and Scholarship Trustee, Warren Roberts, congratulated Mr Aldridge on his achievement.
“Dillon’s achievement is a wonderful example of the talent, determination and leadership that exists within Aboriginal communities across NSW. On behalf of Aunty Pat’s family, I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition,” Mr Roberts said.
“This scholarship is an investment in leaders like Dillon who are not only advancing their own careers but also helping to create pathways for others. I congratulate him and wish him every success with his engineering studies and future leadership journey.”
The Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually, and further information is available on the LGNSW Website.
