Camden Council and Leeton Shire Council have been named the 2025 recipients of the prestigious AR Bluett Memorial Award, recognising their exceptional achievements and leadership in local government.
Camden Council received the metropolitan/major regional honour, while Leeton Shire Council claimed the regional/rural category.
“On behalf of LGNSW and our members across the State, I extend warm congratulations to the mayors, councillors, general managers, staff and local communities who share in this achievement,” said Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President, Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.
“These awards celebrate excellence, innovation and genuine community impact. Both councils have shown what can be achieved through strong leadership, collaboration and a commitment to delivering real results for their residents.
“The AR Bluett Award is more than a trophy — it’s recognition of councils that go above and beyond to serve their communities and continually lift the standard of local government in NSW,” she said.
Established in 1945, the AR Bluett Memorial Award honours the legacy of Albert Robert Bluett, who served as Secretary and Solicitor to the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW for 30 years and played a pivotal role in drafting the Local Government Act 1919.
Widely regarded as the most esteemed award in NSW local government, it is judged annually by three honorary Trustees, currently: Mark Ferguson (Trust Chairman), Gail Giles-Gidney and Paul Braybrooks OAM.
Mr Ferguson said both Camden Council and Leeton Shire councils were worthy recipients of the prestigious award.
“Both councils gave the Trustees a sense of clarity, direction and internal cohesion,” Mr Ferguson said.
“They demonstrated that innovation does not require big budgets and both councils excelled at genuine community partnership. Both councils exhibited advocacy beyond their boundaries to lead the sector,” he said.
