Four key projects delivered last year by Leeton Shire Council are under consideration for recognition at the 2025 Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW Excellence Awards.
Leeton’s Gamechanger for Youth has been named as a finalist in the category Community Partnerships – Under 150K Population. The sport and wellbeing program, launched in May last year, is a collaboration between the Office of Sport and Leeton Shire Council. It addresses barriers to sports participation for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds by providing free access to sports and wellbeing activities.
More than 180 children from seven schools participated in the program, which included weekly physical activity sessions, a wellbeing program, and culminated in a Gala Day.
Council’s Chelmsford Town Square project is a finalist in the category Asset and Infrastructure – Over $1.5 million – Under 50K Population.
This project transformed Leeton’s CBD into an attractive and engaging town square, featuring a raised pedestrian walkway, a water feature tribute to our irrigation history, a refurbished heritage-listed bandstand, a returned services memorial and digital projections on the water tower.
The redevelopment respects historical elements while introducing modern functionalities and amenities, creating a dynamic venue for community events and festivals.
Council General Manager, Jackie Kruger, complimented Josh Clyne, Manager Open Spaces & Recreation, on his project management of the works, and coordination of a wider team involved with delivering all elements of the build and landscaping.
A third Council project, Innovating for Sustainability: The Digital Twin Water Initiative is a finalist in the category Innovative Leadership – Under 150K Population.
Leeton Shire Council’s implementation of a ‘Digital Twin’ for water management uses real-time data to address challenges like non-revenue water and water discolouration. A first for a NSW Council, this initiative has significantly reduced water loss and improved operational training, setting a benchmark for innovative and sustainable practices in local government water management.
Going Green in Leeton Shire is a finalist in the category Environmental Leadership. The introduction of a green-lidded Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) bin in July 2024 resulted in a contamination rate of just 0.3% in its first six months.
This success is attributed to extensive community engagement and collaboration with neighbouring councils promoting the new three-bin system through educational initiatives and public workshops, said Mr Kruger.
Mayor, George Weston said that being recognised as finalists is testament to the talent, hard work and dedication of the Council staff who were integral to the successful delivery of these projects.
“Our teams are committed to progressing and advancing Leeton, ensuring it remains a vibrant and sustainable community. These projects and their nominations perfectly reflect Council’s efforts in this space,” he said.
“Whether we come home with trophies in June or not, doesn’t matter. Being selected as finalists is already a win in my book.”
The winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Thursday, 5 June 2025, at the Star Event Centre in Sydney.
