Local Government NSW President and Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, has been recognised for her three decades of service to local government at the 2025 Ministers’ Award for Women in Local Government at Sydney’s Parliament House.
Mayor Miller received the highest honour, winning the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award, named in honour of Cr Brady who served as Mayor of Cobar Shire for more than 20 years and sat on the local council for four decades. At the time of her death in 2021, Mayor Brady was the longest-serving female Mayor in the history of NSW.
The winner of the Award is determined by the Minister for Local Government and recognises and honours the dedication and tireless work of a female council staff member or elected representative.
Mayor Miller said the award was particularly special as she had worked closely with the late Mayor Brady over many decades.
“I had the tremendous honour of working closely with Lillian for over two decades, so this is such an honour to receive an award in her name,” she said.
“As a fellow country Mayor, we had a lot in common – we exchanged ideas and we solved problems together. We even stayed at each other’s houses. She was an amazing servant to the community of Cobar, and I hope that I have similarly helped the great people of Forbes over the years.
“I congratulate all of today’s winners and thank them for their service to their communities who are so lucky to have them as part of their council.
“I also want to thank Minister Hoenig and Minister Harrison and indeed the NSW State Government for hosting the awards and providing this much needed recognition,” Mayor Miller said.
