Narrabri Shire Council has claimed top honours at this year’s LGNSW Local Government Week Awards, walking away as the state’s most successful Council with three awards and a Highly Commended recognition.
The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements made by councils and individuals within local government.
Narrabri Shire Council’s community-facing online flood management portal claimed the LGNSW Planning Award, before receiving Highly Commended in the RH Dougherty Events and Communications Award; Reporting to Your Community.
The awards continued to flow as the Council-led Good Talk Great Mate podcast took out the RH Dougherty Events and Communications Award for Excellence in Communication before Small Business Liaison Officer, Gillian Goddard was recognised for her remarkable contributions to local government, taking out the Outstanding Individual Contributions award.
Speaking after the awards, Narrabri Shire Mayor, Darrell Tiemens, congratulated Council staff on their achievements.
“Gilly’s dedication and tireless efforts have made a significant impact on local initiatives, and she continues to demonstrate exemplary leadership and commitment to the Narrabri Shire,” said Mayor Tiemens.
“These achievements at the LGNSW Local Government Week Awards highlight Council’s dedication to innovation, effective communication, and community service.
“The recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of Council staff and establish Narrabri Shire Council as an employer of quality and choice.”
Hawkesbury City Council also had great success, taking home a Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award for its community project, Bangadyi Nawi (Making a Canoe), and an RH Dougherty Award for Excellence in Communications for its river safety campaign.
Other winners included Wollongong City Council and Rous County Council, who took out RH Dougherty Communications Awards, and Coonable Shire Council, Burwood Council, and The Hills Shire Council, who won RH Dougherty Special Events Awards.
Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Awards were presented to Gilgandra Shire Council and City of Newcastle, while City of Canada Bay Council, Campbelltown City Council and Canberra Region Joint Organisations picked up LGNSW Planning Awards.
Local Government NSW President, Darriea Turley congratulated all the award recipients and nominees.
“As the peak body for local government in NSW, we are so proud to showcase the wonderful work our NSW councils are doing right across the state for the benefit of their communities,” President Turley said.
“These awards – as well as Local Government Week – have once again demonstrated how councils have gone above and beyond in what has been another particularly challenging year for many.
“Whether it be rural, regional or metropolitan areas, it is local government that is on the ground at the frontline, keeping the heart of their communities beating.”
The Local Government Week Awards were established in 1981 to recognise and encourage greater understanding and communication by councils to their communities.
For the list of winners visit: LG_Week_Awards_Winners_2024.pdf (lgnsw.org.au).
