The Local Government Association of South Australia has announced nominations are now open for the 2025-2026 Joy Baluch Award.
The Joy Baluch Award acknowledges outstanding senior female leaders working in South Australian councils. These leaders demonstrate leadership and innovation and support the role of women in local government, the LGA said in a statement.
The award honours the late (Nancy) Joy Baluch AM (pictured), former President of the LGA and Mayor of Port Augusta.
“As the Mayor of Port Augusta for 29 years, held over three separate terms, Joy was a fearless and feisty advocate for the city that she loved,” the Association says.
“She was a passionate supporter of her community and of regional Australia – constantly reminding governments there was life on the other side of Gepps Cross.
“Joy was a strong defender of local government and councils’ role in making a difference to their communities. She was an advocate for solar power, clean air, women’s rights and education.
“Joy Baluch was an empowered woman. She led Port Augusta Council with influence, vision and tenacity. She passed away on 14 May 2013 after a long battle with cancer.”
This year, the awards will be announced on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, to coincide with the global celebration recognising women’s achievements.
Who is eligible
Nominees must be:
- a woman
- a current elected member of a South Australian council or
- a senior leader of a South Australian council.
Who can nominate
Anyone is eligible to nominate someone for the Joy Baluch Award.
Nominations will close on 13 February 2026.
Why you should nominate
The Joy Baluch Award celebrates women making a positive difference in their council and community.
The award:
- acknowledges their contribution
- recognises their leadership
- highlights their achievements
- uplifts women as role models in their community.
Entry criteria
The award will be judged on how the nominee has:
- achieved a significant outcome for council or a community in the last 12 months
- contributed to council or community through innovation, leadership, collaboration and vision
- inspired other women to become more involved in their council or community
- promoted the diverse perspectives of women in local government.
Nominations can include up to 500 words for each criteria.
Assessment process
The Joy Baluch Award is judged by an LGA Awards Committee Panel.
The panel includes:
- LGA President
- LGA Chief Executive Officer
- Ms Michelle Baluch.
The panel may involve other members as necessary to gather further information.
Past Joy Baluch Award recipients:
- 2024 – CEO Maree Wauchope, Barunga West Council
- 2023 – Mayor Angela Evans, City of Charles Sturt
- 2022 – Mayor Clare McLaughlin, Whyalla City Council
- 2019–2020 – Mayor Ann Ferguson, Mount Barker District Council
- 2019–20 Commendation Award – Cr Margaret Evans OAM, Berri Barmera Council
- 2019–20 Commendation Award – Cr Rhonda Centofanti, Berri Barmera Council
- 2017–18 – Mayor Kathie Bowman, District Council of Orroroo Carrieton
- 2016–17 – Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg, City of Onkaparinga
- 2015–16 – Cr Carol Martin, City of Port Adelaide Enfield
- 2014–15 – Cr Betty Gill, City of Salisbury
To apply, complete the nomination form. Submissions close at 11:59pm on Friday, 13 February 2026. Announcement of the winner to be presented on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026.
