Inspirational and talented women from across NSW councils have been recognised for their accomplishments at the Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
Now in their 16th year, the annual awards recognise the invaluable contribution and achievements of women in the local government sector who are helping increase the participation and advancement of women and breaking down gender stereotypes.
After receiving a record number of nominations this year, the winners were celebrated at a ceremony at Parliament House co-hosted by Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
The winners of the 2023 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government are:
Alternative Pathways Award – Metro
Mary Boustani – ICT Systems Engineer, Inner West Council
Alternative Pathways Award – Regional/Rural
Rachael Abberton (pictured, above) – Senior Water and Sewer Planning Engineer, MidCoast Council
Champion of Change Award – Metro
Ben Taylor – Chief Executive Officer, Wollondilly Shire Council
Champion of Change Award – Regional/Rural
Melissa Maccallum – Manager, Building and Environment, Orange City Council
Elected Representative Award – Metro
Councillor Judy Hannan MP, Wollondilly Shire Council
Elected Representative Award – Regional/Rural
Councillor Sarah Ndiaye (pictured, above), Byron Shire Council
Employment Diversity Award – Metro
Inner West Council
Employment Diversity Award – Regional/Rural
Armidale Regional Council
Woman of Distinction Award – Metro (shared)
Renee Traynor – Team Leader Diversity and Inclusion, Canterbury-Bankstown Council
Liz Murphy – Manager, Community Recovery, Hawkesbury City Council
Woman of Distinction Award – Regional/Rural (shared)
Lucy Kinsley PSM – Regional Library Manager (Richmond Tweed Regional Library), Lismore City Council
Helen Plummer (pictured, above) – Manager Asset Management, Lake Macquarie City Council
Young Achievers Award – Metro
Keira Grundy – Art Gallery Trainee, Mosman Municipal Council
Young Achievers Award – Regional/Rural
Jenna Dowell – Trainee Engineer, Upper Hunter Shire Council
Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award
Councillor Darriea Turley AM, Local Government NSW President, Broken Hill City Council
About the award categories:
Alternative Pathways Award – a female staff member who is breaking down gender stereotypes.
Champion of Change Award – a general manager or senior manager (male or female) who has excelled in supporting and encouraging women’s participation at their council.
Elected Representative Award – a councillor who has advanced the position of female elected representatives.
Young Achiever’s Award – an outstanding trainee/apprentice (aged 25 and under).
Employment Diversity Award – a successful council program to increase female participation in senior leadership roles or at the elected representative level.
Woman of Distinction Award – a woman who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, integrity and initiative or who has a positive influence on others.
Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award –determined by the minister to recognise and honour the dedication and tireless work of a female council staff member.
For more information about the awards go to: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/our-minister/ministers-awards-for-women-in-local-government/
