Women working and serving in local government across New South Wales have been recognised at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, held at Parliament House.
A record 188 nominations were received this year, with around two-thirds coming from rural and regional councils.
Now in their 19th year, the awards recognise women across all levels of local government, including trainees, frontline staff, senior executives, councillors and mayors. A total of 19 awards and commendations were presented this year.
2026 Award Recipients
The Breaking Barriers Award went to Councillor Sherin Akther from City of Canterbury-Bankstown Council and Riley Doherty, Trainee Water Services at Wingecarribee Shire Council. Tracey Hamer from MidCoast Council was highly commended.
Melanie Smith, Director Community and Recreation Services at Central Coast Council, received the Champion of Change Award.
Councillors Keri Spooner from Waverley Council and Marea Ruddy from Orange City Council received the Emerging Councillor Leadership Award.
Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM from Gunnedah Shire Council and Councillor Jane Keir OAM from Walgett Shire Council received the Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award.
Gender Equity and Mentoring Recognised
Singleton Council received the Excellence in Gender Equity Award.
Karyn Worlledge from Liverpool City Council and Amanda Crangle from Shoalhaven City Council were recognised for Excellence in Mentoring and Sponsorship.
The Rising Star Award went to Tiana Parevska, Graduate Building Surveyor at Cumberland City Council, and Lucy Kilpatrick, Youth Centre Assistant at Cobar Shire Council. Keira Whitford from Shoalhaven City Council was highly commended.
Women of Distinction
Karen Jones from Sutherland Shire Council and Sarah Ainsworth from Goulburn Mulwaree Council received the Woman of Distinction Award.
Kelly Stidworthy from Gunnedah Shire Council and Katie Buckman from Shoalhaven City Council were highly commended in the same category.
Singleton Mayor Sue Moore received the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award.
Strong Regional Representation
This year’s nominations included strong representation from councils outside metropolitan Sydney, with around two-thirds coming from rural and regional NSW.
The awards are intended to recognise both elected representatives and council employees whose work contributes to local services, leadership and community programs across the state.
The 2026 ceremony was jointly hosted by NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison at Parliament House on 22 October.
Be the first to comment