Women working in New South Wales local government have been honoured at a ceremony at Parliament House. Ministers Ron Hoenig and Jodie Harrison hosted the Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government. The awards drew a record 188 nominations, two-thirds from rural and regional councils. Winners include frontline staff, senior executives, councillors and mayors from councils across the state. The ministers said they hope the awards will encourage more people to pursue careers in local government.
Two women from Gunnedah Shire Council have been recognised at the 2026 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government. Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM received an Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award, while director Kelly Stidworthy was highly commended in the Woman of Distinction category. A record 188 nominations were received, two-thirds from rural and regional councils. Ministers Ron Hoenig and Jodie Harrison said the awards aim to encourage more women into local government careers and leadership roles.
Two women from Gunnedah Shire Council have been recognised at the 2026 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government. Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM received an Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award, while director Kelly Stidworthy was highly commended in the Woman of Distinction category. A record 188 nominations were received, two-thirds from rural and regional councils. Ministers Ron Hoenig and Jodie Harrison said the awards aim to encourage more women into local government careers and leadership roles.
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Councillors from Local Government NSW member councils are invited to apply for a vacant director role on the StateCover Mutual Limited board. Applications close at midnight on 9 November 2026. The appointment is for a three-year term and requires about 25 days a year. Applicants need director experience or AICD qualifications, plus at least five years of senior experience in relevant fields. Interested applicants can request an information pack by email.
Councils across New South Wales will avoid proposed cuts to Financial Assistance Grants. The NSW Local Government Grants Commission decided to keep the current funding method. The changes would have moved money to other councils from 1 July 2027, cutting Newcastle by $9.4 million and Lake Macquarie by $7.2 million a year. Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the decision protects funding for roads and community services. Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz called it a big relief that provides funding certainty.
