National Awards to celebrate council achievements

Entries are now open for the 2023 National Awards for Local Government, which will recognise outstanding innovation implemented by councils that has enhanced local communities.

Now in its 37th year, previous National Award winners have been celebrated for incredible initiatives such as the Better Bin System created by the City of Vincent in Western Australia, making its waste services more sustainable, and the Blue Light Learner Driver Program by Paroo Shire Council in Queensland, supporting youth to obtain driving licences while fostering better relationships with police.

There are 11 award categories: Women in Local Government, Waste Management, Road Safety, Regional Growth, Productivity through Infrastructure, Indigenous Recognition, Disaster Preparedness, Creativity and Culture, Cohesive Communities, Career Starter, and Addressing Violence against Women and their Children.

All elected local government organisations, local government associations and other recognised organisations that provide direct services to Australian communities are eligible to enter.

Entries will close on 13 March and can be submitted online at: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com.

Voting will then be open to councils and the broader public from 14 March to 14 April, with winning initiatives in each category to be announced mid this year.

Further information on the National Awards, including previous winning entries, is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/local-government/national-awards-local-government.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“As a former mayor and regional councillor, I know how dedicated our local councils and their staff are to delivering for their communities.

“Councils are at the forefront of the day-to-day services that we all rely on, and in the face of devastating events such as floods, bushfires and the pandemic, they have continued to innovate and meet their regions’ needs.

“By shining a spotlight on these resourceful and creative solutions, we not only celebrate the dedication and innovation of councils, but also support these ideas being adapted and replicated elsewhere.

“Last year’s entries delivered outstanding results for communities across the country and I’m excited to see what’s put forward this year.”