Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, which recognise the achievements of talented and inspirational women in councils across NSW.

The 18th annual awards will be presented on Thursday, 23 October during a ceremony at NSW Parliament House, co-hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.

The awards celebrate women’s outstanding accomplishments in local government, along with successful council programs aimed at supporting female participation. The categories cover both metropolitan and rural/regional areas and include:

  • Alternative Pathways Award – a female staff member who is breaking down gender stereotypes
  • Champion of Change Award – a general manager or senior manager who has excelled in supporting and encouraging women’s participation at their council
  • Elected Representative Award – a female councillor who has advanced the position of female elected representatives
  • Employment Diversity Award –a council with a successful council program that increases female representation in senior leadership roles or elected representative.
  • Woman of Distinction Award – a woman who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, integrity and initiative or who has a positive influence on others
  • Young Achiever’s Award – an outstanding female staff member (including trainees and apprentices) aged 25 and under
  • Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award – the winner will be determined by the Minister for Local Government to recognise and honour the dedication and tireless work of a female council staff member or elected representative (nominations not required)

 

Nominations close on Tuesday, 19 August.

 

 

 

Questions asked for each nominee

Alternate Pathways  

  1. What role or area of work is the nominee in, and how is she challenging traditional gender expectations in that space?
  2. Can you provide an example of how she has led by example or inspired change?

 

Champion of Change Award

  1. What specific actions or initiatives has the nominee led or supported to increase women’s participation or leadership at council?
  2. What positive changes have resulted from the nominee’s efforts? Please include specific examples.

 

Elected representative

  1. How has the nominee supported or advocated for women in local government as elected representatives? Please include specific examples.
  2. Can you describe how she has served as a role model or mentor to other women?

 

Employment Diversity Award

  1. Please describe council’s program or initiative, including how it aims to increase female participation in leadership or elected positions, and what outcomes or improvements have resulted from the program.
  2. Why is this program a strong example of a successful diversity initiative in local government?

 

Women of Distinction Award

  1. What has the nominee done that demonstrates innovation, integrity and initiative in their role? Please include specific examples.
  2. Why do you believe the nominee is a role model for women in local government?  Please specify how has she made a difference in her workplace or broader community.

 

Young Achiever’s Award

  1. What has the nominee achieved in her role so far, and what sets her apart?
  2. Can you share an example of how she is showing potential as a future leader?

 

Winners of the 2024 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government

  • Alternative Pathways Award – Metro

Alicia Lopez – Chief Information Officer (City of Newcastle Council)

  • Alternative Pathways Award – Regional/Rural

Ruth Hallett – Civil Engineer (MidCoast Council)

  • Young Achiever’s Award – Metro

Jazmin Webber – Apprentice Carpenter (City of Newcastle Council)

  • Young Achiever’s Award – Regional/Rural

Rylee Goodman – Governance Officer (Shoalhaven City Council)

  • Woman of Distinction Award – Metro

Brooke Endycott – Director Community Life (Burwood Council)

  • Woman of Distinction Award – Metro (Highly Commended)

Haley Vallone – Strategic Social Planner (Campbelltown City Council)

  • Woman of Distinction Award – Regional/Rural

Alex Waldron – Chief Executive Officer (Upper Lachlan Shire Council)

  • Elected Representative Award – Metro

Councillor Linda Downey (Canterbury-Bankstown Council)

  • Elected Representative Award – Regional/Rural

Councillor Sue Moore – Mayor (Singleton Council)

  • Employment Diversity Award – Metro

City of Canada Bay Council

  • Employment Diversity Award – Regional/Rural

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

  • Champion of Change Award – Metro

Emily Scott – General Manager (Waverley Council)

  • Champion of Change Award – Metro

Greig Schuetrumpf – Director of City Assets (City of Canada Bay Council)

  • Champion of Change Award – Regional/Rural

Eloise Chaplain – Director of Infrastructure Delivery (Narrabri Shire Council)

  • Champion of Change Award – Regional/Rural

David Hughes – Director – Built and Natural Assets (Lake Macquarie City Council)

  • Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award

Councillor Linda Scott – Australian Local Government Association President (City of Sydney Council)